ART Chiropractic Active Release Technique in Vancouver

What is Active Release Technique (ART)?

ART is a soft tissue system/movement based technique that treats problems with muscles, tendons, ligaments, fascia and nerves. Headaches, back pain, carpal tunnel syndrome, shin splints, shoulder pain, sciatica, plantar fasciitis, knee problems, and tennis elbow are just a few of the many conditions that can be resolved quickly and permanently with ART. These conditions all have one important thing in common: they are often a result of overused muscles. 

How do overuse conditions occur? 

Over-used muscles (and other soft tissues) change in three important ways:
·         acute conditions (pulls, tears, collisions, etc)
·        accumulation of small tears (micro-trauma) that sometimes build up over many years
·         insufficient oxygen reaching the tissues (hypoxia)  

Each of these factors can cause your body to produce tough, dense scar tissue in the affected area. This scar tissue binds up and ties down tissues that need to move freely. As scar tissue builds up, muscles become shorter and weaker, tension on tendons causes tendonitis, and nerves can become trapped. This can cause reduced range of motion, loss of strength, and pain. If a nerve is trapped you may also feel tingling, numbness, and weakness. 

What is an ART treatment like? 

Every ART session is actually a combination of examination and treatment. The ART provider uses his or her hands to evaluate the texture, tightness and movement of muscles, fascia, tendons, ligaments and nerves. Abnormal tissues are treated by combining precisely directed tension with very specific patient movements. 

Conditions commonly treated by chiropractors

Before beginning treatment, I take a thorough history and examination to find the cause of your symptoms, and prescribe an appropriate management plan. The following conditions are among those that may be relieved with chiropractic care:

• Back pain
• Neck pain
• Headaches
• Pain, numbness and/or tingling in the extremities
• Sciatica
• Whiplash injuries, including ICBC claims
• Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
• Tennis Elbow
• Hip and knee pain
• Foot problems

This is not an exhaustive list, and the best way to determine if chiropractic care can help you is to schedule an appointment for a consultation. In some instances X-rays may be required to determine the diagnosis.