active release | FAQ's

How does scar tissue develop?
Macrotrauma (acute sport injury, falls, tears, etc). Microtrauma (repetitive injuries that cause microtraumas) and Crush trauma (where the tissue does not receive enough oxygen). Scar tissue is dense, and fibrous, which left untreated can worsen in texture and limit mobility as muscles move past each other.

How does scar tissue affect us?
As this detrimental scar tissue develops muscles will become shorter and tighter. When muscles move past each other in movement there is little friction. As more scar tissue is deposited in between the muscle layers, the mechanics of movement is altered and therefore some of the fibers will be short and tight. This will manifest in pain, reduced range of motion, and loss of strength. If by chance a nerve is involved you may feel numbness, tingling or weakness.

What is a treatment like? (Does it hurt?)
Active release is a non-invasive, safe technique that doesn’t have many side effects, however does have a history of great results. During the treatment you may get a reproduction of your symptoms (which may cause some uncomfort), and as this is happening the scar tissue/adhesions are getting broken up. The muscle is first shortened, as it is passively or actively engaged the doctor will apply a tension along the muscle.

How is ART™ different than deep massage?
ART™ is a protocol specific for the correction of adhesions and scar tissue in muscles. There are over 500 specific protocols. Patients who have had ART™ can attest that it does not feel like a massage. Most types of massage do not use active and passive motions like ART.

Does ART™ work with chiropractic care?
The combined use of Chiropractic and ART™ produces optimal results because you address soft tissue and bone/structural problems.

Why haven’t I heard of ART™ before?
ART™ has been around for over a decade. However, in the past its’ success has been known mostly by elite athletes as a tool in rehabilitation and performance care. In the last few years, more and more chiropractors have started to learn this amazing technique, which takes a commitment of time and resources to become a provider. Beware of practitioners who claim they perform this technique without the required credentialing. For a list of ART™ providers in your area refer to www.activerelease.com