An Update On Active Release Technique for Soft Tissue Injuries

Dr. Mark Hawkins of In Motion Spine & Joint Center recently traveled to St. Louis, Missouri to study the latest research in soft tissue treatments.

Patented as Active Release Technique (ART), the doctors spent February 22nd -25th with leaders of the manual care field honing their skills with this particular treatment protocol.

ART is performed on specific structures on the body that may have formed scar tissue due to over-use, acute injuries or inflammation. This scar tissue can increase and keep tissues from moving freely. As the scar tissue builds up, muscles will become shorter and weaker, the increased tension on the 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. By palpating, or “exploring” the area in question, doctors can find these areas of scar tissue, also known as adhesions, and help remodel the tissue and reduce the scar tissue. This can often increase the range of motion, decrease pain and help prevent other areas of the body from becoming "over-worked".

ART consists of more than 500 specific clinical applications for the effective treatment of various soft tissue conditions ranging from headaches, back and joint pain to carpal tunnel, sciatica and plantar fascitis. The benefits of ART are increased when used in conjunction with joint mobilization/manipulation and therapeutic exercises. ART is so effective, that it has been used on U.S. Olympic Teams, Ironman participants, and professional teams, including the Tennessee Titans. For questions about Active Release Technique, please contact In Motion Spine and Joint Center, please contact us at (615) 302-4747.