People dealing with acute and chronic pain seek the most effective solutions to help them lead pain-free lives. For most people, the first option is to go for painkillers. However, this seems to be changing as more individuals look for other solutions such as chiropractic care.
The active release technique is one of the chiropractic care modalities that can help with muscle, tendon, nerve, and soft tissue pain. So, how does the active release technique work, and is it effective for pain relief? Read on to discover all about it.
What Is Active Release Technique?
Active release technique (ART) is one of the chiropractic care modalities that focus on relieving tissue tension and removing muscle adhesions formed by stress and repetitive use. When these adhesions are not addressed, you can develop muscle weakness, imbalances, and numbness. In addition, some people experience burning and tingling sensations that make their activities less comfortable.
ART has been used for more than 30 years, and it was first developed to help athletes overcome soft tissue injuries. It combines massage and targeted movements that locate and break muscle adhesions, relieving pain and stiffness.
Trained ART practitioners undergo special training to learn over 500 specific protocols and movements to remove abnormal tissue and ease their patient’s symptoms. Chiropractors, physical therapists, massage therapists, and other medical professionals often get training and education in ART to provide better care to their clients.
What Can Active Release Technique Help With?
ART can help with:
- Sports injuries
- Back pain
- Sciatica
- Chronic neck pain
- Tennis elbow
- Carpal tunnel syndrome
- Plantar fasciitis
- Joint pain
- Bursitis
- Tension headaches
- Other conditions
You can benefit from ART if you experience pain that usually becomes worse during exercise, stiff joints, reduced flexibility, muscle weakness, numbness, or tingling.
Is Active Release Technique Any Good?
The active release technique feels like a more intense massage. A practitioner uses their hands to locate scar tissue and then uses precise, forced movements to break those adhesions and restore the proper range of motion. They constantly communicate with the client to ensure comfort and see how they respond to this treatment.
ART practitioners have observed many benefits in perceived pain, flexibility, performance, recovery, and other health aspects. But, what does science says about ART?
Well, since this approach is relatively young, few studies have examined the effects of ART. For instance, a 2006 pilot study discovered that even a single ART treatment could increase hamstring flexibility in active males.
A 2011 small study concluded that ART had the potential to relieve pain from groin strains in hockey players. In another study, researchers found that ART could reduce neck pain and stiffness in patients who struggle with chronic neck problems.
Finally, a 2022 systematic review of the scientific literature concluded that ART could be a viable treatment option for treating musculoskeletal conditions. It has the potential to reduce pain, improve range of motion, and reduce disability. However, more research is needed to confirm long-term benefits.
Active Release Technique in Spring, TX
Dr. Scott Bolz and his team at Spring Chiropractic & Rehab offer active release techniques to help you overcome soft muscle injuries. Our experienced experts can easily use ART protocols to locate muscle adhesions and break them down effectively. That will provide pain relief, improve range of motion, expedite recovery, and boost performance. Click here to schedule an appointment at Spring Chiropractic & Rehab and discover why our patients are so satisfied with ART.
