You are probably familiar with chiropractic treatment for spinal misalignment. You may know your chiropractor as an expert on healthy, natural nutrition. But did you know that a chiropractor can also use the active release technique to relieve pain and accelerate healing from injuries to soft tissues—including muscles, tendons, ligaments, fascia, and nerves through a combination of movement and pressure? You can receive treatments with the active release technique, better known as ART with your chiropractor, Dr. Phillips in San Antonio, TX.
ART is a Manual Therapy Technique
The goal of active-release therapy is to break up adhesions and scar tissue. Tiny but tight bands of microscopic scar tissue limit motion, causing pain. They can also "pinch" nerves, resulting in either constant pain or loss of sensation.
During an ART session, chiropractors use their hands to locate areas of tension or adhesions in the patient's soft tissue. The chiropractor then applies pressure while instructing the patient to move the affected muscles or joints in specific ways. The combination of pressure and movement helps to stretch and release the affected tissues.
ART treats a wide range of soft tissue injuries. These include repetitive strain injuries, sports injuries, and chronic pain. Chiropractors often use active release techniques in conjunction with other methods of chiropractic treatment, such as spinal manipulation. The synergies of multiple methods help patients achieve optimal results.
What Kinds of Conditions Call for Active Release Therapy? How Well Does It Work?
There have been dozens of controlled, clinical trials of ART as a supportive therapy for a variety of soft tissue conditions. Here are just a few examples.
- Carpal tunnel syndrome: ART is used as a management therapy for carpal tunnel syndrome. It can help patients regain function when they develop the condition, but it is primarily used for ongoing therapy to keep pain or numbness from coming back.
- Pain in the quadriceps muscles: Many runners are plagued with quadriceps pain. ART helps control the pain so athletes can more efficiently strengthen the muscle.
- Keeping hamstrings from tightening up: An injury to a hamstring can take an athlete out of a game. ART keeps the hamstrings flexible so painful injuries are avoided.
- Tennis elbow: ART helps to relieve pain and restore range of motion after injury to the tendons around the elbow.
Also, many patients find relief from achilles tendonitis with ART. Your chiropractor can use this technique to help you feel better after other kinds of soft tissue injuries as well.
Schedule an Appointment with Our Chiropractor in San Antonio, TX
Call Dr. Phiullips Chiropractic Nutrition and Wellness today at (210) 545-1144 for more information or to schedule an appointment with our chiropractor.