Active Release Technique
Active release techniques (ART) is a soft tissue system/movement-based technique developed and patented by P. Michael Leahy. It claims to treat problems with muscles, tendons, ligaments, fascia and nerves. There is little evidence to support its efficacy. The technique is advocated largely by chiropractors.
Medical uses
ART has not been scientifically shown to have medical benefit.
ART claims to treat conditions related to adhesions or scar tissue in muscles. According to ART practitioners, as adhesions build up, muscles become shorter and weaker, the motion of muscles and joints are altered, and nerves can be compressed. As a result, tissues suffer from decreased blood supply, pain, and poor mobility.
ART claims to restore the smooth movement of tissues and to release trapped nerves or blood vessels.[1]
Adverse effects
ART is not appropriate in cases of blunt trauma or active inflammation, but otherwise there are no serious contraindications for its use, though treatments should be limited to every other day.[2]
Treatment description
In an ART treatment, the provider uses his or her hands to evaluate the texture, tightness and mobility of the soft tissue. Using hand pressure, the practitioner works to remove or break up the fibrous adhesions, with the stretching motions generally in the direction of venous and lymphatic flow,[2] although the opposite direction may occasionally be used.[3]
In the first three levels of ART treatment, as with other soft-tissue treatment forms, movement of the patient's tissue is done by the practitioner. In level four, however, ART requires the patient to actively move the affected tissue in prescribed ways while the practitioner applies a specific tension. Involvement of the patient is seen as an advantage of ART, as people who are active participants in their own healthcare are believed to experience better outcomes.[2]
Training and certification
Training is available to chiropractors, physical therapists, massage therapists, certified athletic trainers, medical doctors, and others who are licensed to work on soft-tissue conditions/injuries as well students in those fields. Courses at the Colorado-based Active Release Techniques are not open to practitioners who are not licensed to treat soft-tissue or to obtain malpractice insurance to treat soft-tissue.[4]
The ART courses are approved for CEU's in the United States through the New York Chiropractic College. Active Release Techniques is also an approved provider through the Board of Certification for Athletic Trainers and the National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork for Massage Therapists.[4]
To receive ART certification, practitioners attend workshops and must pass a practical exam. In addition, to maintain certification practitioners must attend at least one ART seminar annually and pass recredential exams.[1]
References
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 "artchiro.com".
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 Cooperstein, Robert; Gleberzon, Brian J. (2004). Technique Systems in Chiropractic. Churchill Livingstone.
- ↑ Buchberger, Dale J. "Active Release Techniques and The Graston Technique: Do we have to choose?". rotatorcuff.net.
- ↑ 4.0 4.1 "Frequently Asked Questions". activerelease.com.