Active Release Techniques (ART)

Active Release Techniques A® soft tissue management system was designed to specifically target and remove soft tissue adhesions (or scarring) which results in increased soft tissue tension, pain and dysfunction. These adhesions can be the result of acute injuries such as sprains, strains, or bruises; or can be the result of repetitive motions that are common in athletic training and competition, or in the daily routines of the workplace. When tissues (muscles for example) are repetitively contracted as would occur with the leg muscles in running, or in the muscles of the forearm with typing, blood flow becomes restricted to those muscles and the surrounding tissues. The purpose of blood flow is to carry oxygen to the tissues which is used to create energy for the tissues cells so that they can carry on their activities (i.e. reproduction, metabolism, etc.). Muscles require a considerable amount of oxygen to function. If muscles are over used it chronically limits blood flow thus decreasing the oxygen supply. When this occurs, the body, in an effort to conserve energy and resources, begins to replace the muscle tissue, which is oxygen dependent and energy consuming, with a tissue that doesn’t require oxygen or energy to function, namely scar tissue. Scar tissue is a very rough substance which will cause irritation (friction) to the surrounding nerves therefore causing both pain and decreased function.