Massage, soft tissue manipulation, and myofascial release are all familiar terms of treatment options for musculoskeletal complaints. So what is Active Release Technique otherwise known as ART? What makes this treatment option different?

ART is a therapy that treats those problems with muscles, tendons ligaments, fascia and nerves. Headaches, back pain, shin splints, shoulder pain, sciatica, plantar fascitis, knee problems and tennis elbow are just a few of the many conditions that can be resolved quickly & permanently with ART. These conditions all have one important thing in common; they result from injury to our- used muscles.

A physical therapist trained in ART focuses on the problem body part. Often the involved musculature is shortened from the injury or the cumulative repetitive trauma. One’s range of motion is typically limited because of the increased muscle tension. The common method of treatment is the therapist will take the tissue from a shortened position to a fully lengthened position while stretching and applying pressure at a specific painful source. The muscle is then lengthened passively and actively to fully extend the fibers back to a more normal length.

When soft tissue irritation is truly resolved, the symptoms will not return unless it is re-injured. The patient is trained to not re-injure the same body part. This is where education is paramount. Learning to relax muscles and teach the muscle to rework in a more ergonomic and anatomical friendly way will keep the often repeated, nagging and debilitating tightened muscle and or fascia at the most optimum level for regular function. Therapists certified in ART take an intensive 4-day course for either the lower extremity, upper extremity, or spine to master techniques. They are then required to maintain their certification by yearly certification updates with hands on training. To learn more about ART or if you want to receive this skilled myofascial technique, call the Frederick or the Hagerstown MMI rehab facilities.

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