Active Release Technique, or A.R.T., is the gold standard treatment for treating the soft-tissue aches and pains. It incorporates manual pressure and patient movement. Each protocol is specific to a certain muscle to maximize the treatment’s effectiveness. The massage-like movements allow the doctor to target problematic muscles, tendons, fascia, ligaments and sometimes even nerves— all of which are referred to as “soft tissues”.
The combination of A.R.T. and traditional chiropractic adjustment allows the doctor to address all components of the body to help you restore back to health!
Conditions That Can Be Treated by A.R.T.
Back Pain
Neck Pain
Whiplash and other Motor Vehicle Accident Related Injuries
Repetitive Strain Injuries
Shoulder Pain
Arm Pain
Hand Pain
Knee Pain
Leg Pain
Foot Pain
Spine Pain
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Reduced Mobility
And more!
Benefits of A.R.T.
Soft tissue is often the source of the pain and inflammation and is untouchable by typical adjustments. By focusing on the soft tissue, A.R.T. can target the root of the pain or discomfort and provide a more profound relief and treatment. A.R.T. works to soften and stretch out the targeted muscle or muscles and break down the tissue. And because A.R.T. is solely-focused on treating the soft tissue, it also allows a Chiropractor to treat many conditions that are only caused by pain or inflammation in these areas— most commonly pain caused by overused muscles, surgeries, joint dysfunction, adhesions and even general muscle tenderness.
Cleans out scar tissue
As we mentioned above, A.R.T. breaks down scar tissue. This is the tissue that our body sends to an affected area as part of its repair system. And over time, this scar tissue can build up and cause pain or discomfort (often the reason you seek treatment in the first place). But by targeting our body’s muscles, A.R.T. can break down this tissue and essentially clean our muscles— eliminating the pain or discomfort.
Benefits range of movement
As we mentioned above, A.R.T. focuses on softening and stretching out specific muscles to treat various conditions. And while this not only provides effective relief from pain or discomfort, it also helps improve a patient’s range of motion. This is especially beneficial for patients recovering from surgery or some other condition where they may not be able to move a specific part of their body for an extended time.
Can treat joint conditions
When compared to a treatment like traditional Chiropractic treatment, A.R.T. is better at treating conditions in our body’s joints. This is because it can be quite challenging to provide an adjustment to these areas whereas the muscles of these joints are more accessible.
Reduced recovery time
Thanks to its non-intrusiveness, A.R.T. provides patients with a much shorter recovery time than other treatments. And while this may not matter to the average person, we find this is extremely valuable for athletes— helping to get them back in the game as soon as possible.
Focuses on more than just pain relief
Pain relief is only one part of the larger rehabilitation process. Things like future pain prevention, patient education and even range of motion restoration, all also play a significant role in a patient’s treatment journey. This is what makes A.R.T. so beneficial. It focuses on pain relief as well as all of these other aspects.
Dr. Horne is certified in A.R.T. in Cranberry Township, PA. He uses it in conjunction with traditional chiropractic adjustments.
Give us a call to find out what A.R.T. can do for you and your wellbeing!