What common conditions does ART treat?
ART has over 500 specific protocols to treat muscle, ligament, and tendon injuries as well as nerve entrapments throughout the body. A partial list of conditions successfully treated with ART is below:
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What separates Active Release Techniques from other therapies?
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ART vs. Deep Tissue Massage:
- ART targets muscular adhesions and scar tissue, unlike deep tissue massage, which uses pressure or stripping motions that can be painful and less effective.
- ART applies lighter pressure combined with active muscle lengthening to create tension and friction, effectively breaking up adhesions in a way that’s less painful and longer-lasting.
- Scar tissue is resilient—ART’s approach with tension is more effective, unlike the repetitive “smashing” method of deep tissue massage.
ART vs. Physical Therapy (PT):
- PT involves exercises, manual therapies, and modalities (e.g., ultrasound), which are valuable but often inadequate for resolving scar tissue-related problems.
- ART directly targets and removes scar tissue and restores full motion along the entire muscle or soft tissue structure, addressing underlying issues, not just symptoms.
Is ART Similar to Deep Massage?:
- No, ART is specific, with predictable results that differ from general massage techniques.
ART Treatment:
- Non-invasive and safe with minimal side effects.
- Temporary discomfort during treatment may occur, but it subsides quickly, and is often a sign that the issue has been identified.
- Results are generally seen immediately after treatment.
Who Can Benefit from ART?:
- Initially used for elite athletes, ART has expanded to help individuals with various soft tissue injuries caused by overuse, stress, or trauma.
- Ideal for anyone suffering from chronic pain, muscle injuries, or restricted movement, with specific benefits for:
- Athletes
- Office workers
- Individuals with repetitive stress injuries
| Assembly line workers Cashiers Computer Operators Computer Programmers Construction Workers Dental Technicians Dentists |
Golfers Hairdressers Homemakers Hospital Workers Massage Therapists Meat Packers Musicians |
Nurses Postal Workers Runners Tennis and Racquet Sports Players Triathlete’s Vehicle Operators Weight Lifters |
Who Can Benefit from ART?
- ART has no contraindications, making it safe for all ages, pre- and post-surgical patients, and even pregnant women.
How Long Do Treatments Take?
- Initial visit: About 1 hour, including consultation, history, examination, and X-rays if needed.
- Subsequent treatments: Usually 5-20 minutes, depending on the condition.
How Soon Can I Expect Results?
- Most patients experience positive results after the first treatment, such as:
- Increased range of motion
- Reduced pain
- Enhanced muscle strength
- Decreased numbness and tingling
Can ART Work with Other Treatments?
- ART can be beneficial alongside other treatments from different specialists. Many patients who have not found success with other treatments often experience improvement after just one or two ART sessions.
Will My Symptoms Return?
- Recurrence rates are very low: Dr. Leahy’s study on carpal tunnel showed a 4% recurrence rate, and half of those had not followed through with their exercises.
- Once adhesions are released, post-treatment exercises are essential for maintaining long-term relief.
Post-ART Exercises
- Exercises are individualized based on your injury’s severity and type. They focus on:
- Strength
- Flexibility
- Balance
- Cardiovascular health
Dr. Underwood will provide a specific exercise protocol for you.
Why Haven’t I Heard of ART?
- ART is well-known in elite and professional sports but is still growing outside of that world.
- It requires specialized training, and there is a small but growing number of credentialed ART providers trained by Dr. Leahy, the developer of ART.