About Active Release Technique (ART) 

ART is a patented, state-of-the-art soft tissue therapy that treats problems with muscles, tendons, ligaments, fascia and nerves. Headaches, back pain, carpal tunnel syndrome, shin splints, shoulder pain, sciatica, plantar fasciitis, knee problems, and tennis elbow are just a few of the many conditions that can be resolved with ART. These conditions all have one important thing in common: they often result from injury to over-used muscles.

How do Over-use Injuries Occur?

Over-used muscles (and other soft tissues) change in three important ways:

• Acute injuries (pulls, tears, collisions, etc.)
• Accumulation of small tears (micro-trauma)
• Not getting enough oxygen (hypoxia)

Each of these factors can cause your body to produce tough, dense, scar tissue in the affected area. This scar tissue binds up and ties down tissues that need to move freely. As scar tissue builds up, muscles become shorter and weaker, tension on tendons cause tendonitis, and nerves become trapped. This can cause reduced range of motion, loss of strength, and pain. If a nerve is trapped you may also feel tingling, numbness, and weakness.

What is an ART treatment like?

Every ART session is actually a combination of examination and treatment. The ART provider uses his or her hands to evaluate the texture, tightness and movement of muscles, fascia, tendons, ligaments and nerves. Abnormal tissues are treated by combining precisely directed tension with very specific movements.

These treatment protocols – over 500 specific moves – are unique to ART. A typical treatment lasts about 10–15 minutes. The problem should be fixed within 4-5 treatments. If a change has not been seen within this time, further evaluation may be necessary. The treatments can be uncomfortable, but when done correctly are very safe.

Along with the ART treatment, chiropractic manipulation and rehabilitative exercise to improve strength and flexibility are usually advised.

Further information on ART visit www.activerelease.com or contact Dr. Shamira Rahim.