Introduction
Standard Massage Techniques
Deep Tissue Massage/Remedial Massage
Sports Massage
Trigger Point Therapy
Active Release Technique (ART)
Myofascial Release
Positional Release (Strain Counterstrain)
Visceral Manipulation
What is Active Release Technique?
Active Release Technique (ART) was developed by Dr. P. Michael Leahy and is a soft tissue management technique. Some of his patients presented symptoms relating to changes in their soft tissues. Most of all Dr Leahy observed that he could affect change by using his hands . In addition, he was able to resolve his patients’ problems by noticing how the muscles and ligaments, the nerves and tendons, and fascia all respond to different techniques.
Active Release Technique is a massage technique based on the soft tissues and movement. Furthermore it can effectively treat the muscles and ligaments, tendons and fascia, including the nerves.
Active Release Technique treats many common problems caused by muscle overuse. These problems include:
- Back pain
- Carpal tunnel syndrome
- Headaches
- Knee problems
- Neck pain
- Plantar fasciitis
- Sciatica
- Shin splints
- Shoulder pain
- Tennis elbow
How does muscle overuse happen?
Muscles that are overused and other soft tissues tend to change in three different ways: such as when acute conditions like pulls and tears occur or when there is a build up of microtrauma (small tears of the muscle tissues). Also when these tissues do not get adequate oxygen supply (tissue hypoxia).
Over a period of time these factors result in scar tissue production in the area affected. This build up of scar tissue will tighten all the other tissues therefore restricting their free movement. The muscles become shorter and weaker and will eventually result in nerve entrapment and tendonitis. This will cause the patient to experience a decreased range of motion, additional pain and reduced muscle strength. So if nerve entrapment occurs, the patient is most likely to experience weakness, numbness, and tingling.
How is ART treatment carried out?
Active Release Therapy is carried out by an ART therapist using their hands to assess the tightness, texture, and movement of the muscles including the ligaments, tendons, fascia, and nerves. The affected tissues can be treated by using a combination of specific muscle movements as well as applying specific and direct pressures. An example of this may be when a chiropractor presses into the muscle at the top of the patients arm whilst gently moving the arm at the same time.
Introduction
Standard Massage Techniques
Deep Tissue Massage/Remedial Massage
Sports Massage
Trigger Point Therapy
Active Release Technique (ART)
Myofascial Release
Positional Release (Strain Counterstrain)
Visceral Manipulation