The following is excerpted from Release Your Pain by Dr. Brian Abelson and Kamali Abelson.

About Active Release Techniques (ART)

Active Release Techniques (ART) is a patented, noninvasive, soft tissue treatment process that both locates and breaks down the scar tissue and adhesions which cause pain, stiffness, weakness, numbness, and physical dysfunctions associated with Repetitive Strain Injuries. ART is used both for the treatment of RSI injuries, as well as for the improvement of athletic performance.

ART is built upon a strong scientific foundation and is combined with years of practical application in the clinical treatment of soft-tissue injuries. When compared to other medical procedures, ART treatments can reduce the cost of RSI treatment, residual care, and lost productivity to just one-tenth of today's normal costs. Even better, ART is able to resolve the true cause of many of these dysfunctions, by providing more than just a symptomatic solution.

What It's Not

Active Release Techniques (ART) is classified as a multidisciplinary procedure which is practiced by numerous practitioners from a wide range of medical professions and disciplines, including Chiropractors, Physiotherapists, Massage Therapists, Kinesiologists, and Sports Physicians. Art is not:

ART is not Massage Therapy! Massage therapy is able to aid in rehabilitating physical injuries by acting directly upon the muscular, nervous, and circulatory systems. ART and massage therapy work extremely well together as adjunctive therapies, with each serving different functions. Massage therapy, by itself, does not effectively address issues related to scar tissue.

ART is not Physiotherapy!

Physiotherapy includes procedures such as manual therapy, therapeutic exercises, and the application of electro-physical modalities. These are valuable procedures, but again, they do not address or resolve the underlying problems caused by the formation of scar tissues.

ART is not Chiropractic Care!

Traditional Chiropractic care focuses upon the relationship between the spinal skeletal system and the nervous system; it does not focus upon the treatment of soft-tissue. ART and Chiropractic do work well together, but without ART, the results of Chiropractic techniques are often limited in their ability to provide complete resolution for many soft-tissue conditions. Chiropractic works well to release joint capsule restrictions, but these restrictions will return if the original soft-tissue problems are not addressed.

ART is not Surgery!

Surgery uses invasive techniques in an attempt to resolve soft-tissue dysfunction. Surgery, though sometimes necessary, often results in numerous physical complications, adverse reactions to medication, and extended time away from work.

As with many other treatment methods, surgery does not address the underlying cause of soft-tissue dysfunctions - the formation and presence of restrictive soft-tissue adhesions that bind soft-tissue layers, and prevent free motion. In fact, surgery usually results in the formation of yet more scar tissue.

ART is not like other soft-tissue or myofascial techniques!

Several myofascial techniques use mechanical instruments to perform their procedures. ART procedures do not use mechanical instruments, for a very good reason. Over fifty percent of ART procedures and protocols involve the release of entrapped nerves. To feel a nerve as it translates or moves through a muscle or other soft-tissue requires a great deal of tactile sensitivity. The process of feeling and locating the relative translation (movement) of a slender nerve fibre through layers of soft-tissue cannot be achieved with a mechanical instrument.

In addition, most soft-tissue techniques only address restrictions at just single points of restriction. They do not follow the entire length of the soft-tissue structure, nor can they identify restrictions or adhesions at different depths and levels of the tissue. This is in contrast to ART, which aims to return complete translation or relative motion to the full length of the affected soft-tissue and to its adjacent soft-tissue structures. This means complete freedom of motion for the entire restricted structure in relationship to all adjacent structures. Most soft-tissue techniques address only a small aspect of the total restrictions that exist within soft-tissues.

The majority of soft-tissue techniques do not consider the complete kinetic chain in treating a soft-tissue restriction. (The kinetic chain includes all the soft-tissues that are linked to or associated with the affected structure.) Not only do ART practitioners treat the identified area of involvement, they also consider how these restrictions may have altered the biomechanics of the body, and identify and treat the structures that may have been the original cause of the problem.

So...What is ART?

As a hands-on technique, ART provides the means for both diagnosing and treating the underlying causes of cumulative trauma disorders. These disorders often result in symptoms of weakness, numbness, tingling, burning, aching, and numerous other dysfunctions.

The goal of ART is to:

Restore optimal tissue texture, tension, and movement.
Restore the strength, flexibility, relative translation, and function of the soft-tissue.
Release any soft-tissue restrictions, entrapped nerves, restricted circulatory structures, or lymphatic restrictions.
ART is based upon a strong understanding of anatomy, physiology, and biomechanics. It is easily supported by science and logic. As a dynamic technique, practitioners are involved in finding new and better ways of improving upon ART's already impressive outcomes.

ART is a true hands-on technique!

ART is a true 'hands-on' treatment and requires a great deal of tactile sensitivity in order to locate, treat, and finally feel the release of soft-tissue restrictions and nerve impingments.

ART removes the real cause of the problem!

To effectively treat soft-tissue restrictions, injuries, and chronic pain, ART alters the tissue structures by breaking up the restrictive cross-fiber adhesions (which cause adjacent tissues to stick together) and restores normal function to the soft-tissue areas.

ART treats more than just muscles!

After years of clinical experience, ART is the only soft-tissue technique I have reviewed which effectively addresses the specific translation of not only muscles, ligaments, tendons, and fascia, but also the nerves and circulatory structures that that pass through these structures. ART now has well over 500 protocols to address specific soft-tissue dysfunctions. Close to fifty percent of these protocols are dedicated to the resolution of nerve entrapment syndromes. (Active Release Techniques EPN Presentation: What Does ART DO? Copyright Dr. P.Michael Leahy).

ART is very specific!

ART treatments involve the use of specific treatment protocols that deal directly with the patient's dysfunction. These treatment protocols combine the use of pressure, tension, and motion to force the layers of muscle and tissue to work together properly.

ART has an edge over other procedures as its treatments are very specific and can be customized to each patient's unique needs and problems. Many other soft-tissue techniques use a very limited set of protocols which are then applied generically to all related injuries.

How does an ART Treatment Feel?

ART is not a magic medical bullet or a cure-all. ART is noninvasive, very safe, has virtually no side-effects, and has a record of producing excellent results.

Treatments can feel uncomfortable during the movement phases as the scar tissue or adhesions 'break up' . This discomfort is temporary and subsides almost immediately after the treatment. It is common to feel a duplication of your pain symptoms during the treatment (a good indication that the problem has been identified).

Treatments take about 8-15 minutes for each area treated and may require 6 to 8 visits for optimal results. Patients report that 'It hurts good'.

Once a soft-tissue problem has been resolved, the symptoms will not return unless the injury happens again. To avoid future injuries we instruct our patients in specific exercises, give postural recommendations, and explain to our patients the mechanism of injury so that it may be avoided in the future.

Why is ART So Successful

To effectively treat a soft-tissue dysfunction, the practitioner must be able to feel the adhesed tissues and restrictions. ART is unique, when compared to other techniques, in that ART practitioners are taught methods for:

Feeling the location and direction of all restrictions.
Feeling the breakdown of the adhesed tissues.
Feeling the change in the soft-tissue as the nerves, tendons, ligaments and muscles translate and move easily across each other.
ART is used to: Find the specific tissues that are restricted and physically work the soft-tissues back to their normal texture, tension, and length, by using various hand positions and soft-tissue manipulation methods.

ART is successful, where other traditional methods fail, because ART practitioners:

Locate the true, root cause of the problem. An experienced ART practitioner can successfully resolve many soft-tissue problems within 6 to 8 treatments.
Locate the restrictive adhesions that have formed, identify the direction in which these adhesions are aligned, and remove these restrictive adhesions. Compared with ART, most other myofascial techniques are not as specific or as effective.
Work along the entire kinetic change. Advanced ART practitioners are also trained in biomechanical analysis and can understand exactly how injuries within the kinetic chain affect the biomechanics of the patient.
Consider the body to be one complete, dynamic, functional unit - they do not restrict their attention and treatment to just the area of complaint.
Who Can Provide ART Treatments?

This multidisciplinary technique is practiced by Physicians, Chiropractors, Massage Therapists, Kinesiologists, and Sports Medicine practitioners.

ART should only be provided by an ART certified, soft tissue specialist, who has been educated in all the ART clinical protocols and treatment techniques.

There are many people who claim to practice Active Release Techniques. However, the only individuals who are legally allowed to make this claim are those who have undergone rigorous training and testing with Dr. Michael Leahy. ART practitioners must complete and pass all three sections of ART (Spine, Upper Extremity, and Lower Extremity) in order to receive their certification for Active Release Techniques. To maintain ART accreditation, providers must pass a yearly evaluation in order to receive their recertification in the technique.

Always check the ART website (www.activerelease.com) to ensure that your practitioner is currently certified to practice Active Release Techniques, and that he or she is qualified at all three levels of ART.

The History of ART

Active Release Techniques (ART) was developed, refined, and patented by Dr. P. Michael Leahy, DC, CSSP, a Doctor of Chiropractic, based in Colorado Springs, Colorado, and the founder of Champion Health Clinic.

Dr. Leahy noticed that his patients' symptoms seemed to be related to changes in their soft-tissues. He found that he could feel the changes in soft-tissues when they became restricted or adhesed.

By observing how muscles, fascia, tendons, ligaments, and nerves responded to different types of soft-tissue work, Dr. Leahy was able to develop a treatment system that consistently resolved over 90% of his patients' problems.

Dr. Leahy began developing and documenting Active Release Techniques in 1985 under the initial name of Myofascial Release. He used these methods and protocols to treat his patients more effectively and efficiently. Since then, the technique has been patented under the name Active Release Techniques, and is widely taught and practiced around the world.

In recent years, Active Release Techniques has expanded at a phenomenal rate. It is taught throughout Canada, the United States, England, and Australia. Practitioners come from around the world to learn and practice this technique. The technique itself continues to evolve and grow as the results of clinical trials are incorporated into the methodology.

About Dr. P. Michael Leahy

Dr. P. Michael Leahy:

Is a graduate of the United States Air Force Academy and served as a fighter pilot and test pilot.
Has a background in aeronautical engineering.
Graduated Summa Cum Laude and Valedictorian of Los Angeles College of Chiropractic in 1984 and became a Certified Chiropractic Sports Physician in 1986.
Has bee proudly serving patients in the Colorado Springs area for over 15 years.
Teaches ART around the world to practitioners from many different health care disciplines. His efforts have helped to improve the performance of many professional and world class athletes in sports varying from golf, hockey, football, and weightlifting to multiple Olympic sports.
More About ART!

All the information regarding Repetitive Strain Injury (RSI) and Active Release Techniques (ART) was provided by Release Your Pain by Dr. Brian Abelson, Kamali Abelson, BSc and Foreword by Dr. P. Michael Leahy, DC, CCSP.

For more details and articles about ART and how it can effectively resolve a broad range of soft-tissue conditions, see Dr. Abelson's award winning websites: www.drabelson.com and www.activerelease.ca. If you need answers to other questions about ART, see the official ART website at www.activerelease.com

ART can help with... Arthritis, Achilles Tendonitis, Ankle Injuries, Back Pain/Injuries, Bicipital Tendonitis, Bunions and Bursitis, Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, Compartment Syndrome, De Quervain's Tenosynovitis, Dupuytren's Contracture, Foot Pain and Injury, Frozen Shoulder or Adhesive Capsulitis, Gait Imbalance, Golfer's/Tennis Elbow (Tendonitis), Golf Injuries, Hammer Toes, Hand Injuries, Headaches, Hip Pain, Iliotibial Band Syndrome, Impingement Syndrome, Joint Dysfunctions, Knee Meniscus Injuries, Knee and Leg Pain, Hyperextension Injuries, Hyperflexion Injuries, Muscle Pulls or Strains, Muscle Weakness, Myofascitis, Neck Pain, Nerve Entrapment Syndromes, Performance Care, Plantar Fascitis, Post Surgical Restrictions, Repetitive Strain Injuries, Rib Pain, Rotator Cuff Syndrome, Running Injuries, Scar Tissue Formation, Sciatica, Shin Splints, Shoulder Pain, Sports Injuries, Swimmer's Shoulder, Tendonitis, Tennis Elbow, thoracic Outlet Syndrome, Throwing Injuries, TMJ, Weight Lifting Injuries, Whiplash, Wrist Injuries.