Active Release Technique

This technique is the bread and butter of Premier Performance Physical Therapy
and Sports Medicine and is what sets us apart from all physical therapist clinics in
the Boston area. We pride ourselves in this manual treatment because we’ve
dedicated our careers in our ability to use our hands.
Active Release Technique (A.R.T) is the gold standard in soft tissue mobilization. It
not only stretches the muscle, but it addresses the fascia. A.R.T can also target
structures such as ligaments and tendons. This in turn can relieve the pressure in
joints (osteoarthritis, poor biomechanics, lumbar spine, knee pain, etc.), which could
potentially have a patient avoid surgery.

art

How Active Release Technique Works

Scar Tissue and Adhesions

Active Release Technique’s core concept is to prevent and break up any dense scar tissue or adhesions. These adhesions can limit normal range of motion of joints and muscles because they cause abnormal binding between muscle groups. This in turn, will cause trigger points and pain can develop.

Active Release Technique is appropriate for:

  • Acute Injuries including tears or collisions that can happen during exercise or sports.
  • Micro-trauma, which is the gradual wear-down of tissue that’s often caused from aging and inflammation or repetitive physical labor.
  • Hypoxia, which results from tissue not receiving enough nutrients and oxygen as result of muscle tightness or restriction.

Who Benefits Most from A.R.T?

Here are some signs that you might be experiencing some adhesion/scar tissue accumulation and can benefit from ART:

  • Any sort of stiffness, lack of range of motion, or pain.
  • Increased pain or throbbing when exercising
  • Reduced flexibility
  • Loss of Muscle Strength
  • Inflamed joints or frequent joint pains
  • Signs of nerve damage such as tingling, numbness, and weakness

Customized Treatment

ART treatment is a unique protocol that consists of very precise, targeted movements, most of which are done by the patient. Each ART session is different and custom-created to treat the patient’s problem depending on the location and severity of the symptoms. Over 500 different hand motions are used by trained ART practitioners to evaluate a patient’s condition, locate areas of tightness that signify tissue damage, and then to help the patient move in a way that releases the affected tissue through directed tension and very specific movements.

OUR TECHNIQUE PHOTOS