How Does Active Release Therapy Work?
October 31, 2023
In the realm of healthcare, there are numerous methods designed to alleviate pain and enhance mobility. One such impressive technique is Active Release Therapy (ART). This non-surgical treatment has been carefully devised to detect and promptly deal with soft tissue disorders.
Understanding Active Release Therapy
Active release therapy is a manual treatment technique that seeks to alleviate tension in the soft tissues. Typically utilized by healthcare professionals such as physical therapists, ART is instrumental in enhancing range of motion and diminishing muscular discomfort. This therapy is a specialized soft tissue release technique that involves identifying muscle and fascia knots and mobilizing them with a combination of pressure and patient movement.
The Principle of ART
The principle behind ART is simple. Your body structures such as muscles, fascia, tendons, and nerves may get injured due to overuse or repetitive trauma. This can lead to pain and restricted movement. Trauma to these soft tissues may also cause the fascia and tissue to bind to nearby structures in the form of adhesions.
ART works by locating these areas of tissue tension and applying specific pressure points and movements to restore normal motion.
Conditions Treated by ART
Active Release Therapy has proven beneficial for a variety of conditions, typically injuries to the soft tissues in your body. Conditions that ART can treat include:
- Shoulder pain
- Iliotibial band syndrome
- Shin splints
- Plantar fasciitis
- Surgical scars
- Knee pain
- Hip pain
- Sciatica and back pain
- Neck pain
- Tennis elbow
Any soft tissue condition that may cause painful and limited motion in the body may benefit from ART.
Benefits of ART
ART offers several possible benefits. These may include:
- Decreased pain
- Improved functional mobility
- Improved flexibility
- Decreased tissue tension
- Decreased muscular inhibition that occurs after injury
- Improved joint range of motion
With ART, your healthcare provider may decrease your pain, break up soft tissue adhesions that occur after injury, and improve the way you are able to move.
What to Expect From an ART Treatment
Healthcare providers who may be trained in active release technique include chiropractors, physical therapists, and massage therapists.
“Prior to engaging in ART treatment, your provider should perform an evaluation and assessment, gathering information about your pain and your medical history.” – Brett Sears, PT
During the treatment, you will be asked to assume a comfortable position, either sitting or lying down (depending on the body part you’re treating). Your provider will then use their hands to locate areas of tissue tension. Then, they will apply pressure to an area that seems tight or impaired.
Discomfort during ART
Some people may find the pressure from ART uncomfortable. If you are highly sensitive, it is recommended to ask your provider to apply less pressure.
The Process
When your provider applies pressure to the tender and adhered area, they will ask you to move in specific directions. This movement under pressure helps to pull on the underlying tissue in specific ways, freeing it from painful adhesions.
An ART session typically lasts between 15 to 30 minutes. Your provider should then prescribe exercises that you can practice at home to maintain the gains acquired during your ART treatment session.
Summary
Active Release Therapy treats the injuries of the soft tissues in your body. By applying pressure to the adhesion and then having you move in specific directions, the tissue’s limitations are released, leading to full pain-free movement.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about Active Release Therapy:
Can you perform active release technique on yourself?
You can perform ART on yourself by finding painful muscle knots and pressing upon them. While holding pressure, gently stretch and move away from the pressure point. Always talk with your healthcare provider before beginning a new regimen.
How effective is active release technique?
There is some research showing short-term gains with ART. Other studies show very little or no benefit.
Is active release technique painful?
Active Release Therapy may be an uncomfortable experience. Talk with your healthcare provider about what to expect.
“Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles.” – Brett Sears, PT
In conclusion, Active Release Therapy is a promising technique that could potentially alleviate your pain and improve your functional mobility. It’s always important to seek the advice of professionals for a treatment that suits your condition.
