ART - Active Release Technique

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A soft tissue technique used to help break up scar tissue adhesions that have developed in muscles, ligaments or tendons from overuse creating microtrauma, a lack of oxygen to the tissue or an acute injury such as a sprain or strain.  Tension is applied and the muscle, ligament or tendon is moved to a lengthened position, helping to break up adhesions.  

For more information visit the active release technique website.

What is Active Release Techniques?
Active Release Techniques (A.R.T.) is a soft tissue technique whereby compression and tension are applied by the practitioners hand to the injured tissue while the muscle moves through its active range of motion. 

This is used to help break up scar tissue adhesions that have developed in muscles, ligaments, tendons, fascia and entrapping nerves from overuse creating microtrauma, a lack of oxygen to the tissue or an acute injury such as a sprain or strain.  Tension is applied and the muscle, ligament or tendon is moved to a lengthened position, helping to break up adhesions.

What Can I Expect?
The ART provider will asses areas of tension in your tissue and apply compression and reactive tension to those areas with their hand as they instruct you to move the muscle from its shortened to lengthened position. In doing so the muscle moves underneath the practitioner's hand with very little motion of the hand over the skin. It can be uncomfortable to break up adhesions, but shouldn't be overwhelmingly painful. Communication is key to ensure the best treatment.