Active Release Therapy (ART)

Most people associate chiropractic care with "adjusting" joints that are not functioning properly. However, a large part of Dr. Sean Starr's practice deals with the associated soft tissues (muscles, ligaments, tendons, and nerves) surrounding the joints being treated. Due to repetitive stress and micro trauma in an unbalanced area, soft tissue injuries often coincide with restricted joints. Therefore, not only must the restriction with the joints be released, but the soft tissue adhesions must also be released. To treat the soft tissue components, a soft tissue release technique is utilized. This highly effective technique is called ART or Active Release Techniques.

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Active Release Techniques (ART) is a patented, non-invasive state-of-the-art soft tissue system that treats problems with muscles, tendons, ligaments, and nerves. Headaches, back pain, carpal tunnel syndrome, shin splints, shoulder pain, sciatica, plantar fasciitis, 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 thing in common; they often result from injury to overused muscles. At Active Health and Wellness, we offer ART to help patients in Victoria experience natural relief from their pain and discomfort.

An Active Release Techniques (ART) session is both an examination and treatment. The primary objective of ART is to identify dysfunctioning tissue that may be adhesed or caught up due to binding scar tissue. This scar tissue forms as a result of acute injury or repetitive overuse conditions. ART works to eliminate the pain and dysfunction associated with these adhesions.

During each session Dr. Sean Starr will use his hands to evaluate the texture, tightness and movement of the muscle, fascia, tendons, ligaments and nerves. The abnormal tissues are treated by combining precisely directed tension with a very specific movement pattern.

One of the big things about ART is to not only break down the scar tissue, but also identify why this scar tissue has developed in the first place. Most people think of scar tissue as something that develops only after a cut, strain, or a crushing injury and occurs only at the site of injury. Actually, there are many more ways that scar tissue can develop. When muscles tighten up for an extended time, this causes increased friction, pressure and tension to build between the muscle layers. As a result the oxygen supply to the muscle is significantly decreased. When the muscle tissue does not get enough oxygen, the resulting condition is called hypoxia. Hypoxia leads to scar tissue development because some of our muscle cells and connective tissue cells die and stimulate fibrosis; the process that creates scar tissue and adhesions.


Benefits of the Active Release Technique

Prevents Injuries

When scar tissue builds up, it strains and tightens the muscles, making you susceptible to injuries. Thankfully, the ART treatment breaks up the scar, reducing your vulnerability to muscle tears, pulls, and strains. 

Increases Range of Motion

Injuries sustained in sports, the workplace, or auto accidents reduce the range of motion. But one excellent benefit of ART is that it restores full range of motion, helping patients return to complete wellness. 

Reduces Pain

ART improves blood circulation to the affected area, triggering natural healing that reduces pain in the long run. As a result, Active Release Techniques are an excellent treatment for pain management, whether it's neck pain, lower back pain, or shoulder pain. 

Improves Athletic Performance

ART is popular with athletes because of the benefits it offers. For example, ART provides swift recovery from injuries and restores normal function to connective tissues. Besides, studies have shown that Active Release Therapy improves athletic performance, especially among running professionals. 

It's Natural

The best part about ART is that it's natural. It doesn't involve medications or invasive procedures. This way, patients avoid side effects like nausea, dizziness, and vomiting synonymous with drugs and surgeries. 

Improves Quality of Life

Pain reduces your ability to perform fundamental duties and even participate in hobbies you love. The good news is that ART reduces pain and inflammation and restores your range of motion, helping improve your overall quality of life. 

Contact Us for Quality Health and Wellness Care from Our Chiropractors in Victoria, BC

Active Release Therapy provides profound beneficial effects for patients suffering from various conditions, helping them achieve reduced pain while enjoying other benefits such as improved mobility in daily performance. Our chiropractors can help you by providing professional care at Active Health and Wellness. If you live in Victoria or the surrounding areas, call us today to schedule your first consultation.

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