With over 500 specific treatment protocols and patent protection, Active Release Techniques (ART) is a one-of-a-kind system that brings customized relief to pain sufferers. A massage technique focused on the soft tissue system, ART can be utilized to treat issues with muscles, tendons, ligaments, fascia, and nerves.
Shin splints, or medial tibial stress syndrome, is a common pain or discomfort in the legs that typically arises from repetitive running on hard surfaces or from forcible excessive use of the foot flexors. If your lower legs are throbbing or aching, sometimes ice, rest, and new shoes just aren’t enough; that’s where ART comes in.
ART was developed by P. Michael Leahy, DC, CCSP in the 1980s and is now routinely used around the world to treat both world-class athletes and your everyday corporate employee. So, how does it work? In order to determine where a patient needs precisely directed tension, an ART practitioner will use their hands to examine the texture, tightness, and movement of the trouble area’s muscles, fascia, tendons, ligaments and nerves. Upon finding the scar tissue that has developed from overuse, the practitioner is then able to apply patient-specific movements that provide relief. The process is sometimes described by patients as a “good hurt,” or a stretch that you need, but can’t do yourself.”
In addition to shin splints, ART can help treat the following:
Clinical studies of ART therapy have shown promising results for treatment of such conditions, including shin splints. A 2011 study at Logan College of Chiropractic, for example, found that subjects suffering from shin splints reported a “noticeable decline in pain intensity” upon completion of ART treatment.
Think this technique might be the relief you’ve been waiting for? Contact us to set up an appointment. You’re in good, pain-relieving hands at Norwood Chiropractic, where our doctors are staying on top of ART protocols and other innovative techniques in the field.
