At Massage Works Therapy & Spa in Fort Wayne, we offer a variety of treatments designed to help you feel your best. One technique we specialize in is Active Release Techniques (ART). ART is a soft tissue therapy that helps heal muscles, tendons, ligaments, and nerves. It is a great option if you are dealing with pain or tightness due to injury or repetitive strain.
Active Release Techniques focus on breaking up scar tissue and improving range of motion. This method is often used for conditions like tennis elbow, carpal tunnel, and sports injuries. If you are struggling with any of these issues, ART can be an effective way to recover.
What is Active Release Techniques?
Active Release Techniques is a treatment method that combines movement with pressure. During an ART session, your massage therapist will apply firm pressure to the affected area while guiding you through specific movements. The goal is to release tension, break down scar tissue, and restore mobility.
This technique is especially useful for athletes, but it can benefit anyone dealing with chronic pain or repetitive strain injuries. Whether you’ve overused your muscles at work or on the field, ART helps bring balance and relief to the body.
How Does ART Work?
The body can develop scar tissue after injury or overuse. This scar tissue forms as the body tries to heal, but it can restrict movement and lead to pain. When muscle fibers become stuck together, it’s harder for the muscles to move freely. This can limit your range of motion and cause discomfort.
Active Release Techniques work by breaking up these adhesions, freeing your muscles to move without restriction. The therapist uses their hands to locate the areas where tissue is tight or stuck. Then, with the right pressure and guided movements, the scar tissue breaks apart.
ART is not just about passive massage. It requires active participation from the client. You may be asked to move your arm, leg, or neck in a certain way while the therapist applies pressure. These movements are what make ART so effective at targeting the exact areas that need help.
Conditions Treated by Active Release Techniques
Active Release Techniques are commonly used for a range of soft tissue injuries. Some of the conditions that respond well to ART include:
- Repetitive strain injuries: This includes carpal tunnel, tendinitis, and other conditions caused by repeated motion.
- Sports injuries: ART can help with pulled muscles, sprains, and other common injuries athletes face.
- Chronic pain: If you have lingering pain in your back, shoulders, or hips, ART can help release tension and improve movement.
- Post-surgical recovery: After surgery, ART can speed up healing by breaking up scar tissue and restoring flexibility.
Benefits of Active Release Techniques
One of the biggest benefits of Active Release Techniques is pain relief. By targeting the root cause of the pain, ART helps reduce discomfort quickly. Many clients report feeling better after just one session.
In addition to pain relief, ART helps improve flexibility and range of motion. After an injury, it’s common to feel stiff or restricted. ART helps restore your normal movement, making it easier to get back to the activities you enjoy.
Another benefit is that ART is tailored to your needs. The therapist will adjust the pressure and movements based on your condition and level of comfort. This makes ART a versatile treatment for many types of injuries and pain.
Why Choose Massage Works Therapy & Spa in Fort Wayne for ART?
At Massage Works Therapy & Spa, we pride ourselves on offering the best in massage therapy for our Fort Wayne community. Our therapists are trained in Active Release Techniques and other deep tissue methods. Whether you are recovering from an injury or dealing with chronic pain, we are here to help.
We understand that each client is unique. That’s why we offer personalized care to ensure the best possible outcomes. When you choose Massage Works Therapy & Spa, you can trust that you are in good hands.
Book Your Active Release Techniques Session Today
If you are experiencing pain or limited mobility, don’t wait. Contact Massage Works Therapy & Spa in Fort Wayne to book your session today. Let us help you get back to feeling your best.
References:
- Pohlman, R.L., & Putnam, J.A. (2017). Active Release Techniques for Soft-Tissue Management. Journal of Chiropractic Medicine, 16(2), 102-111.
- Leahy, M. (2015). Active Release Techniques: Soft Tissue Management for Musculoskeletal Pain. Journal of Bodywork and Movement Therapies, 19(1), 3-5.