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.
ART is the fastest, most productive method to get rid of scar tissue in the body.
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.
Does it hurt?
The procedure is slightly painful, but is worked to the tolerance of the patient. There will be residual soreness or a bruised feeling of the muscle for about a day and a half in the area worked, but after that the muscle should feel significantly better. As with working out, the philosophy with this treatment is “no pain, no gain”!
How do I know if I need it?
Long term pain that hasn’t gotten better with other treatments. Dull achy pain that feels better with heat application. Chronic tendonitis, etc…. are all indications that ART may be right for you. Talk to Dr. Guthrie to find out if this is right for you.