Active Release Therapy

What is A.R.T.

Active Release Techniques (A.R.T.) is a hands-on technique that treats the underlying causes of many cumulative trauma disorders. These disorders often result in symptoms of weakness, numbness, tingling, burning, aching and other physical dysfunctions.

Initial assessment takes 40 minutes. Subsequent treatments take about 30 minutes for each area treated and may require several visits for optimal results. Treatment is provided by our massage therapist Louise Abbott.

The treatments are very specific and are customized to each client’s unique needs and problems. The treatment is non-invasive, very safe and has virtually no side-effects.

The goal of ART is to:

Restore optimal tissue texture, tension and movement
Restore the strength, flexibility and function of the soft-tissue
Release any soft-tissue restrictions, entrapped nerves, restricted circulatory structures, or lymphatic restrictions

To effectively treat soft-tissue restrictions, injuries and chronic pain, ART alters the tissue structures by breaking up the restrictive cross-fiber adhesions (which cause adjacent tissues to stick together) and restores normal function to the soft-tissue areas.

ART techniques allow soft-tissue layers (that were once restricted) to move freely over each other and help to correct a wide range of myofascial and nerve entrapment syndromes.

The treatments involve the use of specific techniques that deal directly with the client’s dysfunction. These treatment techniques combine the use of pressure, tension, and motion to force the layers of muscle and tissue to work together properly.

Treatment can feel uncomfortable during the movement phases as the scar tissue or adhesions ‘break 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 (a good indication that the problem has been identified).