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Active Release Technique

I recently re-certified in Active Release Technique – Lower Extremity. I hate to sound overconfident but after 10 years of practicing massage therapy I didn’t think I would learn a tremendous amount from a seminar. I must say that the Active Release instructors were very impressive and helped me greatly improve my treatment effectiveness. They worked with me to  improve my ability to sense dysfunctional tissue and ease the pain that sometimes is associated with this type of treatment. I’m excited to further my education and offer such a high quality treatment technique.

What is Active Release Technique or ART®?

Active Release Technique (ART)® is a patented, state of the art, soft tissue, movement-based massage technique that has been proven to effectively treat overuse problems with muscles, tendons, ligaments, fascia and nerves.

Active Release Technique® has been successfully used to treat headaches, back pain, carpal tunnel syndrome, shin splints, shoulder pain, sciatica, plantar fasciitis, knee problems, tennis elbow as well as numerous other conditions.  Most conditions are resolved quickly and permanently with the use of Active Release Technique®.

Active Release Technique® is most effective with conditions that are the result of overused muscles, tendons, ligaments, fascia and nerves.

How do overuse injuries occur?

Soft tissues in the body (muscle, fascia, tendons, ligaments and nerves) change in three important ways:

• Acute conditions – pulls, tears, collisions, etc.
• Micro-trauma – an accumulation of small tears to the soft tissue
• Hypoxia – when the soft tissues do not get enough oxygen

These types of changes (acute, micro-trauma, hypoxia) can cause your body to produce tough, dense scar tissue in the affected area.  The scar tissue then binds up and ties down tissues that need to move freely for optimum health and pain free living.  As the scar tissue builds your muscles become shorter and weaker, tension on the tendons can cause tendonitis, and nerves can become trapped.  This in turn can cause reduced range of motion, loss of strength, and pain. If a nerve is trapped you may also feel tingling, numbness, and weakness.

Read more at www.phaustin.com/services/active_release_technique