Active Release Technique

At Encore Chiropractic and Wellness, we specialize in a variety of advanced therapeutic techniques designed to improve your health and well-being. One of the most effective treatments we offer is Active Release Technique (ART), a cutting-edge method that targets soft tissue injuries, restores motion, and helps athletes and non-athletes alike recover quickly. When combined with chiropractic care, ART offers powerful results for pain relief, enhanced mobility, and better overall function.

Active Release Technique (ART) is a patented manual therapy that targets soft tissues such as muscles, tendons, ligaments, fascia, and nerves. ART is designed to identify and treat the root causes of pain, especially those that result from scar tissue, adhesions, and muscle tightness.

This technique involves using the hands to apply deep pressure to specific points on the body while moving the muscle or tendon through its full range of motion. This helps break up scar tissue, improve blood flow, and restore function. ART is particularly effective in treating chronic injuries, postural issues, and sports-related conditions.

Active Release Technique combined with chiropractic care is highly effective in treating a variety of conditions, including:

• Chronic pain (neck, back, shoulders, hips, and knees).
• Sports injuries (including tennis elbow, runner’s knee, and rotator cuff injuries).
• Tendonitis (e.g., Achilles tendonitis, plantar fasciitis).
• Carpal tunnel syndrome.
• Shin splints and other overuse injuries.
• Muscle strains and ligament sprains.
• Sciatica and nerve impingement.

1. Effective Pain Relief

ART helps release adhesions and scar tissue in affected muscles and soft tissues, relieving pressure on nerves and reducing pain. It directly addresses the cause of discomfort, offering fast and lasting relief.

2. Restores Range of Motion

By targeting tight muscles, tendons, and ligaments, ART restores flexibility and movement. It helps break down adhesions that limit mobility, allowing you to regain normal function and move freely.

3. Reduces Muscle Tension

ART helps to relax tight, overworked muscles and fascia, reducing spasms, stiffness, and tension. This makes it particularly helpful for people with chronic muscle tightness or stress-related pain.

4. Accelerates Healing

ART increases blood flow to injured tissues, promoting faster healing and recovery. It can also help prevent the formation of long-term scar tissue that might cause recurring pain.

5. Improves Posture and Function

Chiropractic care, combined with ART, helps restore proper spinal alignment, and ART works to relieve soft tissue restrictions that can cause postural imbalances. Together, these therapies support optimal body mechanics and improved function.

6. Enhanced Athletic Performance

For athletes, ART helps increase muscle elasticity, range of motion, and strength. By addressing muscle imbalances and soft tissue injuries, ART helps athletes perform better and reduces the risk of future injuries.

The combination of Active Release Technique (ART) and chiropractic care offers a holistic approach to recovery and performance enhancement. Here’s how it works:

1. Chiropractic Spinal Adjustments
   Chiropractic adjustments correct spinal misalignments, which can cause nerve interference and muscle imbalances. This provides the foundation for better movement and healing, enhancing the effectiveness of ART.

2. Active Release Technique
   ART targets specific soft tissue problems, including muscle tightness, tendonitis, and scar tissue. It helps the body regain its full range of motion and reduces pain.

3. Comprehensive Healing
   While chiropractic care focuses on spinal alignment and nervous system function, ART addresses the soft tissue components, ensuring full-body recovery. Both therapies work together to accelerate healing, reduce pain, and improve overall mobility.

During an ART treatment, we will conduct a detailed assessment of your condition and identify the areas of soft tissue tension, inflammation, or adhesions. You can expect:

1. Manual Pressure Application
   We will apply direct pressure to the affected area and move the muscle through its range of motion to break up scar tissue and increase circulation.

2. Movement-Based Treatment
   Unlike other therapies that only focus on static treatment, ART involves active movement of the muscle or tendon, ensuring the tissue is lengthened and healed correctly.

3. Ongoing Care
   We’ll develop a treatment plan based on your individual needs, which may include additional chiropractic adjustments, at-home exercises, and lifestyle modifications to maintain results.