What is an Active Release Technique® treatment like?
Every Active Release Technique® session is actually a combination of examination and treatment. The provider uses his or her hands to evaluate the texture, tightness and movement of muscles, fascia, tendons, ligaments and nerves (soft tissues). Abnormal tissues are treated by combining precisely directed tension with very specific patient movements.
They allow providers to identify and correct the specific problems that are affecting each individual patient. Active Release Technique® is not a cookie-cutter approach. Providers must pass a rigorous examination to be considered Certified Active Release Technique® Providers and maintain active certification yearly.
Over-used muscles (and other soft tissues) change in three important ways:
- acute conditions (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 causes tendonitis, and nerves can 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. Ask our staff about Active Release Technique® and how you can benefit from this treatment.
