Active Release Technique® Treatment
Active Release Technique® (ART) treatment is a soft-tissue technique that treats conditions related to muscles, tendons, ligaments and nerves. This technique is often used on muscles that may be overused from athletic activity or on patients who may be suffering from pain caused by pulls, tears, muscle spasms or contracture. During ART treatment, the patient actively moves the affected muscle or ligament, while the physical therapist presses or maintains contact on the injured area. The physical therapist can then feel the structure as it moves and effectively treat the specific muscles, tendons or ligaments.
Benefits of Active Release Technique Treatment
ART is a hands-on treatment for soft-tissue injuries that allows the therapist to pinpoint the location of the injury and specifically focus on the rehabilitation process. The benefits of ART treatment include:
- Relief of muscle pain or spasms
- Recovered strength and flexibility to the affected muscles and tissue
- Released nerve pressure
- Restored function and mobility to the affected tissue
After ART treatment, many patients can return to regular physical activity.
The Active Release Technique Procedure
After a thorough evaluation that examines the tightness, texture and movement of the injured muscle, ligament or tendon, an ART treatment is developed and administered. Based on the results of the evaluation, the physical therapist applies precisely directed pressure to the affected area, while the patient simultaneously performs specifically prescribed movements. The specific techniques that are used vary according to the needs of the patient. Patients may experience results from ART after 4 to 6 treatment sessions.