“Chronic pain is not all about the body, and it’s not all about the brain – it’s everything. Target everything. Take back your life.” – Sean Mackey, MD, PhD
Chronic joint pain can be a debilitating condition that affects every aspect of your life. From daily tasks like walking up stairs to more significant activities like working out or enjoying time with loved ones, joint pain often limits your ability to live freely. Fortunately, there is a highly effective treatment that addresses the root causes of joint pain and helps restore mobility: Active Release Techniques® (ART®).
Today we will explain how ART® works, why it’s a powerful tool for treating chronic joint pain, and how it can help you reclaim your mobility and live a pain-free life.
Understanding Active Release Techniques®
Active Release Techniques® is a manual therapy designed to break down scar tissue and adhesions that build up in muscles, tendons, ligaments, and fascia over time. These adhesions, also known as soft tissue restrictions, often develop due to repetitive use, injury, or prolonged postural stress. When they form around joints, they can significantly limit mobility and cause chronic pain.
As one hospital website has noted,
“When scar tissue forms over or near a joint, this “shrinking” (or contraction) pulls nearby tissues inwards. This tightening can cause movement at a joint to be limited. If nothing is done to stop the scar becoming tight over the joint, then muscles and other tissues may also get tight. This can lead to permanent restrictions in movement and is called a contracture.”
ART® uses precise, targeted movements combined with deep pressure to release these adhesions. By breaking up scar tissue and restoring normal tissue function, ART® helps increase flexibility, improve circulation, and reduce pain. One of the key advantages of this approach is its ability to address the root causes of chronic joint pain rather than just alleviating symptoms.
Speaking about the superior results of ART®, Pain and Performance Solutions founder, Julian Corwin, stated in a recent video,
““When it all comes down to it, muscles respond to force. Their language is force and if you want to speak their language you got to know where they are and you got to be able to apply force. And you got to do it in a skilled and careful fashion. And that’s why ART® is good.”
How ART® Works to Relieve Joint Pain
When soft tissues around your joints become damaged—whether from an acute injury, repetitive strain, or poor posture—your body responds by forming scar tissue. This scar tissue restricts movement and creates tension in the surrounding muscles and tendons. Over time, these restrictions can lead to chronic pain and reduced mobility.
ART® is designed to release these soft tissue restrictions by:
- Identifying the Area of Restriction: A professionally trained ART® practitioner will evaluate the affected area and locate the specific muscles, tendons, or ligaments where adhesions have formed. ART® practitioners are skilled in pinpointing the exact tissues that are contributing to your joint pain.
- Applying Targeted Pressure: Once the restricted tissues are identified, the practitioner applies deep, targeted pressure to break down the scar tissue. This pressure is applied while the patient moves the joint through a specific range of motion, ensuring the adhesion is fully released.
- Restoring Range of Motion: As the adhesions are released, the joint regains its full range of motion. The reduction in scar tissue allows the muscles and tendons to move more freely, relieving pain and improving flexibility.
Some of the Benefits of ART® for Joint Pain and Mobility
ART offers several unique benefits for individuals suffering from chronic joint pain. These include:
- Treating the Root Cause: Unlike some treatments that only mask the symptoms of joint pain, ART® focuses on treating the underlying cause—scar tissue and adhesions. By addressing the root issue, it helps prevent the recurrence of pain and restores full functionality to the joint.
- Non-Invasive and Drug-Free: Active Release Techniques® is a hands-on, non-invasive treatment that does not require surgery or medication. This makes it a safe and effective option for individuals who want to avoid the risks and recovery time associated with more invasive procedures.
- Customizable and Specific: Every person’s body and pain patterns are unique, which is why ART is highly customizable. Practitioners can tailor each session to your specific needs, ensuring the right tissues are targeted and the appropriate amount of pressure is applied.
- Quick and Lasting Results: Many patients experience noticeable improvement in their joint mobility and pain levels after just a few ART® sessions. Because it addresses the root cause of pain, it provides long-lasting relief that allows you to return to your normal activities more quickly.
- Improves Performance: For athletes or active individuals, ART® can help enhance performance by improving joint mobility and flexibility. By eliminating soft tissue restrictions, this treatment allows the muscles to function at their full potential, reducing the risk of future injuries.
Some Common Joint Conditions That Can Be Treated with Active Release Techniques®
ART® can be beneficial for a wide range of joint-related conditions, including:
- Shoulder Pain (Rotator Cuff Injuries, Frozen Shoulder): Scar tissue in the shoulder muscles and tendons can restrict movement and lead to chronic pain. It can help restore shoulder mobility and alleviate discomfort.
- Knee Pain (Runner’s Knee, IT Band Syndrome): Many knee conditions are caused by overuse and repetitive strain. ART® can effectively release adhesions in the knee and surrounding muscles, providing relief and improving mobility.
- Elbow Pain (Tennis Elbow, Golfer’s Elbow): These conditions often result from repetitive motions and can be addressed by releasing scar tissue in the forearm muscles and tendons.
- Hip Pain (Piriformis Syndrome, Hip Flexor Strain): Chronic hip pain is often linked to tightness and adhesions in the hip flexor muscles or piriformis. ART® helps restore flexibility and range of motion in the hips.
- Back Pain (Sciatica, Lumbar Strain): ART is particularly effective for treating lower back pain caused by soft tissue restrictions around the spine and hips. By releasing these adhesions, ART® helps alleviate pressure on the nerves and reduce pain.
Active Release Techniques® Can Also Restore Your Mobility
The ultimate goal of ART® is to restore your full range of motion and eliminate the pain that has been holding you back. As scar tissue is broken down and soft tissues regain their natural flexibility, your joints can move more freely. This not only reduces pain but also enhances your overall mobility, allowing you to engage in physical activities with greater ease.
Whether you’re an athlete looking to return to peak performance or simply someone seeking relief from chronic joint pain, ART® can be a life changing. Its ability to target and release adhesions means that you can experience significant improvements in your joint function and quality of life.
Experiencing ART®: What to Expect During a Treatment Session
During a session, your practitioner will first assess your range of motion and pain levels to determine the best course of action. Each treatment session typically lasts 15 to 30 minutes, depending on the area being treated.
You may feel some discomfort during the session as the practitioner applies deep pressure to the affected tissues. However, this discomfort is usually temporary and is a sign that the scar tissue is being effectively addressed. After the session, you may feel immediate relief or notice gradual improvement over the next few days.
Find Out How ART® Can Bring Your Joint Pain Relief at Pain and Performance Solutions
If you’re tired of living with chronic joint pain and are ready to regain your mobility, Active Release Techniques® may be the solution you’ve been searching for. Whether you’re dealing with shoulder pain, knee pain, or any other joint issue, ART® can help you restore your mobility and get back to the activities you love—pain-free.
Our experienced ART® practitioners are dedicated to helping you overcome chronic joint pain. We offer personalized treatment plans to address your specific needs and help you achieve optimal well-being. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and discover the transformative power of ART®.
At Pain and Performance Solutions, we offer relief. Our initial consultation focuses on understanding your pain history and current discomfort. Through a comprehensive examination, we pinpoint the root cause of your pain, whether it’s a recent injury or the cumulative effects of overuse.
With treatments such as Active Release Techniques®, we can effectively address the underlying pain issue and provide lasting relief. Your trust in our expertise is essential for a successful treatment plan. We’re committed to helping you regain comfort and mobility.
Ready to take the first step? Contact us at (707) 636-4404 or fill out our online contact form.