ART Therapy – Active Release Techniques
There is a growing number of people benefiting from the treatment therapy called ART®. ART® stands
for Active Release Technique – it is a patented state of the art methodology used to treat problems with soft
tissue such as muscle, tendons, ligaments, fascia and nerves. Common conditions treated include: headaches,
back pain, carpal tunnel syndrome, shin splints, shoulder pain, sciatica, plantar fasciitis, knee problems, and
tennis elbow to name a few. ART® can be beneficial for people with soft scar tissue problems. This type of
therapy is non-invasive, quick, improves range of motion and flexibility. It is a pressure point, movement
based treatment that targets the specific muscles, tendons, ligaments, fascia and nerves affected.
It has been widely and successfully used in the sporting community by such athletes as Peyton
Manning, Donovan Bailey and Gary Roberts. Many ART® providers are utilized in treatment teams for all
leagues in professional sports, Ironman triathlons and the Olympics but ART® is helpful for everyone, not just
athletes.
However, like any treatment therapy, ART® is continually evolving and practitioners need to re-certify
yearly in order to maintain their credentialing. Trust me, I have been practicing ART® for over 15 years and am
still learning something new every time I go to a seminar. Taking a course at least once a year helps me
improve my ability to be more effective in my diagnosis, touch and skill set to benefit my patients’ overall
outcomes.
Many people in Calgary claim that they do ART® but some have not taken a course in many years and
unfortunately, in the end, it is the patient that suffers from either poor technique or misleading information.
You may have seen someone who provided poor treatment technique, and many of you may not want to try
ART again. To see if a provider is maintaining their certifications you can check the website:
www.activerelease.com.
If you are interested in finding out more or getting treated with ART®, visit us at Imagine Health Centre
Downtown (403-775-9669) or Imagine Health Centre Macleod Trail South clinic (403-910-3990).