Active Release Technique

The following is a continuation of a sequence of the types of treatment that are utilized at our office.  Our goal is to improve and/or correct the functional impairments that prevent one from accomplishing activities that range from the simple daily living to the more extreme demands of work or recreation.  First, the joints of the body must be able to move as freely as possible, which is why we use chiropractic manipulative therapy/spinal and limb adjustments.  Genetics, past surgeries and trauma may be, to some degree, limiting factors.  Then, the goal is to address the supporting tissues surrounding the joints.  Pain is often what brings people in for care, however, the more important benefit is to have the “structural body,” enabled, without continuous compensation for weakened areas.  Active Release is one of our most effective treatment protocols to accomplish this.


ART® Is a highly successful approach to the diagnosis and treatment of muscles, tendons, ligaments, nerves and fascia, known as soft tissue. It is effective for low back pain, neck pain, TMJ, elbow tendonosis, rotator cuff tendonosis, knee pain, shin splints, carpal tunnel syndrome, running injuries and numerous other conditions. Many professional athletes have been using ART® for years.

What's new about ART®
ART® Is a change in the basic understanding of soft tissue injury. It gives the doctor the insight necessary to identify and correct the root cause of a problem. Unlike other treatment methods, the patient is an active participant in ART®.

ART® and the doctor
Treatment with Active Release Techniques® is exclusively "hands on." There are no unwanted side effects from medication or surgical complications. ART® doctors are trained to identify areas of scar tissue by the way it feels -- like a tight area in the soft tissue with an altered texture and decreased movement.

How Injuries are identified
In cases of carpal tunnel syndrome, for example, the doctor may check for injury along the entire length of the nerve, including the forearm, arm and neck. Identification and treatment of all involved areas often results in quick, complete resolution.

The scar tissue connection
When a muscle, tendon, or ligament is injured, the body forms scar tissue (commonly called adhesions). Scar tissue is how the body connects and binds injured tissue. Unfortunately, that same scar tissue often sticks to surrounding structures like "glue." If a nerve runs through a muscle in the spot where there is scar tissue, the nerve can be pinched or pulled by that adhesion, causing it to fire pain signals. The resulting limited motion overworks healthy tissue, also leading to pain.

Other causes of scar tissue
Scar tissue can also result from overuse of muscles, tendons and ligaments. Overuse causes an increase of tension in the tissues. This decreases the blood supply, causing the body to form adhesions. What does all this mean? Poor posture, improper form during exercise, athletic pursuits and repeated incorrect or overuse of soft tissue can result in still more scar tissues.

How ART® works
ART® uses movement of the patient to increase tension on scar tissue. It's the most effective way to break up adhesions. Every ART® session is a combination of examination and treatment, which identifies the soft tissue that has been injured.

Call: 770-922-1212 for an appointment today!

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