What’s the Difference? What is ART?
The basics of ART
Active Release Techniques® (ART®) treatment is a non-invasive system that treats soft-tissue and nerve dysfunction at the source. This hands-on treatment uses a combination of provider touch, depth, and tension with patient movement to pinpoint and treat the origin of the affected area.
According to the official ART website, to find the source of the problem, ART Certified Providers™ use a three-step process in a patient’s treatment: diagnosis, treatment, and relief.
What does ART involve?
During the diagnostic step, the ART Certified Provider feels for abnormalities in tissue texture, tension, and movement. Once pinpointed, ART treatment is provided through applied touch and patient movement, aiding in rehabilitation, and reducing pain. Most soft-tissue problems are resolved in five or fewer 15-minute treatment sessions. That said, patients typically experience a drastic improvement in their level of pain and function after just one treatment, with no reported side effects.
Benefits of ART treatment
Anyone with soft tissue can benefit from ART treatment. When muscles, ligaments, tendons, and nerves are overused or simply do not function properly, ART treatment should be a considered treatment option. Many people choose ART as their go-to treatment method for the following reasons:
- Non-invasive treatment with no known risks
- Cost-effective with minimal treatment sessions
- Quick, 15-minute treatment sessions
- Heals the entire affected area and contributing sources
Conditions that are treated by ART treatment
ART treatment is an effective solution for people of all activity levels; from weekend warriors to professional athletes, to those who sit at a desk all day or live it up on the couch. See below for the soft-tissue conditions ART is used to treat:
- Back pain
- Carpal tunnel syndrome
- Joint pain
- Numbing sprains
- Lockjaw
- Strains
- Foot pain
- Migraines
- Shoulder pain
- Sciatica
- Repetitive stress and overuse injuries
ART treatment works to solve these conditions by breaking down the dense scar tissue, adhesions, or contractures that build up due to trauma, allowing pain-free movement back to that area.
Who practices ART?
ART is practiced by many medical professionals including doctors, athletic trainers, chiropractors, physical therapists, and massage therapists. To become an ART Certified Provider™, health care professionals are required to successfully complete an ART seminar and do so every 12 months.
What makes ART treatment unique?
ART offers long-term treatment benefits without surgical intervention or lengthy referral timelines. It is often used as a last resort for conditions that weren’t successfully treated through conventional methods, though it is an appropriate first-choice treatment option.
How was ART created?
Dr. P. Michael Leahy founded ART during his time performing chiropractic work on elite athletes. With his extensive background in engineering, biomechanics, anatomy, and healthcare, Dr. Leahy worked to create a more effective soft-tissue treatment and provide a long-term healthcare solution.
Do you want to learn more about ART’s journey and impact? Click here.