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 therapies called Active Release Technique.
What is ART?
Active Release Technique (ART) is an advanced, movement-based soft tissue therapy developed and patented by Dr. Michael Leahy, D.C., C.C.S.P. He 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 ART provider in Vancouver’s Yaletown district.
ART 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 called repetitive stress injuries or overuse syndromes, affect workers, athletes, musicians, and the general population. These disorders 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. They are estimated to cost over $110 billion annually.
CTDs arise from adhesions, abnormal tissue bands formed to limit movement and assist healing. However, misaligned adhesions restrict muscle function and cause pain. Additionally, adhesions can form between joints, muscles, tendons, ligaments, nerves, and blood vessels. This leads to limited mobility, discomfort, and even numbness or tingling if nerves are affected. As soft tissues rub together, injury and inflammation increase, leading to more scar tissue formation.
Solution
Early assessment, diagnosis, and treatment of cumulative trauma disorders (CTDs), whether caused by work-related stress or sports injuries, are essential for optimal recovery. Even long-standing adhesions complicated by joint dysfunction can be effectively treated. Active Release Technique (ART) offers a powerful solution for breaking up these adhesions, ultimately restoring the texture, resilience, and function of the affected soft tissue. This enables muscles, ligaments, tendons, nerves, and blood vessels to move freely, providing fast and lasting relief.
At Aquarius Chiropractic, we personalize your care by identifying the root causes of your condition. We create tailored treatment plans that align with your needs and goals, ensuring effective therapy. This individualized care targets both symptoms and underlying issues to provide lasting results.
Active Release Technique 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