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What is Active Release Technique (A.R.T.®)? |
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A.R.T. is a patented soft tissue massage technique that utilizes active movements (where possible) to mobilize scar tissue adhesions caused by injuries, repetitive friction (e.g., from over-use injuries) and hypoxia (lack of oxygen) (see diagram for mechanisms of injury). |
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Scar tissues can form in muscles, tendons, ligaments, fascia and joint capsules and cause restriction in range of movements and pain. |
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Scar tissues can entrap surrounding nerves and contribute to symptoms such as pins and needles, numbness and burning sensation. |
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Cumulative Injury Cycle |
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Chronic injuries are often contributed by many factors. Acute injury (sprain or strain), will cause inflammation, which is followed by formation of scar tissues as part of the repair process.
Scar tissues are important because they stabilize the injured area and hence promote healing to take place. However, scar tissues are often laid down as random clusters.
Overtime, these clusters of scar tissues may adhere to neighboring structures and inhibit normal sliding of muscles and tendons and in some cases they may compress nerves and blood vessels and give rise to symptoms such as tightness, weakness, pins and needles and numbness.
A.R.T. uses specific tension to help re-aligning scar tissues and promote normal sliding and gliding between muscles, tendons and nerves. If scar tissues are left un-treated, they can often lead to a vicious cycle (see diagram below) and increase the risk of re-occurrence of injury. |
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| Cumulative Injury Cycle diagram |
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| Click here for information on Sports and Remedial Massage |
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How does A.R.T.® work? |
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A.R.T. works by application of specific manual tension and pressure to and around the sites of scar tissue adhesions.
Thus restoring normal gliding, sliding and extensibility of the affected soft tissues.
Active and passive movements are encouraged during treatment. |
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A.R.T.® can prevent injuries |
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A.R.T. is not only effective for sports-related injuries; an experienced A.R.T. practitioner can detect scar tissue adhesions and resolve them before they become a problem.
Scar tissues can result from micro-trauma caused by over-training and repetitive use.
If scar tissues are left untreated, over time, they will accumulate and cause reduction in muscle length and flexibility (i.e., tightness), and thus increasing the risk of injury and ultimately affect performance. |
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Can A.R.T.® help me? |
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If you are suffering from acute, chronic or re-occurring injuries associated with repetitive use, it is highly likely that A.R.T. can help, these include:
To prevent re-occurrence, appropriate rehabilitation and Physiotherapy programs must be implemented concurrently. |
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