Improve tissue and joint movement by removing scar tissue and other soft tissue restrictions.

Active Release Technique

Active Release Technique is a very popular myofascial release technique that is known for its effectiveness in treating muscular and soft-tissue injuries.

The purpose or goal of Active Release Therapy is to remove or “break up” scar tissue in stiff, over-used, injured muscles. The treatment is also designed to treat dysfunction in ligaments, tendons and their impact on other tissues like nerves, cartilage and fascia.

Some common conditions that can be relieved through Active Release Technique (ART) include neck pain, back pain, carpal tunnel syndrome, golfer’s elbow, tennis elbow, shin splints, plantar fasciitis, shoulder pain, sciatica, knee pain, and other overuse injuries.

If you are in the Burlington, Oakville, Hamilton and surrounding areas and are in need of Active Release Therapy, contact Burlington Sports Therapy today.

ACTIVE RELEASE TECHNIQUE BURLINGTON

Active Release Technique providers will guide you through slow, controlled movements that are specific for the tissue being treated. This movement is performed while the practitioner places a carefully directed tension in the tissue, thereby breaking up scar tissue or “adhesions” in the muscle. Most patients receiving Active Release Treatment notice an immediate difference in how the area feels; improved tissue, joint movement and range of motion are common feedback with myofascial release.

As with the Graston Technique, Active Release Technique has been granted a medical patent. It is a very structured form of myofascial release that is utilized by professional and Olympic athletes worldwide. In order to become an Active Release practitioner, each provider must complete extensive hands-on instruction and testing. A certified provider of Active Release Technique is trained to palpate and treat more than 300 muscular and fascial injuries in addition to over 100 nerve entrapments. Active Release Technique providers are required to maintain their qualifications as Active Release providers on a yearly basis.

Our clinic offers Active Release Technique in Burlington through Dr. Kevin McIntyre and Dr. Leslie McDowall. For more information about these practitioners please refer to our about us page, or if you live in the Burlington, Oakville, or Hamilton area, contact us to learn more about the Active Release Technique.

COMMON QUESTIONS

What can I expect during my first Active Release Technique appointment?

During your first Active Release Technique (ART) appointment at our Burlington clinic, your chiropractor will start by asking about your medical history, current pain or discomfort, and your lifestyle. Your chiropractor will want to understand your symptoms, how long you have been experiencing those symptoms and activities that might have contributed to your issues. This helps them tailor the session to your needs. Your chiropractor will start by performing an assessment to the areas of tension or pain in your muscles, tendons, ligaments and fascia. They might ask you to move or stretch in certain ways to pinpoint the issue.

Active Release practitioners in our Burlington clinic look for tight, restricted or painful areas that could be causing your discomfort. Before starting the treatment, your Burlington Sports therapy chiropractor will explain how active release (ART) works. Active release technique involves applying direct pressure to specific areas of muscle and soft tissue while you actively move or stretch the muscle in a particular way.

Active Release Technique is designed to target areas of muscular dysfunction and alter the impact that muscular dysfunction is having on the joints around it. It can alter blood flow and release the tension you experience in a muscle. During the Active Release session, you will be asked to assume certain positions or perform specific movements like lifting your arm or leg. The chiropractor will then use their hands to apply deep pressure to targeted muscles, tendons or fascia while you move. This movement is what makes Active Release different. You may feel discomfort or mild pain as the chiropractor works through areas of tension, but it should not be unbearable. After the session, the chiropractor will provide tips for stretching, strengthening or avoiding activities that could irritate the treated areas. They may also recommend follow-up treatments depending on the severity of the condition. The number of sessions you will need is all dependent on your condition and how your body responds to Active Release.

Are there side effects associated with Active Release Technique?

ART Active Release Technique is generally safe, but there are a few possible side effects. You may experience soreness for a day or two following your session. Mild bruising can occur. Sometimes pain or stiffness may increase briefly before it gets better. You may feel tingling or a sharp sensation in some areas as nerves can be close to the muscles being treated. If your neck or shoulders were treated, you might get a mild headache that should go away quickly. You may also feel tired after the session as your body adjusts. To help with recovery, drink plenty of water, follow any advice from your chiropractor, and rest if needed.

How many Active Release Technique treatments are needed to see results?

The number of Active Release Technique (ART) treatments needed can vary depending on the severity of your condition and how your body responds to the treatment. On average, many people start to feel improvements after only about 3 to 5 sessions. However, for chronic, more severe conditions, it may require 6 – 12 sessions for improvement. The frequency of treatment also matters. Initially, treatments may be scheduled 2 – 3 times a week, and as you improve, the sessions may be spaced further apart. You and your chiropractor will discuss your progress after each session and adjust the plan accordingly. Some people feel immediate relief, while others may take longer to see full results.

Can Active Release Technique be combined with other treatments?

Yes, Active Release can be combined with other treatments to improve recovery. For example, combining Active Release with physiotherapy can strengthen muscles and improve joint movement. Acupuncture can also complement Active Release technique by releasing areas of muscular tension. Always tell your therapist about any other treatments you’re receiving and avoid overdoing it to give your body time to heal. Combining therapies can speed up recovery and give you better long-term results.

How long does an Active Release Technique session take?

An Active Release Technique (ART) session typically lasts between 15 to 30 minutes, depending on the individual and the areas being treated. For more complex or larger areas of tension, the session might extend to about 45 minutes. The chiropractor will assess your needs and determine the appropriate duration based on the intensity of the issue being addressed.

If you are in the Burlington, Oakville, Hamilton and surrounding areas and are in need of Active Release, contact Burlington Sports Therapy today. We are conveniently located just off of Walkers Line on Harvester Road.

Can I continue my regular activities after Active Release Technique?

Yes, in most cases, you can continue your regular activities after an Active Release Technique (ART) session. However, it’s common to experience some soreness or mild discomfort in the treated areas for 24 to 48 hours, similar to the feeling after a deep workout. This is usually a sign that your body is adjusting and recovering. It’s a good idea to listen to your body and avoid any activities that cause pain or strain in the areas treated. If your Burlington Active Release Chiropractor gives you specific post-treatment advice, it’s a good idea to follow that. But overall, you should be able to return to normal activities without significant restrictions.

How does Active Release Technique work?

Active Release Technique is a hands-on, soft tissue therapy that focuses on diagnosing and treating muscle, tendon, ligament and fascia problems caused by overuse, injury or repetitive motion. It targets the underlying cause of pain, stiffness and dysfunction in the body. Active Release helps to identify the problem area. The practitioner uses their hands to feel and locate areas of tension, adhesions or scar tissue in the muscles, tendons, ligaments or fascia. Once the problem area is identified, your Burlington chiropractor applies precise pressure to the affected tissue, usually while the patient actively moves the body part in a specific direction. This combination of pressure and movements helps break up adhesions that can restrict movement and cause pain. By targeting the adhesions and tight areas, Active Release helps to release the trapped tissue and restore normal blood flow. This encourages the body to heal itself more efficiently. The goal of Active Release Technique is to improve flexibility and movement of the muscles and other soft tissues, reduce pain and restore proper function, allowing you to return to regular activity. This technique can be tailored to your specific condition and can vary from one session to the next depending on your needs.

What conditions can Active Release Technique treat?

ART Active Release Technique is particularly effective for treating conditions like chronic muscle pain, sciatica, carpal tunnel syndrome, frozen shoulder, plantar fasciitis, tennis elbow and IT band syndrome. This technique can be tailored to your specific condition, and each session may differ from the next depending on the improvement you are experiencing. Essentially, Active Release Technique is an effective treatment for many different muscular and joint injuries. Since it is considered a conservative approach to treatment, it’s a great starting point of care for many conditions.

Is Active Release Technique covered by insurance?

In Burlington, coverage for Active Release Technique depends on the type of insurance plan you have. The Active Release Technique treatments performed at our clinic in Burlington are done by chiropractors, so any of the active release treatments are billed as chiropractic for insurance purposes.

What can I expect during my first Active Release Technique appointment?

During your first Active Release Technique (ART) appointment at our Burlington clinic, your chiropractor will start by asking about your medical history, current pain or discomfort, and your lifestyle. Your chiropractor will want to understand your symptoms, how long you have been experiencing those symptoms and activities that might have contributed to your issues. This helps them tailor the session to your needs. Your chiropractor will start by performing an assessment to the areas of tension or pain in your muscles, tendons, ligaments and fascia. They might ask you to move or stretch in certain ways to pinpoint the issue.

Active Release practitioners in our Burlington clinic look for tight, restricted or painful areas that could be causing your discomfort. Before starting the treatment, your Burlington Sports therapy chiropractor will explain how active release (ART) works. Active release technique involves applying direct pressure to specific areas of muscle and soft tissue while you actively move or stretch the muscle in a particular way.

Active Release Technique is designed to target areas of muscular dysfunction and alter the impact that muscular dysfunction is having on the joints around it. It can alter blood flow and release the tension you experience in a muscle. During the Active Release session, you will be asked to assume certain positions or perform specific movements like lifting your arm or leg. The chiropractor will then use their hands to apply deep pressure to targeted muscles, tendons or fascia while you move. This movement is what makes Active Release different. You may feel discomfort or mild pain as the chiropractor works through areas of tension, but it should not be unbearable. After the session, the chiropractor will provide tips for stretching, strengthening or avoiding activities that could irritate the treated areas. They may also recommend follow-up treatments depending on the severity of the condition. The number of sessions you will need is all dependent on your condition and how your body responds to Active Release.

Are there side effects associated with Active Release Technique?

ART Active Release Technique is generally safe, but there are a few possible side effects. You may experience soreness for a day or two following your session. Mild bruising can occur. Sometimes pain or stiffness may increase briefly before it gets better. You may feel tingling or a sharp sensation in some areas as nerves can be close to the muscles being treated. If your neck or shoulders were treated, you might get a mild headache that should go away quickly. You may also feel tired after the session as your body adjusts. To help with recovery, drink plenty of water, follow any advice from your chiropractor, and rest if needed.

How many Active Release Technique treatments are needed to see results?

The number of Active Release Technique (ART) treatments needed can vary depending on the severity of your condition and how your body responds to the treatment. On average, many people start to feel improvements after only about 3 to 5 sessions. However, for chronic, more severe conditions, it may require 6 – 12 sessions for improvement. The frequency of treatment also matters. Initially, treatments may be scheduled 2 – 3 times a week, and as you improve, the sessions may be spaced further apart. You and your chiropractor will discuss your progress after each session and adjust the plan accordingly. Some people feel immediate relief, while others may take longer to see full results.

Can Active Release Technique be combined with other treatments?

Yes, Active Release can be combined with other treatments to improve recovery. For example, combining Active Release with physiotherapy can strengthen muscles and improve joint movement. Acupuncture can also complement Active Release technique by releasing areas of muscular tension. Always tell your therapist about any other treatments you’re receiving and avoid overdoing it to give your body time to heal. Combining therapies can speed up recovery and give you better long-term results.

How long does an Active Release Technique session take?

An Active Release Technique (ART) session typically lasts between 15 to 30 minutes, depending on the individual and the areas being treated. For more complex or larger areas of tension, the session might extend to about 45 minutes. The chiropractor will assess your needs and determine the appropriate duration based on the intensity of the issue being addressed.

Can I continue my regular activities after Active Release Technique?

Yes, in most cases, you can continue your regular activities after an Active Release Technique (ART) session. However, it’s common to experience some soreness or mild discomfort in the treated areas for 24 to 48 hours, similar to the feeling after a deep workout. This is usually a sign that your body is adjusting and recovering. It’s a good idea to listen to your body and avoid any activities that cause pain or strain in the areas treated. If your Burlington Active Release Chiropractor gives you specific post-treatment advice, it’s a good idea to follow that. But overall, you should be able to return to normal activities without significant restrictions.

How does Active Release Technique work?

Active Release Technique is a hands-on, soft tissue therapy that focuses on diagnosing and treating muscle, tendon, ligament and fascia problems caused by overuse, injury or repetitive motion. It targets the underlying cause of pain, stiffness and dysfunction in the body. Active Release helps to identify the problem area. The practitioner uses their hands to feel and locate areas of tension, adhesions or scar tissue in the muscles, tendons, ligaments or fascia. Once the problem area is identified, your Burlington chiropractor applies precise pressure to the affected tissue, usually while the patient actively moves the body part in a specific direction. This combination of pressure and movements helps break up adhesions that can restrict movement and cause pain. By targeting the adhesions and tight areas, Active Release helps to release the trapped tissue and restore normal blood flow. This encourages the body to heal itself more efficiently. The goal of Active Release Technique is to improve flexibility and movement of the muscles and other soft tissues, reduce pain and restore proper function, allowing you to return to regular activity. This technique can be tailored to your specific condition and can vary from one session to the next depending on your needs.

What conditions can Active Release Technique treat?

ART Active Release Technique is particularly effective for treating conditions like chronic muscle pain, sciatica, carpal tunnel syndrome, frozen shoulder, plantar fasciitis, tennis elbow and IT band syndrome. This technique can be tailored to your specific condition, and each session may differ from the next depending on the improvement you are experiencing. Essentially, Active Release Technique is an effective treatment for many different muscular and joint injuries. Since it is considered a conservative approach to treatment, it’s a great starting point of care for many conditions.

Is Active Release Technique covered by insurance?

In Burlington, coverage for Active Release Technique depends on the type of insurance plan you have. The Active Release Technique treatments performed at our clinic in Burlington are done by chiropractors, so any of the active release treatments are billed as chiropractic for insurance purposes.

If you are in the Burlington, Oakville, Hamilton and surrounding areas and are in need of Active Release, contact Burlington Sports Therapy today. We are conveniently located just off of Walkers Line on Harvester Road.