Do you have pain or in your muscles or ligaments? Active Release Technique may be beneficial to you...
Active Release Technique (A.R.T.) is a patented treatment applied to soft tissue injuries. "Soft tissue" includes ligaments, tendons, muscles, and fascia. The approach that A.R.T. uses is an active one- the tissue is first shortened and then the practitioner holds a tension on the tissue while the patient actively moves the tissue under the tension. The advantage of this active approach is that it effectively corrects abnormalities in tissues- including scar tissue, adhesions, and knots. These tissue abnormalities are the cause of many painful conditions and the best way to treat these conditions is to address the abnormalities directly.
The goal of this technique is to restore optimal texture, motion, and function of the soft tissue and also release any entrapped nerves or blood vessels. The benefits are numerous once the problematic tissue is found and treated.
To be considered a certified A.R.T. provider, you first must have a certain minimum level of education. Massage therapists, medical doctors, physiotherapists, and chiropractors are some of the practitioners that are eligible to take the A.R.T. courses. The courses are divided by sections of the body- upper body which covers the entire anatomical upper limbs, lower body covers the lower limbs, and spine covers the anatomical structures of the body core. Each course requires a minimum number of hours learning the specific treatment protocols, then practical experience, followed by a practical examination. A.R.T. providers must take a minimum of one update course per year to maintain their certification status.
Many conditions involving soft tissue can benefit from A.R.T. treatments. It usually takes about 3-5 treatment sessions (within two weeks) to start noticing changes in the tissue. Examples of some conditions that have successfully been resolved using A.R.T. include- carpal tunnel syndrome, cervicogenic headaches (headaches related to neck strain), ankle sprains, upper back strain, rotator cuff syndrome, plantar fasciitis, sciatica, tennis elbow, and iliotibial band strain. These all have one major thing in common - they are often a result of overused or overstretched muscles and soft tissue.
For more information, go to www.sensehealth.ca and follow the links
- Dr. Mariam Ashraf, Fort Saskatchewan Chiropractic Clinic
