Soft tissue injuries include strains, sprains, and repetitive trauma injuries that can prove devastating for most people. Most of them are a result of physical activity or overuse, but with trauma, they can cause pain and decreased mobility with an elongated healing time.
In the past, most people realized that Active Release Techniques are a good way to treat soft tissue injuries to recover faster. So, the handbook does reflect that this hands-on therapy is a soft tissue release technique and aims to release tension in the soft tissues as a key step toward restoring normal function, offering a promising solution for those suffering from musculoskeletal difficulties as offered by Avalon Performance Therapy.
‘’ In 2023, a Journal of Orthopedic & Sports Physical Therapy study demonstrated that 85% of athletes diagnosed with chronic soft tissue injuries improved by at least 50% in their pain and mobility after receiving a course of treatment with ART. ‘’
Overview of Understanding Active Release Techniques
Active Release Techniques is a kind of manual therapy that aims at treating conditions associated with soft tissue injury. It focuses on the muscles, tendons, ligaments, and fascia. Created by Dr. P. Michael Leahy in 1987, the Active Release Techniques work on the concept that most musculoskeletal problems are caused by to abnormal functioning of soft tissues. These conditions may be developed from various causes like trauma, poor postures, repetitive movements, and scar tissue.
‘’In 2024, The Journal of Sports Medicine established recovery for patients of ART is half as fast as for other patients who received standard physical therapy care for similar disorders.’’
The basic principle of ART is to detect and treat specific patterns of restriction in the soft tissues. The therapy technique implores the both sensitive application of pressure from the hands of the therapist and the active movement of the patient, such that there will be the breaking down of adhesions, improving tissue elasticity, and helping restore normal function.
How ART Works
In treatment, a doctor applies specific pressure on areas of muscle tension or scar tissue and lengthens the muscles of the patient actively moving his body part under treatment. This dynamic approach helps a great deal in lengthening, and resetting tight muscles, eliminating adhesions, and restoring optimal tissue function. The therapist also looks at the movement pattern and posture of the patient to try to identify factors that could have led to the injury.
It can treat the cause and root of soft tissue injuries specifically instead of just using treatment to alleviate symptoms. By specificity of the pattern of dysfunction, ART produces more comprehensive relief and long-term success compared to other soft tissue treatments.
Statistical Evidence of ART’s Effectiveness
‘’A 2022 study in The American Journal of Sports Medicine, in which patients with iliotibial band syndrome, common among runners due to overuse, demonstrated marked improvement following a course of treatments using ART: at six weeks, 78% of patients reported an important reduction in pain and associated enhancement of function.’’
Benefits of Active Release Techniques
Shorter Recovery Time
ART may significantly help in hastening the recovery time in soft tissue injuries. To treat the roots of pain and dysfunction causes, it accelerates recovery. This modality is immensely helpful for athletes and active individuals who have to return to their activities right away.
Improved Range of Motion
Many soft tissue injuries are defined by loss of motion. Relaxation of tight muscles and fascia by the process of ART leads to an increase in flexibility, and reduced range of motion; this can improve mobility and prevent further injury.
Pain Improvement in ART
Since it addresses specific areas of tension and dysfunction, ART can efficiently aid in the pain reduction process. Hence, reliance on other sources of pain medicine will be cut down and an overall increase in comfort level can be achieved.
Prevention of Additional Injuries
ART can contribute to the prevention of secondary injuries by correcting abnormal movement patterns and helping resolve the underlying issues of soft tissues. Long-term musculoskeletal health often relies enormously on this preemptive mechanism.
‘’In 2023, a research study published in Rehabilitation Research and Practice explored the outcome of ART for patients with rotator cuff injuries. The study found that there is an association between patient participation with ART and a 40% reduction in pain and a 60% improvement of shoulder function beyond the confines of physical therapy.’’
How to Apply ART in Recovery
If you are thinking about using ART for your injury, make sure you apply it in support of a comprehensive recovery plan. That might include:
Seeking treatment from a qualified ART practitioner
A qualified ART practitioner has been trained intensively. They are well placed to assess with proper acumen and, therefore, treat you to your condition.
Combination Therapy ART
In most cases, the treatment offered by ART is used in combination as it is a holistic approach and used with other kinds of therapies such as stretching exercises, strengthening exercises, or proper hydration that may consist of or be incorporated into other types of therapeutic applications.
Precautions
Keep posture normal and avoid as far as possible repetitive stress. Exercise regularly can also be helpful. Also, an ART practitioner could even provide you with exercises and strategies to continue to maintain optimal musculoskeletal status over time.
Key Considerations When Using
While ART is generally considered a safe, effective treatment, there are some considerations when using it. The first of these is to consult with a doctor before beginning ART if there may be some problem that would preclude the effectiveness of the treatment, for example, if pregnant or with known health conditions.
Moreover, with further advancements in the As study, ART continues to unravel, more discoveries and innovations. Presently, other studies have already initiated examining more conditions in patients and improving outcomes in greater patient populations.
Wrapping Up!
With a focus on releasing tension, restoring normal function, and giving significant benefits such as faster recovery times, possible improved range of motion, and effective pain relief, Active Release Techniques provide an effective way of recovering from injuries caused to soft tissues and contribute to the healing process.
When incorporated into an all-inclusive recovery program and delivered by a licensed practitioner, at Avalon Performance Therapy you can enhance your overall musculoskeletal well-being while lowering your risk for potential future injuries.