Active Release Techniques (ART) is a soft tissue therapy designed to relieve tension and adhesions in the muscles, fascia, tendons, and nerves. It involves a combination of examination and treatment where the practitioner uses hands-on techniques to diagnose the texture, tightness, and movement of the soft tissues. During the treatment, specific movements are performed by the patient while the practitioner applies a precise pressure to target areas, with the goal of breaking up adhesions. This can help to restore normal tissue function, increase range of motion, and reduce pain associated with overused muscles. Developed by P. Michael Leahy, ART is commonly used by athletes to recover from or prevent sports injuries, but it can also be helpful for anyone dealing with chronic pain or mobility issues.

Active Release Techniques (ART) can provide numerous benefits for individuals seeking relief from muscle pain and improved mobility. Here are some reasons why one might choose to use ART:

• Targeted Relief: ART is designed to address specific areas of discomfort. By examining the texture, tightness, and movement of the soft tissues, practitioners can focus treatment on the exact locations where adhesions or scar tissue has formed.
• Improved Mobility: By breaking up adhesions, ART helps to restore normal tissue function, which can lead to an increased range of motion and improved flexibility.
• Non-Invasive Treatment: As a hands-on, non-invasive therapy, ART poses fewer risks than surgical interventions, making it an appealing option for those looking for conservative treatment methods.
• Reduces Chronic Pain: Chronic pain often arises from overused muscles. ART can help alleviate this pain by restoring normal tissue function and reducing muscle tension.
• Speeds Up Recovery: For athletes or active individuals, ART can expedite the recovery process from sports injuries, enabling a quicker return to training or competition.
• Prevention of Future Injuries: Regular use of ART can help prevent the occurrence of sports-related injuries by maintaining soft tissue health and flexibility.
• Enhances Athletic Performance: By improving tissue function and flexibility, athletes may experience an enhancement in their performance levels.

By releasing tightened muscles and nerves, Active Release Techniques address the root causes of pain and mobility issues for many individuals. It’s a preferred modality for those looking for a solution that is both effective and based on natural healing processes.

Active Release Techniques (ART) is a manual therapy aimed at treating muscle tension and adhesions in soft tissues, which includes muscles, fascia, tendons, and nerves. It involves an assessment by a practitioner who then applies precise pressure during patient movements to break up adhesions. ART was developed by P. Michael Leahy and is particularly popular among athletes as it aids in the recovery from sports injuries, though anyone suffering from chronic pain or mobility issues can benefit from it.

Key benefits of ART include targeted relief for specific problem areas, improved range of motion, and increased flexibility through non-invasive methods. It also helps reduce chronic pain, speeds up injury recovery, prevents future injuries, and can enhance athletic performance. Essentially, ART is a natural approach to pain and mobility issues by focusing on the underlying causes.

Dr. Plummer is an ART Elite Provider and Doctor of Chiropractic, specializing in neuromuscular issues. chronic numbness or pain. Learn more or book an appointment at www.drkentplummer.com