What is Active Release Technique (ART)?

The Active Release Technique, or ART, is a patented, state-of-the-art soft tissue system/movement based massage technique that treats problems with muscles, tendons, ligaments, fascia and nerves. Headaches, shoulder pain, sciatica, knee problems, back pain, carpal tunnel syndrome, shin splints, plantar fasciitis and tennis elbow are just a few of the many conditions that can be resolved quickly and permanently with ART. These conditions all have one important thing in common: they are often a result of overused muscles.

What is an ART treatment like?

Each Active Release Technique session is a combination of examination and treatment. Dr. Gilenson uses his hands to evaluate the tightness, texture, and movement of muscles, tendons, nerves, ligaments and fascia. Abnormal tissues are treated by combining precisely directed tension with very specific patient movements.

These treatment protocols – over 500 specific moves – are unique to ART. They allow Dr. Gilenson to identify and correct the specific problems that are affecting each individual patient. It is not a blanket approach, it is very patient-specific.

What is the history of ART?

Active Release Technique was developed, refined, and patented by P. Michael Leahy, D.C., CCSP. Dr. Leahy noticed that his patients’ symptoms were related to changes in the soft tissue that could be felt by hand. By observing how the muscles, fascia, tendons, ligaments and nerves responded to different types of work, he was able to consistently resolve over 90% of his patients’ problems. He now teaches and certifies health care providers all over the world to use ART.

How does someone end up with an overused muscle condition?

Over-used muscles (and other soft tissues) change in three important ways:
The accumulation of small tears (micro-trauma)
Acute conditions such as pulls, tears or various collisions
Lack of oxygen (hypoxia)

Each of these situations has the ability to cause the body to produce tough, dense scar tissue in the affected area. The development of this scar tissue tightens the tissue that needs to move freely. As it builds up, the surrounding muscles become shorter and weaker, the tension on tendons can result in tendonitis, and nerves can become trapped. This will cause a reduced range of motion, loss of strength, and pain. If a nerve is trapped, the patient may also feel tingling, numbness, and weakness.

Active Release Technique ®

ART has become one of the most sought after soft-tissue treatments in the world today. It has been shown to often be the best option in resolving a chronic soft tissue injury. It is effective for a wide variety of soft tissue and/or repetitive-motion injuries. Active Release Technique is widely used by Doctors of Chiropractic for patients suffering from cumulative injury traumas, as well as athletes (both professional and week-end warriors) who have suffered from a sports-related injury.

How can I benefit from the Active Release Technique?

The power of ART lies in the ability to effectively resolve chronic injuries that have not responded to other forms of therapy. For patients with a soft tissue injury, the best option for a complete resolution is the combination of the Active Release Technique with a solid program of rehabilitative exercises that Dr. Gilenson will develop for you.

ART can help everyone, from athletes, to office workers, to stay-at-home moms. Many professional athletes have come to regard Active Release Technique very highly for the incredible results on serious injuries.

Soft tissue injuries are very serious!

The cumulative effects of trauma and the overuse of soft-tissue cause what is called Repetitive Stress Injuries (RSI). The documented cases of RSI’s are skyrocketing. Recently, the health care costs for RSI in the U.S. surpassed costs for low back pain as the largest health care expenditure. It is estimated that the cost of RSI’s in the US alone exceeds $110 billion yearly.

When soft tissue is forced to perform the same routine over and over, it becomes irritated and then inflamed. The body responds to this inflammation by creating scar tissue (adhesive tissue) in an attempt to stabilize the area. The onset of this creates a vicious cycle that leads to a weaker condition. The longer this occurs, the harder it is to break the cycle.

ART provides a way to locate, diagnose, and treat the underlying causes of cumulative trauma. These disorders result in symptoms of:
1. Aching
2. Numbness
3. Burning
4. Tingling

What is an Active Release Technique treatment like?

Active Release Techniques is non-invasive, very safe, has virtually no side effects and has a record of producing phenomenal results.

Treatments can and will feel uncomfortable during the movement phases as the scar tissue “breaks up.” This discomfort is temporary and subsides almost immediately after the treatment. It is common to feel a duplication of your pain symptoms during the treatment (which is a good indication that the problem has been identified).

Treatments take about 8-15 minutes per area treated and may require 4 to 10 visits. Patients report that “it is a good hurt.”

If you have any questions, contact Dr. Gilenson where he can answer any of your issues or concerns. You’ve tried the other therapies with minimal results. It is time you felt better.

Dr. Gilenson can help. If you have any questions about our services, please contact us today at (770) 232-9483.