Active Release Technique

What is Active Release Technique (ART)?

Active Release Technique (A.R.T.) is a movement-based soft tissue therapy developed, refined, and patented by Dr. Michael Leahy, a chiropractor in Denver. Dr. Leahy noticed many symptoms with which patients complained of seemed to be related to changes in their soft tissue that could be felt by palpation. By observing how muscles, fascia, tendons, ligaments and nerves responded to different types of his manual work, Dr. Leahy was able to consistently resolve over 90% of his patients’ problems using this soft tissue therapy. He now teaches and certifies health-care providers all over the world to use his technique and Dr. John Super is a certified provider of Active Release Technique (A.R.T.).

What can Active Release Technique treat?

Active Release Techniques may serve as a valuable resource in treating such cases as:

Each of these conditions can cause your body to produce tough, dense, scar tissue in the affected area. This scar tissue binds up and ties down other tissues that need to move freely. As scar tissue builds up, muscles become shorter and weaker, tension on tendons can cause tendonitis, and nerves can become entrapped. This can cause reduced ranges of motion, loss of strength and pain. If a nerve is trapped, you may also feel tingling, numbness and weakness.

What are the benefits of an Active Release Technique treatment?

Ultimately, early assessment, diagnosis, and treatment of cumulative trauma disorders from everyday work and/or trauma from sports injuries is ideal; however, long standing adhesions complicated by joint dysfunction etc. can also be addressed. Once these adhesions are released, separated and broken up using Active Release Technique (ART), the underlying soft tissue will re-establish optimal texture, resilience, and proper function (1), becoming smooth allowing the muscles, ligaments, tendons, nerves, and blood vessels to move freely on each other. Take control and actively release your pain, knowing that we are fully committed to providing quality non-surgical drug-free care.

References 1. Leahy MP. Improved treatment for carpal tunnel and related syndromes. Chiropractic Sports Medicine. 9(1):6-9, 1995.

Why is Active Release Technique effective?

We have patients that walk into the office with a particular condition, be it restriction or pain from muscular adhesion, and will finish the treatment with far more ROM and a decrease in pain. It is the kind of treatment that gets you back on the field very quickly.

Does extended insurance cover the treatment?

Yes. WSIB and most insurance providers will recognize Active Release Technique when provided by a chiropractor as a primary health care treatment. A receipt will be issued to you at the end of each treatment. If you don’t have an extended health care plan, save your receipts for income tax purposes.