ART ® is a patented, state-of-the-art soft tissue system/movement based massage technique that treats problems with overused muscles, tendons, ligaments, fascia and nerves. 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 are often a result of overused muscles. ART was developed, refined, and patented by Dr. Michael Leahy who noticed his patients’ symptoms that seem to be related to changes in their soft tissue that could be felt by hand. By observing how these soft tissues and nerves responded to different types of work, Dr. Leahy was able to consistently resolve over 90% of his patients’ problems.
How do overuse conditions occur?
Over-used muscles (and other soft tissues) are a result of pulls, tears, collisions and hypoxia. These factors can cause your body to produce tough, dense scar tissue in the affected area, which minds 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, pain and possibly the feeling of tingling, numbness and weakness.
What is an ART treatment like?
Every ART session is a combination of an exam and treatment. We use our hands to evaluate the texture, tightness and movement of muscles, fascia, tendons, ligaments and nerves and treat abnormal tissues by combining precisely directed tension with very specific patient movements. These treatment protocols – over 500 specific moves – are unique to ART. This allows us to identify and correct the specific problems that are affecting each individual patient. ART is not a cookie-cutter approach.
Active Release Techniques and ART are registered trademarks of Active Release Techniques.