Active Release Techniques (ART) is a patented system of soft tissue treatment that is the number ONE choice for conditions like carpal tunnel syndrome, whiplash, back pain and other muscle, nerve, and joint conditions. ART is a hands on technique but it is very different from any type of massage or physical therapy because it involves a very specific diagnosis and a unique system by which the patient actually moves their limb or torso through active ranges of motion guided by the doctor while the doctor is applying the ART treatment.

ART targets scar tissue that forms on or in between muscle, ligaments, tendons, and nerves. By utilizing ART we are able to get a very fast break up of the scare tissue and quick lasting results.

Most people only think of scar tissue from whiplash or blunt trauma. In those cases the body develops scare tissue to hold the muscles and fascia together while things are healing. The problem… after the healing is done, the scar tissues stays in place and doesn’t allow the muscle to slide appropriately an in many cases a never becomes impinged. Scar tissues can also form because a certain muscle group is tight for too long or under constant pressure or tension.

This pressure and tension lead to more problems… blood flow to the area reduces, especially in small muscle groups like the hands and elbows. As a result of the poor blood flow there is decreased oxygen delivered to the area. This leads to a series of chemical reactions to take place that lead to the development of scar tissue. Scar tissue then causes numbness, tingling, weakness and pain whether it is due to sports related, work related, or auto related injury.

How do overuse injuries occur?

Over-used muscles (and other soft tissues change in three important ways:

• acute injuries (pulls, tears, collisions, ect.)

• accumulation of small tears (micro-trauma)

• not getting enough oxygen (hypoxia)

Each of these factors can cause your body to producee3 tough, dense scare 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 anon 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 tingling, numbness, and weakness.

What is an ART treatment like?

Every ART session is actually a combination of examination and treatment. The ART provider uses his or her hand to evaluate the texture, tightness and movement of muscles, fascia, tendons, ligaments and nerves. Abnormal tissues are treated by combining precisely directed tension with very specific movements.

These treatment protocols- over 500 specific moves- are unique to ART. They allow providers to identify and correct the specific problems that are affecting each individual patient. ART is not a cookie-cutter approach.

What is the history of Active Release Techniques?

ART has been developed, refined and patented by P. Michael Leahy, DC CCSP. Dr. Leahy noticed that his patients’ symptoms seemed to be related to changes in their soft tissue that could be felt by hand. By observing how muscles, fascia, tendons, ligaments and nerves responded to different types work, Dr. Leahy was able to consistently resolve over 90% of his patients’ problems. He now teaches and certifies health care providers all over the world to use ART.

Why doesn’t the pain go away by itself?

The body has no mechanism to reduce scar tissue naturally. It requires treatment. Although the body can sometimes adapt to and tolerate a certain amount of scar tissue it will not function optimally and can cause further injury.

Why haven’t I heard of ART before?

ART is relatively new, although many professional athletes have been using it for years. Word of ART’s effectiveness is rapidly spreading and the number of people qualified to perform it is steadily increasing.

What makes ART different from massage of myofascial release?

Several factors make ART different. First, with over 300 separate protocols, ART is far more specific that other treatments. It is essential to treat not only the right tissue, but the exact area of scar within the tissue. The difference between success and failure can be measured in millimeters. Second, ART uses the movement of the patient to increase tension on the scar tissue. This is the most effective way to release the tissue. Third, ART provides a better understanding of how soft tissue becomes injured. This drastically improves treatment strategies and results.

How long does treatment take?

Most treatment sessions require only 10-15 minutes to complete. The number of treatments required to resolve a problem depends on many factors and almost always falls between 2 and 20, with an average of 8-10.

Do I have to keep coming back?

Once scar tissue is treated the tissues are usually as healthy as their per-injury state.

In most people the injury does not return. However, unless the activity that caused the scar tissue to form in the first place is modified it can return. Therefore, some people do require occasional follow up visits