Scar Tissue: Understanding Repetitive Strain Injuries (RSIs) and How Active Release Technique (ART) Can Help

Let’s begin by exploring repetitive strain injuries—commonly referred to as RSIs or overuse injuries. These injuries are increasingly prevalent in today’s fast-paced world, especially among athletes, office workers, musicians, and individuals in physically demanding occupations or prolonged sedentary activities. RSIs are typically caused by repetitive movements, poor posture, or improper ergonomics, all of which lead to cumulative microtraumas in the muscles, tendons, and surrounding soft tissues over time.

As these repetitive stresses accumulate, they can lead to pain, stiffness, inflammation, and reduced range of motion, all of which interfere with daily performance and quality of life. Left untreated, RSIs can become chronic, making early diagnosis and proper treatment essential.

At Aquarius Chiropractic in Vancouver’s Yaletown district, we specialize in addressing RSIs using evidence-based techniques such as Active Release Technique (ART). But to understand how ART works, we must first look at the role of scar tissue in these types of injuries.

🧠 What Are Repetitive Strain Injuries?

RSIs involve a range of soft tissue conditions that result from repetitive stress, strain, or poor movement patterns. Common examples include:

🎾 Tennis or Golfer’s Elbow
💼 Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
🦶 Plantar Fasciitis
💪 Tendonitis
🦴 Rotator Cuff Syndrome
🧍 Chronic Back or Neck Pain

Many of these issues are directly related to the build-up of scar tissue, which can interfere with natural movement and healing.

🔍 Scar Tissue: The Hidden Obstacle to Healing

While scar tissue is part of your body’s natural healing process, excessive or misaligned adhesions can create problems over time.

🚫 Restricts flexibility and mobility
⚡ Causes pain, stiffness, or nerve entrapment
⏳ Slows recovery and increases the risk of reinjury

A 2021 study from the National Library of Medicine confirmed that scar tissue can significantly impair soft tissue healing and function, especially in chronic injuries.

💡 How Active Release Technique (ART) Works

Active Release Technique is a hands-on therapy that combines guided movements with precise pressure to release soft tissue restrictions.

🎯 Locates scar tissue adhesions through palpation
🤲 Applies tension while the patient performs movement
🔄 Breaks down adhesions and restores natural motion

According to a study published in JMPT, ART showed measurable improvements in carpal tunnel patients by reducing fibrosis and improving nerve function.

🌟 Benefits of ART for RSIs

ART has become a go-to therapy for many types of RSIs thanks to its targeted, non-invasive nature. Some key benefits include:

🧩 Breaks down restrictive scar tissue adhesions
🩸 Improves circulation and nerve mobility
🧘 Restores functional range of motion
💥 Reduces localized and referred pain

✅ ART is effective for treating:

🦴 Neck and back pain
🏋️ Shoulder impingement
🦵 Shin splints
🦶 Plantar fasciitis
🖐️ Carpal tunnel syndrome
🏃 Iliotibial band syndrome
💥 Post-surgical scar tissue

More research in Frontiers in Physiology also supports the use of soft tissue mobilization therapies like ART to improve neuromuscular function and tissue remodeling.

👨‍⚕️ Why Choose Aquarius Chiropractic?

At Aquarius Chiropractic, our goal is to address the source of your pain, not just the symptoms. Dr. Jonathan Gerrard, our experienced Yaletown chiropractor, uses ART as part of a broader strategy that includes:

🔍 Personalized assessments and diagnostics
👐 Manual therapy and joint adjustments
🏋️ Rehabilitation exercises
📏 Postural and movement coaching

Whether you’re an athlete, artist, or desk worker, we tailor care to your unique lifestyle and movement patterns.

🗓️ Book Your Appointment Today

If scar tissue is holding you back, Active Release Technique could be the game-changer you need. Don’t let stiffness, numbness, or chronic pain stop you from living actively and pain-free.

📍 Visit Aquarius Chiropractic in Yaletown, Vancouver
📞 Call us to start your healing journey today!