(ART) Active Release Techniques

Home | Modalities | (ART) Active Release Techniques

(ART) Active Release Techniques

What is ART® & How Can it Help Me?

Active Release Techniques ® Soft Tissue Treatment (ART®) is an advanced system of diagnosis and manual treatment for soft tissue disorders resulting from Cumulative Trauma Disorders (CTD), Repetitive Strain Injuries (RSI), postural strain, sports injuries and general wear and tear. ART® is a patented, state-of-the-art soft tissue system that treats problems with muscles, tendons, ligaments, fascia and nerves. Headaches, back pain, carpal tunnel syndrome, shin splints, shoulder pain, rotator cuff syndrome, golfer's and tennis elbow, sciatica, plantar fasciitis, knee problems, tendonopathies, epicondylitis, mechanical low back pain, and most sports injuries are some of the many conditions that can be resolved quickly, and most often permanently, with ART®. These conditions all have one important thing in common: they often result from injury to over-used muscles.

How do overuse injuries occur?

Over-used muscles (and other soft tissues) change in three important ways:

acute injuries (pulls, tears, collisions, etc.)
accumulation of small tears (micro-trauma)
not getting enough oxygen (hypoxia)

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

What is an ART® treatment like?

Every ART® session is actually a combination of examination and treatment. The ART® provider uses his or her hands to evaluate the texture, tightness and movement of muscles, fascia, tendons, ligaments and nerves. Abnormal tissues are treated by combining precisely directed tension with very specific patient movements. ART® is unique in its systematic approach to within patient and tissue tolerance because the patient can control the active movement during treatment. These treatment protocols - over 500 specific moves - are unique to ART®. They allow providers to identify and correct the specific problems that are affecting each individual patient. ART® is not a cookie-cutter approach.

Why is ART® used?

ART® is used to allow for free and unimpeded movement of muscles, tendons, nerves and joints, to allow for a dramatic change in comfort, flexibility and strength. ART® is used to enhance and optimize your performance, improve your form and function.

How does ART® work?

ART® works by releasing the level of tightness or scar tissue formation that has formed as a result of injury overuse or even postural imbalances. The tissues are worked to fix injuries within muscles, tendons, ligaments, and between nerves to allow for improved tissue texture, tension, movement and function.

What is the history of Active Release Techniques ® Soft Tissue Treatment (ART®)

ART® has been developed, refined, and patented by P. Michael Leahy, DC, CCSP. Dr. Leahy noticed that his patients' symptoms seemed to be related to changes in their soft tissue that could be felt by hand. By observing how muscles, fascia, tendons, ligaments and nerves responded to different types of work, Dr. Leahy was able to consistently resolve over 90% of his patients' problems. He now teaches and certifies health care providers all over the world to use ART®.

Visit the ART® website.

Testimonials

I suffered from severe bilateral plantar fasciitis for over one year. In constant pain, I was barely able to walk or stand, and was considering surgery. The results of the Graston technique and active release therapy performed by Dr. Katie Au at SHAPE were life-altering. The efficacy of her technique is remarkable. Combined with a program of rehabilitation, altered weekly, my mobility has been restored and pain is gone. SHAPE Toronto has my hearty recommendation.
A. Phillips

Sender,
Thank you and your team for the great session. I ran 16K this morning and felt great, in large part due to your help yesterday. Congratulations on your successful operation. You have a great team and a unique approach to integrated fitness and health.
Adam D.

I've never had a back treatment of such quality. I had the ankle sciatic sensation on the way home and a few times at dinner and a super mild sciatic feeling in my right calf on the way to work, but I feel way better! Thanks for taking such great care of me. I was holding my abs so much last night, my stomach was sore when I woke up this morning!
Catherine K.

I live in Los Angeles and while visiting family in Toronto, I complained of upper-back and shoulder pain which had been ongoing for months. My Dad suggested I see a chiropractor. Luckily, his search led to Shawn. who provided immediate relief. You can't undo months of issues in one visit and a few adjustments, but it was the springboard I needed to get on the right track. I have been pain free since. He even went out of his way to find a doctor in the LA area.
Erik B.

The weekly yoga session with Dagmara is the highlight of our week. She is cheerful, positive, attentive and energetic. The session provides our bodies with flexibility, gives us physical and mental strength, and facilitates peace of mind, so we can endure life until we see her again!
Esther & Ben Geva

I wanted to thank all of you for the amazing support I’ve received over the past few months since coming to SHAPE. I came with specific fitness goals and you exceeded my expectations on every level! I’ve never felt and looked better in my life, and of course. SHAPE is a wonderful environment and knowing you have massage therapists, chiropractors and nutritionists on hand helps make the experience complete.
Gillian S.

Through years of sports and competitive dance, I've had numerous chronic injuries. I visited physiotherapists, massage therapists and acupuncturists, but not until SHAPE did I see a remarkable difference. It's almost unbelievable how accurately they made the diagnosis and performed appropriate treatments. I am thankful to be free of some of the pain I had for years. If there’s such thing as miracle workers, Shawn & Sender are it!. The fact that they follow up the next day with by phone or email speaks volumes!
Heather F.

Sender performed a miracle by alleviating chronic pain, lived with for several years. His ability to pinpoint the exact location of the muscles creating the pain and then use acupuncture and ART® treatments resulted in pain free living. What a joy! Now, it's only 32 hours after treatment so a few more days will tell the tale. Thank you,
Irene D.

I went to the gym and had a really GREAT work out yesterday. My back is a bit sore now but all is good, no problem, and you know what, this morning I feel like the 'HULK' because I can actually feel my muscles 'ripping and full of energy'. It feels MARVELOUS. Thanks Doc for a great treatment.
Respectfully
Jameson W.

A week before my first race, my knees suddenly told me enough was enough! I could barely walk in the morning. I contacted SHAPE, and Shawn came to my rescue introducing me to ART®! Without you and your outstanding ability to alleviate pain, I may not have made it through my warm up on race day!!! You were genuinely concerned about my injury and determined to do whatever possible to make sure I was able to compete - you are my new HERO!
Jess H.

I have always had fantastic workouts at SHAPE, but I must say, my workouts with Adam continually challenge me and the results have been beyond expectation, in a very short period of time. I believe it important to give positive feedback when warranted.
Jessica B.

Unlike most facilities, the whole you is treated by a complete team. My case is continually reviewed by Sender together with my MeDCAN physician, physiotherapist and kinesiologist. It is reassuring to know I am in the hands of such an involved team committed to providing excellence.
Joan M.

My support for SHAPE is due to the commitment of the great people. You have all become like family to me and I will shout from the roof tops how wonderful, not only the facility is, but how great you all are. I believe in the programs and how you work together for your clients.
Jodi C.

I have been training with Khanh for over 2 years and my strength, balance and flexibility have all improved. Khanh seems to know exactly how hard to push me so that I get the most out of every session and still have fun. He is a very thoughtful trainer.
Joe

Sender,
Every time I ski down the hill and feel how strong my legs are and how great I feel, I am grateful for the day I met you. I am skiing better than I have ever skied. I feel like an athelete!!
Judy D.

Product Sales

By P Web Design