Have you ever heard of active release therapy? Maybe you haven’t heard of this specific name but I’m sure you are familiar with the technique. As kids, we used to do something similar, when we felt like our hands were going through the floor. If you know you know…. if not then keep reading.
As a massage technique, it is more serious and therapeutic of course but the idea is still there and has been gaining traction in the massage world over the past few years.
In this blog post, we’ll take a look at what active release therapy is and how it can help your body feel better.
What is Active Release Therapy?
Active release therapy (ART) is a type of deep tissue massage designed to treat soft tissue damage caused by repetitive motions or strains. It works by using specific massage techniques to target areas of adhesions or “knots” in the muscles and tendons. The technique’s been around for more than 30 years.
These adhesions are caused by overuse injuries, poor posture, or even stress. During an active-release therapy session, you may feel pressure as the therapist uses their hands to stretch and loosen tight muscles and promote healing.
ART is a technique to target and break down scar tissue in the affected area, which increases circulation as well as accelerates healing. This treatment can be used on:
- muscles
- ligaments
- tendons
- nerves
Originally developed by Dr. P. Michael Leahy, a chiropractor renowned for his work with athletes and sports teams, this treatment has been used to heal millions of people since it was first introduced.
A number of healthcare providers are trained in ART, including:
- chiropractors
- physical therapists
- massage therapists
- physicians
Through ART, these providers work to reduce the pain, headaches, and other physical ailments associated with tissue issues and injuries.
Benefits of Active Release Therapy
The benefits of ART are numerous. Here are just a few:
• Decreased pain from inflammation
• Improved range of motion
• Faster recovery from injury or strain
• Reduced muscle tension
• Increased flexibility
• Improved blood flow and circulation
• Reduced risk of future injury
ART can be used to treat many types of chronic pain, including neck pain, lower back pain, carpal tunnel syndrome, plantar fasciitis, sciatica, and more. It can also be used as preventative care for athletes or people who work out regularly.
What body parts are treated?
ART can be used to treat pain and other symptoms caused by injury or damage to:
- Fascia. Your body is secured and supported by fibrous connective tissue, often referred to as fascia. Unfortunately, inflammation in this intricate network of tissue can bring about excruciating pain and immobility. One such example is plantar fasciitis; a common condition that affects the feet’s fascia tissues.
- Major muscle groups. Whether from overuse or trauma, any of your key muscle groups can be affected by strains and pulls – ranging from the muscles in your neck and shoulders to those in your back and hamstrings.
- Tendons and ligaments. Injuries to tendons or ligaments may result in excruciating pain and restriction of movement, due to their purpose of attaching muscles and bones respectively.
What conditions are treated?
- lower back pain
- chronic neck pain
- tension headaches
- shoulder strains, including frozen shoulder
- carpal tunnel syndrome
- shin splints
- sciatic nerve pain
- plantar fasciitis
- bursitis
- tennis elbow
How Does Active Release Therapy Work?
During an ART session, your therapist will use their hands to apply pressure on specific areas while moving your body into different positions. This helps to break down any scar tissue or adhesions that may be causing tension in the muscles and joints.
Your therapist may also use tools such as foam rollers or balls to further help with muscle relaxation. All of these techniques combined help reduce inflammation, improve range of motion and alleviate pain so you can get back to feeling better faster!
Wrap Up
Active release therapy is a great way to address soft tissue injuries and chronic pain without relying on medication or surgery. It can also be used as preventative care for athletes or people who work out regularly in order to reduce their risk of future injury. If you’re looking for relief from muscular aches and pains, consider giving active release therapy a try! Your body will thank you!
