A.R.T. (Active Release Technique) in Redondo Beach

What is Active Release Technique

A.R.T. is primarily designed to identify and eliminate adhesive scar tissue in muscles, fascia, tendons, ligaments, and nerves. Treatment consists of precisely directed tension with the hands and specific patient movements to essentially “comb out” the adhesive scar tissue. In some cases, scar tissue can entrap nerves throughout the body causing numbness, tingling, and weakness. A.R.T. can successfully release these entrapped nerves.

Adhesive scar tissue forms because of injury, repetitive motion, and constant tension. Once scar tissue forms it can cause pain and dysfunction to that area of the body. Since every muscle, fascia, tendon, ligament, and nerve has a job to do scar tissue prevents that muscle from performing its job properly. Weakness, dysfunction, decreased range of motion, and instability will lead to pain and compensation. Compensation will lead to more scar tissue formation and the cycle continues.

Who Needs ART?

Anybody who has been injured or performs any activity that involves repetitive motion or constant tension will develop adhesive scar tissue. Scar tissue will lead to dysfunction and ultimately pain.

The typical patient that presents to our office is usually an active weekend warrior who seeks treatment because they are experiencing pain that is interfering with what they love to do. The pain is usually gradual and chronic in nature although it can be acute and sudden. They typically have sedentary jobs but lead an active and healthy lifestyle. They usually know something is wrong and the pain is not getting better. They know that rest, ice, and meds are not resolving their pain. Stretching, foam rolling, and physical therapy seem to give them temporary relief but the problem persists. Some have even sought medical or chiropractic treatment but that does not seem to resolve the issue. If this sounds like you, your problem may not be improving because of the presence of adhesive scar tissue.

What to Expect/How does it feel

An A.R.T. session is a combination of deep pressure along with a stretch at the same time. Treatment is only done on tissue identified as being scarred. Most patients describe it as a “good pain” or they’ll say “that hurts but feels like exactly what I need.” ART is not designed to feel good, it is designed to fix a problem. Some patients feel sore after a treatment like a post-workout soreness. Most patients notice an immediate improvement whether it’s an increase in range of motion, increase in strength or a decrease in pain.

How long will it take?

Each session usually takes 20-30 minutes but varies depending on the person and the condition. How many visits it will take to resolve your condition varies depending on many factors including the severity of the condition, overall health, age, and when the problem started. We recommend an initial treatment plan of approximately 5 treatments where we expect our patients to experience a noticeable improvement within that time. Depending on the results we see within that time, we come up with a future treatment plan.

Who does ART?

Active Release Technique can only be performed by a certified practitioner. Certifications are obtained through a series of seminars and practitioners must renew their certifications to stay up to date with the latest treatment modalities. ART is NOT a chiropractic technique and is also done by medical doctors, physical therapists, athletic trainers, and massage therapists.