Active Release Technique (A.R.T.)

About

Active Release Technique (A.R.T.)

Dr. Jonathan Gerrard, our chiropractor uses various hands-on methods to alleviate your pain and restore functional range of motion.

What is A.R.T?

Active Release Technique (A.R.T.) is an advanced, movement-based soft tissue therapy developed and patented by Dr. Michael Leahy, D.C., C.C.S.P. Dr. Leahy discovered that many patient symptoms were linked to changes in soft tissue, detectable through manual palpation. By observing how muscles, fascia, tendons, ligaments, and nerves responded to his techniques, Dr. Leahy successfully resolved over 90% of his patients' issues. He now trains and certifies healthcare providers worldwide, including Dr. Jonathan Gerrard, D.C., a certified A.R.T. provider in Vancouver's Yaletown district. A.R.T. combines targeted manual therapy with active movement to treat cumulative trauma disorders (CTDs) such as tendonitis, tennis elbow, carpal tunnel, and chronic pain. This proven technique has shown to provide up to 50% improvement in symptoms after just one to three treatments, effectively releasing tension in the affected tissues and restoring mobility.

… it hurts so good!

Cumulative trauma disorders (CTDs), also known as repetitive stress injuries or overuse syndromes, are common issues affecting workers, athletes, musicians, and the general population. These conditions include rotator cuff syndrome, tennis elbow, tendonitis, plantar fasciitis, carpal tunnel syndrome, and chronic low back pain. CTDs are a leading cause of healthcare costs in the U.S., surpassing low back pain, and are estimated to cost over $110 billion annually.

CTDs often arise from adhesions, which are abnormal tissue bands formed as a protective mechanism to limit movement and aid tissue healing. However, these adhesions can be misaligned, restricting muscle function and causing pain. Adhesions can form between joints, muscles, tendons, ligaments, nerves, and blood vessels, leading to limited mobility, discomfort, and even numbness or tingling if nerve structures are affected. As the soft tissues rub against each other, further injury and inflammation may occur, leading to scar tissue formation.

Solution

Early assessment, diagnosis, and treatment of cumulative trauma disorders (CTDs) caused by work-related stress or sports injuries are ideal. However, even long-standing adhesions, often complicated by joint dysfunction, can be effectively treated. Active Release Technique (A.R.T.) is a powerful therapy that breaks up adhesions, restoring the texture, resilience, and function of the underlying soft tissue. This allows muscles, ligaments, tendons, nerves, and blood vessels to move freely, providing fast relief. At Aquarius Chiropractic, we personalize your care by identifying the root causes of your condition and creating effective treatment plans tailored to your specific needs and goals.

A.R.T may serve as a valuable resource in treating such cases as:

  • Overuse injuries
  • Low back pain
  • Sciatica
  • Disc injuries
  • Whiplash
  • Neck Pain
  • Headaches
  • Rotator cuff/shoulder impingement
  • Temporomandibular joint disorder (TMD)
  • Shin splints
  • Osteoarthritis
  • Sports injuries
  • Ligament sprains
  • Muscle strains
  • Plantar fasciitis
  • Tennis/Golfer’s elbow
  • Carpal tunnel syndrome
  • Iliotibial band syndrome
  • Achilles tendonitis
  • Postural imbalances
  • Post-surgical and traumatic scars