Active Release Technique
What is ART?
Muscles are made up of fibres that travel in one direction along the muscle belly. Those fibres slide along each other, shortening when you contract the muscle (flex) and lengthening when you relax the muscle. Over a long period of time, chronically tight muscles will develop “scar tissue”, a type of abnormal fascial fibre tissue that binds across the muscle fibres and locks them into the shortened position, inhibiting the muscles ability to properly lengthen.
​
These cross-fibres can generate low-grade, achy pain due to irritation of the muscles inability to stretch. It can also weaken the muscle and cause tendonous structures to carry more strain, creating tendonitis problems.
​
Myofacial techniques, such as ART and Graston, are the fastest, most productive method to get rid of scar tissue in the body.
​
​
Is ART right for me?
Most people respond very well to this treatment, and it is an ideal technuque if a patient does not respond well to graston, or if dealing with nerve entrapments.
​
Clinically, Dr.Guthrie has found ART to be a poor technique for people with fibromyalgia, or other neuro-pathological issues, such as chronic fatigue and other types of chronic pain.
​
How does Dr. Guthrie use ART in her office?
Dr. Guthrie prefers ART for injuries involving trapped nerves in muscles (such as injuries that cause tingling or numbness down an arm or leg).
The area of the scar tissue is held immobile and the patient works with the doctor to stretch the muscle, thereby breaking down the cross-fibre formation.​​​
What should I expect?
-
Most treatment plans include ART to some degree.The procedure is slightly painful- but it's a "good hurt" that is worked to the tolerance of the patient.
-
it is a fast technique, typically no more than 5 minutes is sufficient for a treatment in an area.
-
Most people notice immediate improvement in mobility and a reduction in their "nagging" pain.
-
Some resudual muscle soreness should be noticeable for up to 12 hours following a treatment.
​