Active Release Techniques® (ART) addresses soft tissue injuries of the muscles, ligaments, tendons, nerves and fascia. This therapy has been used by professional athletes for many years, however most people suffering from an injury can benefit from ART. Dr. Melanie Rapoport is a certified provider of ART®.
Doctor Mel performing Active Release Techniques®
Some of the many conditions that can be treated quickly and effectively with ART include:
- Headaches
- Jaw pain
- Neck pain/whiplash
- Carpal tunnel syndrome
- Sciatica
- Low back pain
- Shin splints
- Plantar fasciitis
How does it work?
Overuse is the most common cause of muscle and joint injuries. Overused tissues can lead to acute episodes (such as a muscle pull or tear), an accumulation of micro-tears and reduced oxygen (known as “hypoxia”). These conditions cause your body to produce tough, fibrous scar tissue that restricts the proper motion of the affected muscles, while also limiting the ability of muscles to move freely next to each other. Over time, the tissues become shorter and weaker, joint motion becomes altered, and nerves can get pinched or trapped. This can cause reduced range of motion, loss of strength, and pain. If a nerve is trapped, you may be feeling numbness, tingling and/or weakness.
What is the treatment like?
During each Active Release Techniques® treatment, the tissues are assessed for their texture, tightness and range of motion. Precisely directed pressure/tension is placed on the affected tissues during specific movement.