You or someone you know may have received Active Release Technique as a recommended treatment. It of course isn’t exactly a term heard often around the kitchen table, so here are some insights on what it is and how we provide treatment in this area.
Active Release Technque is a state of the art system for soft tissue injuries. Based on massage techniques, this approach treats problems with muscles tendons, ligaments, fascia, and nerves. Many common conditions are often a result of overused muscles: Back pain, carpal tunnel syndrome, shin splints, neck pain, shoulder pain, sciatica, plantar fasciitis, knee pain, and tennis elbow. These are also just a few of the many conditions that can be resolved quickly and permanently with Active Release Techniques.
Overused Muscles?
Over-used muscles (and other soft tissue) change in three important ways:
-
Acute conditions (sprains, strains, or collisions)
-
Accumulation of small tears (micro-trauma)
-
Not getting enough oxygen (hypoxia)
Each of these factors can cause your body to produce tough, dense scar tissue in the affected area. This scar tissue binds up and ties down tissues that need to move freely. As scar tissue builds up, muscles become shorter and weaker, tension on tendons causes tendonitis, and nerves can become trapped. This can cause reduced range of motion, loss of strength, and pain. If a nerve is trapped, you may also feel numbness, tingling, and weakness.
What You Can Expect With Active Release Technique
Every session is a combination of examination and treatment. Our doctors can use their hands to evaluate the texture, tightness, and movement of the muscles, fascia, tendons, ligaments, and nerves. Abnormal tissues are treated by combining precisely directed tension with specific patented movements.
With over 500 specific movements, these treatment protocols are unique. We at Dynamic Spine and Sports Therapy can identify and correct specific problems that are affecting each individual patient. Unlike many medical techniques, this is not a cookie cutter approach. Reach out to learn more about the possibilities unique to you.