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Active Release Techniques
(ART)
Used to treat:
- Carpal
Tunnel Syndrome
- Neck and
Back pain
- Headaches
- Whiplash
- Tennis and
Golfer's Elbow
- Sports
Injuries
- Rotator Cuff
injuries
- Knee and Hip
Pain
- Repetitive
Strain Injuries
- Numbness and
Tingling
- Foot and
Ankle Pain
- Plantar
Fascitis
- Sprains and
Strains
What Causes the Pain?
When an injury occurs to a muscle or tendon, adhesions and scar
tissue will develop within and between fibers. These adhesions and
scar tissue can act like glue and attach to structures in the near
vicinity and impede their function. The body fights back by cutting
off circulation and swelling occurs. With less circulation there is
less oxygen available to the injured tissues. No oxygen can lead to
pain, numbness, and weakness.
What are
adhesion?
Adhesions are the lowest grade of tissue the body produces in its
efforts to repair an injured area. This scar tissue acts like glue
that can attach to muscles, tendons, ligaments, and nerves
resulting in their inability to function properly.
Who can ART
help?
ART has been used to successfully treat a variety of different
individuals with a variety of different conditions. From the elite
professional athlete to the weekend warrior; from the office
employee to the construction worker.
Not only has
ART been used in the treatment of musculoskeletal injuries, it has
also been used for enhancing physical performance.
- Sprinter
Donovan Bailey received ART treatments prior to winning the gold
medal at the Atlanta Summer Olympics.
- Former
Calgary Flames hockey player, Gary Roberts, returned form
retirement after receiving ART following a severe neck
injury.
- Figure
skaters Jamie Sale and David Pelletier received ART treatments at
the Salt Lake City Winter Olympics.
Can ART
prevent surgery?
There are some cases where surgery is inevitable. Since ART is
non-invasive and has no side-effects, it is practical to try ART
first.
Who can provide ART
treatments?
Only credentialed ART providers can provide this specific
treatment. To become credentialed, a doctor must successfully
complete written, oral, and practical examinations and re-certify
every year. Providers must have an advanced understanding of
anatomy as well as the ability to diagnose, treat, and manage soft
tissue injuries and conditions.
FAQ's
Is the treatment painful?
The first couple of treatments can be somewhat uncomfortable,
depending on the severity of the condition. During treatment,
symptoms may be reproduced. Most people describe the sensation
during treatment as a "good hurt".
How long do treatments take?
Initial consultation, history, and examination will usually require
30-45 minutes. Subsequent treatments take 10-15 minutes.
How soon can I expect results?
In most cases, patients will report relief after only a few
treatments. This may include increased range of motion, increased
muscle strength, decreased pain, and decreased numbness and
tingling.
What is the difference between ART and massage
therapy?
ART and massage therapy are both beneficial treatments, however,
they are different procedures that produce different results. ART
is very specific and it is used to treat scar tissue and adhesion
which are not usually addressed by massage therapy.
Will my problem stay fixed?
If the patient follows the prescribed exercises and stretches, the
recurrence rate is very low.
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