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People today are finding themselves busier than ever. We're working longer hours, eating meals on the run, and driving while talking on cell phones. The work force is moving towards automation. As a result, we keep our bodies in the same positions and repeating the same motions for 8-12 hours each day.
Perhaps without realizing it, we are pushing our bodies to the limit, causing our own repetitive stress injuries (sore muscles, aches, and pains). Muscle relaxants and pain-killers are often used to temporarily relieve these discomforts as there have not been many options for healing. Until recently. Since 1984, Active Release Technique (A.R.T.) Soft Tissue Management System has been treating people with direct trauma injuries such as whiplash, sports injuries and repetitive stress injuries from overuse. People who perform jobs that require repetitive movements such as daily computer users, hair stylists and dental hygienists can all benefit from Active Release. Active Release therapy is used to treat carpal tunnel syndrome, neck and lower back pain, shin splints, tennis elbow, golfers elbow and rotator cuff syndrome. "In fact, the technique is applicable to just about any muscle in the body," reports office manager Colette Bremault of Shephard Health. The treatment is significant in the sense that it treatments an injury without drugs or surgery. Recently, Active Release helped a patient with a frozen shoulder who was set up to go for surgery. "But after three A.R.T. treatments, this patient regained 80 per cent use of his shoulder. Our active release provider recommended that his doctor have another look. The surgery was cancelled." Active Release has become known as a ‘miracle treatment' among pro athletes for over a decade. The technique has proven to be extremely beneficial in the improvement of performance and the rehabilitation of injuries. Pro hockey player Gary Roberts, formerly of the Calgary Flames, was forced into early retirement because scar tissue in his neck prevented a nerve from sending signals to his arm. Active Release was able to release the scar tissue around the nerve, allowing Roberts to make a comeback to the NHL. Sprinter Donovan Bailey credits ART for fine-tuning his body, helping him win the gold medal in the 100 meters during the 1996 Olympics. At this point you may be asking yourself, "What exactly is Active Release Techniques?" Active Release was first developed in 1984 by Dr. Michael Leahy of Colorado Springs, Colorado. With a background as a U.S. Air Force aeronautical engineer, Leahy began to study patients from a biomechanical point of view and soon discovered the complexity of soft tissues. He realized that in order to work most efficiently, all soft tissue (muscles, nerves, tendons and ligaments) must function together. Soft tissue however, can become damaged by repetitive stress trauma or direct injury. In either instance the body's quick defence system is to form scar tissue to reduce motion and thus prevent further injury. This scar tissue acts as a glue between tissues preventing them from functioning freely. For example, it will glue muscle to muscle or a nerve to a muscle. These adhesions cause discomfort, pain, stiffness, decreased range of motion, numbness and weakness. This is where Active Release provides healing relief as it directly addresses the scar tissue. An A.R.T. provider will locate the problem nerve or muscle. A "release" is achieved by lengthening the muscles, tendons and ligaments or by pulling a nerve along its path while applying pressure to the scar tissue. The soft tissue is then worked back into the texture, tension and movement that it should have. It is a direct, hands-on treatment that separates the layers of muscles, tendons and nerves so that they can work together properly. A.R.T. is safe, effective, there are no side effects and it is quick to show results. An Active Release treatment will take anywhere from 10-30 minutes, and depending on the condition, it may only require 4 to 6 treatments. The majority of patients report positive results following the first treatment. Calgary is home to many A.R.T. providers. Talk to your doctor if you think Active Release may be beneficial to you, or phone 543-7499 for more information. |
