Dynamic Sports Physical Therapy in New York City would like to proudly inform current and prospective patients that our therapists are certified in Active Release Techniques® (ART), a state-of-the-art soft tissue system/movement-based technique developed and patented by P. Michael Leahy, DC, CCSP. ART is primarily used to treat conditions related to adhesions or scar tissue in overused muscles, and its goal is to restore smooth muscle movement of tissues and release any trapped nerves or blood vessels to get you pain-free and back to moving properly.
Dr. Leahy developed, refined and patented ART after noticing certain patient symptoms were related to soft tissue changes only felt by hand. By observing how patients responded to the techniques and making appropriate changes, he’s been able to effectively resolve over 90% of patients’ problems with these treatments.
ART is effective for treating a wide variety of muscle, ligament, tendon, fascia and nerve conditions, including headaches, back pain, shoulder pain, knee problems, tennis elbow, shin splints, sciatica and carpal tunnel syndrome. Though these conditions derive from different sources, they are similar in that they all usually result from overused muscles.
Overused muscles and other soft tissues undergo changes such as small tears and insufficient oxygen, and these changes can cause the body to create tough, dense scar tissue that prevents patients from moving freely in the affected area. Over time, as scar tissue builds up, muscles become shorter and weaker, which can cause reduced range of motion, loss of strength and pain.
Every ART session is a combination of both examination and treatment. Below are some highlights:
- A certified practitioner will use their hands to evaluate texture, tightness and mobility of soft tissue
- Using hand pressure, the practitioner will treat abnormal tissues with precisely-directed tension and very specific patient movements
- The treatment protocol consists of over 500 specific moves unique to ART
- The practitioner performs the first three levels, but the fourth requires the patient to actively move the affected tissue in prescribed ways while tension is applied; this is considered one of the major advantages of ART
If you’re experiencing any soft tissue problems and are interested in ART, visit us at Dynamic Sports in New York City, where we’ll be able to diagnose your condition and determine if ART is the right treatment for you.
