21 Feb Active Release Technique with Chiropractic Care for Pain Relief
Chiropractors are known most commonly for their centerpiece treatment–performing spinal adjustments that align the spine, relieve pain, and restore mobility. But you may not be aware that chiropractors have additional tools to improve their patients’ wellbeing. Another special therapy that Eastern Oklahoma Chiropractic provides to help our patients is Active Release Technique, or ART, which relieves problems caused by scar tissue.
What is Active Release Technique?
Many people suffer from soft tissue damage due to overuse, trauma, or sports injuries.
When tissues in your body become injured, they may develop adhesions, which are areas that stick together abnormally. As part of your body’s healing process, scar tissue may form in muscles , tendons or ligaments. Over time, this can cause inflammation, restricted movement, impingement of nerves, pain and stiffness.
Active Release Technique is an intensive manual therapy that breaks up scar tissue to relieve pain and other symptoms. It was developed in the 1980’s by a chiropractor, Dr. Michael Leahy, and has become a valuable tool in wide use among chiropractors, physical therapists, and other health professionals.
ART releases the tissues that are stuck together, allowing joints and muscles to move freely. This reduces inflammation, relieves discomfort and restores mobility.
Symptoms and Conditions that ART May Help
You might have scar tissue that responds to ART if you have conditions such as:
- Pain during exercise
- Limited mobility and flexibility
- Pain or stiffness in your back, neck, hands, elbows, or knees
- Numbness, tingling or pain in your fingers or other areas
- Inflammation in joints
- Reduced strength
- Tension headaches
- Sharp pain in the foot, such as from plantar fasciitis
- Sciatica
- Fibromyalgia
- Carpal tunnel syndrome
- Tennis elbow
- Bursitis
- Shin splints
- Shoulder problems, such as frozen shoulder
How Your Chiropractor Performs ART
With Active Release Technique, your chiropractor feels the affected area and diagnoses any areas of painful scar tissue. He then manually applies deep pressure to release the adhesions. At the same time, under his instructions, you actively move your muscles to assist in breaking up the scar tissue most effectively.
Areas that can be treated to restore mobility and relieve pain include:
Ligaments and tendons. Your ligaments connect your bones to each other, while tendons attach muscles to bones.
Fascia. These connective tissues support your organs and muscles. When they’re inflamed, they can become very painful and stiff. Plantar fasciitis is an example of fascia inflammation causing pain in the foot.
Major muscles. Damage from trauma and repetitive motion can lead to pain and lost mobility in your major muscle groups.
Benefits of Active Release Technique
ART promotes healing by increasing blood flow to the treated area and breaks up scar tissue that restricts muscles and nerves.
The result: relief from stiffness and pain, plus a better range of motion and flexibility.
Active Release Technique can help athletes or anyone with pain and mobility problems return more quickly to a fully active life.
Set Up Your Free Consultation at Eastern Oklahoma Chiropractic
We’re here to answer any questions you may have about ART and other treatments. Call our Broken Arrow office at 918-940-4630.