EXECUTIVE SPINAL CARE

Active Release Technique

What is Active Release Technique (ART)?

          Active Release Techniques (ART) is a patented, movement based, soft tissue treatment that is very effective for treating strains, sprains and overuse conditions. ART is a non-invasive hands-on therapy, provided by licensed medical providers who have completed post-graduate certifications through Active Release Techniques, LLC. ART providers utilize over 500 specifics pain patterns to accurately identify the cause of an employee’s pain, then physically free the muscles that are adhered together (usually by scar tissue), with hands-on protocols. Employees usually respond rapidly to this specific/movement based form of care. In most cases the change is permanent and/or long lasting when the employee keeps up with self directed stretches.

          Headaches, back pain, carpal tunnel syndrome, shin splints, shoulder pain, sciatica, plantar fasciitis, knee problems, and tennis elbow are just a few of the many conditions that can be resolved quickly and permanently with ART.  These conditions all have one important thing in common: they often result from injury to over-used muscles.

          ART treatment is very different from any other soft tissue technique in that it is a complete system. First the provider defines the problem. Second there is a provider's hands-on evaluation via palpation. During this portion the provider is searching for abnormalities in tissue texture, movement and function, and he is seeing if he can reproduce the symptoms. Once the cause of the pain is found then the provider follows a series of hands on treatment protocols to break up the scar tissue, which has caused muscles to adhere together and/or to entrap a nerve. The treatments involve a very unique hands-on touch (tension to tissue) along with precise movements performed by the employee and the provider.

 Dr Peter Walsh with former European and World Player of the Year George Weah on the bench of a New Jersey Ironmen Soccer game.

 How do overuse injuries occur?

          Over-used muscles (and other soft tissues) change in three important ways:

• acute injuries (pulls, tears, collisions, etc),
• accumulation of small tears (micro-trauma)
• not getting enough oxygen (hypoxia).

          Each of these factors can cause your body to produce tough, dense scar tissue in the affected area.  This scar tissue binds up and ties down tissues that need to move freely.  As scar tissue builds up, muscles become shorter and weaker, tension on 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.

What is an ART treatment like?

          Every ART session is actually a combination of examination and treatment.  The ART provider uses his or her hands to evaluate the texture, tightness and movement of muscles, fascia, tendons, ligaments and nerves.  Abnormal tissues are treated by combining precisely directed tension with very specific patient movements.

          These treatment protocols— over 500 specific moves - are unique to ART.  They allow providers to identify and correct the specific problems that are affecting each individual patient.  No two patients are treated the same way, and the treatment will change on each visit as the body adapts and heals.  ART is not a cookie-cutter approach.

What is the history of Active Release Techniques?

          Dr. Michael Leahy of Colorado Springs, CO developed ART, over 17 years ago. He has developed a symptom pattern system to insure that the ART providers can accurately define the soft tissue condition and select the appropriate treatment protocols. Dr. Leahy has written 4 comprehensive manuals, produced 12 educational videos and teaches 4 different hands-on ART courses to educate medical professionals throughout the world.

          By observing how muscles, fascia, tendons, ligaments and nerves responded to different types of work, Dr. Leahy was able to consistently resolve over 90% of his patients’ problems.  He now teaches and certifies health care providers all over the world to use ART.

What other services does Executive Spinal Care offer?

          Each patient is different in terms of their needs for treatment.  Cryotherapy, Electical Stimulation, Trigger Point Therapy, and Traditional Chiropractic Adjustments are used on a case-by-case basis.

          Each patient also is set up with a personalized exercise and strengthening program in order to stabilize the injured area in order to help prevent re-injury.