Active Release Technique
Active Release Technique (ART) has been developed, refined, and patented by P. Michael Leahy, DC, CCSP. Dr. Leahy noticed that his patients' symptoms seemed to be related to changes in their soft tissue that could be felt by hand. By observing how muscles, fascia, tendons, ligaments and nerves responded to different types of work, Dr. Leahy was able to consistently resolve over 90% of his patients' problems. He now teaches and certifies health care providers all over the world to use ART.
ART is a patented, state of the art soft tissue movement based on massage technique that treats problems with muscles, tendons, ligaments, fascia and nerves. Headaches, back pain, carpal tunnel syndrome, shin splints, shoulder pain, sciatica, plantar fasciatis, 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 commom. They are often a result of overused muscles. Overused muscles change in three ways:
These factors cause the body to produce tough, dense scar tissue. Scar tissue binds up and ties down tissues, therefore preventing their movement. Muscles become shorter and weaker, tension on tendons causes tendonitis and nerves can become trapped.
Active Release Technique uses motion to fix the problem. The ART provider uses their hands to evaluate the texture, tightness and movement of muscles, fascia, tendons, ligaments and nerves. Abnormal tissues are treated by combining precisely directed tension with very specific patient movement. These treatment protocols(over 500 specific moves) are unique to ART. They allow providers to identify and correct the specific problems that are affecting each individual patient. ART is not a cookie-cutter approach.
In order to become an ART provider, each professional must complete extensive hands-on instruction and written practical testing unparalleled by other soft tissue programs. An ART provider is trained to palpate and treat more than 300 muscular and facial injuries and over 100 nerve entrapments. We see a broad range of injuries and conditions. Active Release Technique is successful for professional and amateur athletes, people injured in auto accidents or at work, and people who just work hard and hurt. Treatment duration and frequency may vary depending on the severity and complexity of the injury, however, most patients experience rapid recovery.
"Over the last few years while playing for the Dallas Stars, I have been receiving ART (Active Release Therapy) by Dr. Troy Van Biezen. ART helps keep me on the ice performing at a high competitive level. No other treatment has been as effective as ART. Dr. Van Biezen has been a tremendous help in keeping my muscles free and clear of scar tissue with ART and helping me recover so rapidly."
Brenden Morrow
"I wanted to tell you how grateful I am to you for the therapy you performed on my injured shoulder.
I visited your office on a whim and without any expectation that you'd be able to remedy what other doctors and physical therapists had not. For months I'd lived in pain and was nervously anticipating the prospect of surgery. I was surprised... and thrilled... that you were able to get extraordinary results in only 7 visits. After working with you, my shoulder is now fully functioning and pain free! I owe you a big thanks."
Michael Andrews
2010 Winter Olympic Gold Medal Champion and Captain for the Dallas Stars Hockey Team
For more information about Active Release Technique, visit www.activerelease.com or call Eberle's Physical Therapy at 814-734-7444. No referral required.