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Active Release Technique (ART)
About
Active Release Technique (ART)
Dr. Jonathan Gerrard, our chiropractor uses various hands-on methods to alleviate your pain and restore functional range of motion, Learn more about this soft tissue therapy called Active Release Technique.
💪 Understanding the Benefits of Active Release Technique (ART) for Soft Tissue Injuries
Active Release Technique (ART) is a cutting-edge, movement-based soft tissue therapy developed and patented by Dr. Michael Leahy, D.C., C.C.S.P. This highly effective treatment method was born out of Dr. Leahy’s clinical observations that many musculoskeletal pain symptoms were rooted in changes to soft tissue—changes that could be felt through precise manual palpation.
Today, Active Release Technique is a globally recognized method, with certified practitioners trained to deliver targeted care to patients of all activity levels and backgrounds. Dr. Jonathan Gerrard, D.C., a certified ART provider at Aquarius Chiropractic in Vancouver’s Yaletown district, brings this world-class technique to the local community—helping patients reclaim pain-free movement and enhanced function. And yes, it hurts so good!
🌀 What Are Repetitive Strain Injuries (RSI)?
Repetitive Strain Injuries (RSI)—also referred to as overuse syndromes—are increasingly common in today’s world. Whether you’re an athlete, a musician, a desk-bound office worker, or someone managing physically demanding labor, you may be at risk for these conditions.
Common RSI include:
🔁 Rotator cuff syndrome
🔁 Tennis elbow
🔁 Tendonitis
🔁 Plantar fasciitis
🔁 Carpal tunnel syndrome
🔁 Chronic low back pain
These injuries contribute to more than $110 billion in annual healthcare expenses, according to NIOSH, CDC.
🧬 How Do RSIs Develop?
RSIs usually arise from adhesions—tight bands of scar-like tissue that form due to repetitive micro-injuries. These adhesions restrict movement, increase inflammation, and cause pain, tingling, or numbness by binding tissues in dysfunctional ways.
As this scar tissue builds, it creates a cycle of inflammation and immobility, limiting your quality of life and performance.
✋ The Role of Active Release Technique (ART) in Treating RSIs
ART is designed to break down adhesions, release entrapped tissues, and restore mobility. It combines specific manual pressure with guided patient movement to treat the root cause—not just the symptoms.
Benefits of ART:
🎯 Targets the exact tissue causing dysfunction
🔄 Improves blood flow and nerve mobility
📉 Reduces mechanical stress and inflammation
📈 Enhances tissue alignment and healing
Clinical studies (Journal of the Canadian Chiropractic Association) show up to 50% symptom improvement in 1–3 sessions.
⏱️ Why Early Intervention Matters
The earlier RSIs are diagnosed and treated, the better the results. ART prevents chronic scar tissue formation and joint dysfunction—even old injuries can see significant improvement.
By addressing the underlying restrictions, ART promotes natural healing and long-term resilience.
🧑⚕️ Personalized Care at Aquarius Chiropractic
At Aquarius Chiropractic, we believe in individualized, evidence-informed care. Dr. Jonathan Gerrard integrates ART into a personalized treatment plan based on a detailed assessment of your symptoms, history, and goals.
Whether it’s a new injury, chronic issue, or post-surgical scar tissue, ART offers a natural, effective, and lasting solution.
📋 Conditions Treated with Active Release Technique
ART is highly adaptable and used to treat a wide range of musculoskeletal conditions, including:
✅ 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 elbow / Golfer’s elbow
✅ Carpal tunnel syndrome
✅ Iliotibial band syndrome
✅ Achilles tendonitis
✅ Postural imbalances
✅ Post-surgical or traumatic scar tissue
🗓️ Take the First Step Toward Recovery
If you’re struggling with pain or dysfunction related to soft tissue injury, repetitive motion, or past trauma, don’t wait. Book a consultation with Dr. Jonathan Gerrard at Aquarius Chiropractic in Yaletown, Vancouver, and discover how Active Release Technique can help you restore function, reduce pain, and get back to doing what you love.
