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Active Release Technique

Do you suffer from chronic and persistent pain in your back, neck, shoulders or limbs that no amount of self-care can manage to relieve? Then you may be an ideal candidate for the active release technique, an advanced approach to deep massage and tissue manipulation that relies on more than 500 specific movements to relax stiff muscles and gently break up tough muscle knots or adhesions, one of the most common causes or chronic, tough-to-relieve pain and stiffness.

Active Release Technique

Adhesions commonly form as a result of overuse and repeated strain in a specific muscle or muscle group. Over time, the muscle fibers join become inflamed and begin to “stick” together, forming fibrous muscle knots that limit movement and cause significant pain, stiffness and related symptoms. Breaking up these adhesions and targeting other types of inflammation in the deeper layers of tissue can be difficult, even with sports and deep tissue massage. The active release technique, or ART, was developed specifically to treat symptoms in the deeper layers of tissue, including the muscles, ligaments, tendons and fascia, the tough sheath of tissue that surrounds and separates muscles and other tissues.

How Does a Sports Chiropractor Perform the Active Release Technique?

The active release technique uses a series of hands-on manipulations that incorporate one or several of more than 500 very precise movements. Each ART movement has a specific purpose and goal, and an experienced sports chiropractor can skillfully combine movements to isolate muscle knots and other sources of painful symptoms, directing therapy to specific locations for greater relief and long-term results.

Treatment begins with a thorough exam and a hands-on evaluation of the area where painful symptoms are occurring. Specific movements - both active and passive - can be useful in pinpointing the precise cause of pain, stiffness and other symptoms. Once those issues are identified and located, the sports chiropractor will use ART movements and pressures to gently break apart adhesions, knots and trigger points while also stimulating circulation and lymphatic drainage necessary for optimal healing and long-term symptom relief.

What Issues can be Treated with the Active Release Technique?

The active release technique is highly modifiable and very versatile, and it can be customized to treat an array of issues, including:

  • acute and chronic headaches
  • chronic and acute pain in the back, neck or shoulders
  • sciatica and cervical radiculopathy
  • traumatic injuries, including injuries associated with car accidents and sports injuries
  • chronic foot pain due to plantar fasciitis
  • repetitive strain conditions like carpal tunnel syndrome
  • shin splints
  • sprains and strains
  • temporomandibular joint disorder (TMJ)
  • Fascia

The precise movements and pressures used in active release therapy means treatment can be specifically targeted for each patient’s needs, evolving as the patient’s condition changes and healing takes place. Both acute and chronic issues can be treated, and ART can also be combined with other therapeutic interventions and lifestyle changes to enhance results and provide long-term relief of pain and stiffness.

Rainier Sports and Spinal Rehab: Leading Chiropractic Practice in Puyallup

 Don’t let chronic pain and stiffness interfere with your quality of life. Let our Puyallup Chiropractic team evaluate your symptoms and develop a treatment program based on your unique needs. To learn more about the active release technique and other custom treatment options, call Rainier Sports and Spinal Rehab at (253) 445-0440 and schedule your consultation and evaluation today.