Active Release Therapy: How Athletes Use ART To Recover From Sports Injuries Faster
Active release therapy uses manipulation and movement to help athletes recover from sports injuries faster. ART reduces pain.
About Active Release Therapy
The process of manually treating soft tissue injuries by manipulation and movement is known as active release therapy (ART). This therapy helps to treat problems with various structures such as ligaments, tendons, muscles, and nerves. This approach has been used for a long time and has helped improve the range of movements, pain, and disability.
Treating with ART
Several medical conditions and sports injuries can be managed with ART. These medical conditions include back and neck pain, carpal tunnel syndrome, tension headaches, and sciatic nerve pain. Some sports injuries, including shoulder strain, frozen shoulder, tennis elbow, and plantar fasciitis, can also benefit from this therapy.
A different approach
ART works in a different way that focuses on manipulation and movement. The healthcare provider will first locate the injured area. After identifying the site, ART uses manipulation to break up scar tissue and adhesions. While the healthcare provider performs the technique, the patient will move the affected part. This will enhance mobility and allow injuries to recover faster.
Using ART for scar tissue
ART can help break up scar tissue if a person has symptoms such as intense pain, stiffness, tingling, numbness, and weakness. Other signs and symptoms of scar tissue include swollen joints, and reduced strength, flexibility, and range of movement.
The advantages of getting ART
ART is beneficial in treating soft tissue injuries from sports or trauma. The benefits of ART include pain reduction, improved range of movement and flexibility, and improved sciatic symptoms. This technique helps athletes recover from various sports injuries that can affect performance and participation. After treating sports injuries with ART, patients have a better overall quality of life. One added benefit to ART is that the procedure is natural and has minimal side effects.
The practitioner
A certified healthcare practitioner performs ART. The practitioner can be a physician, chiropractor, physical therapist (PT), or massage therapist. Before performing ART, the healthcare provider will evaluate the patient’s condition and mobility before recommending a treatment plan.
Mentally preparing for ART
Before getting ART, the healthcare provider will explain the procedure and what to expect. Since manipulation is applied during the technique, a lot of pressure will be felt. This pressure can be painful for some patients. Depending on the injury, some people may require more than 1 ART session.
Reduced pain, improved mobility
ART aims to break scar tissue and adhesions so muscles and joints can move smoothly. This technique reduces pain and stiffness and improves mobility and range of movement. Speak to a healthcare provider about getting ART to recover from an injury faster.