Understanding the process of cumulative trauma is the key to breaking the cycle of repetitive injury according to Dr. Michael Leahy. Cumulative trauma or overuse injuries from physical training can lead to scar formation, decreased functional strength, and flexibility limitations. As a result, movement pattern dysfunction occurs and your ability to train properly suffers.
After an injury occurs, your body begins the healing process to repair damaged tissue. During this process, the formation of "non–functional" scar tissue is laid down binding tissues together. Typically, this scar tissue does not allow the tissue to stretch or slide normally as you begin to move, exercise, and train again. This can cause further irritation of the "healing" tissue, inflammation, and increase the risk of re–injury.
Active Release Techniques® are specifically designed to break this cycle by assessing and identifying the site of the lesion, manually releasing the adhesive scar tissue, and restoring tissue back to its normal functional length.
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"Active Release Technique is a patented, state of the art soft tissue system/movement-based massage technique that treats problems with muscles, tendons, ligaments, fascia and nerves. Headaches, back and neck 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 A.R.T. These conditions all have one important thing in common: they are often the result of overused muscles," according to Dr. Mike Leahy, founder A.R.T.
Soft tissues (muscle, tendon, ligament, etc.) can be damaged with an acute injury (pull, tear), an accumulation of small tears (micro-trauma) or not getting enough oxygen (hypoxia) to the tissues. Each of these factors can cause your body to produce scar tissue in the affected area. As the scar tissue binds up it ties down other tissues that need to move freely. Abnormal tissues are treated by combining precisely directed tension and specific hand contact by the provider with very specific patient movements. The over 500 treatment protocols are unique to A.R.T. and allow providers to identify and correct specific problems for each individual patient; it is not a cookie-cutter approach.
A.R.T. has been developed, refined and patented by Dr. Michael Leahy, DC, CCSP. He now teaches and certifies health care providers all over the world. Active Release has proven to be especially valuable for athletes from the professional to the beginner, and does not require extended periods of rest before noticeable results. www.activerelease.com
Why Active Release is Different
Active Release is a highly successful approach to injuries of muscles, tendons, nerves, and the surrounding soft tissues.
The three most common mechanisms of injury are:
- Acute trauma
- Constant pressure
- Repetitive motion
All three are a part of the cumulative injury cycle. Soft tissue structures in the body change or adapt with time: these changes are predictable and can be felt by the doctor. Chronic or "older" injuries actually feel different from acute or recent ones.
Active Release has proven to be especially valuable for athletes, from the professional to the beginner. Ninety percent of the time athletes with acute or long–standing muscular strain/sprain injuries experience complete recovery—in a short period of time.
Many patients experience complete recovery after only 5–10 visits, although this depends on the severity of their injuries. Because of the soft tissue component, where other treatments fail, ART® succeeds. The bottom line is that patients get well quickly, completely, and with much less expense.
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A corrective exercise program is designed to address dysfunctional movements that may inhibit performance, lead to injuries or prevent injuries from fully healing. It requires an in-depth knowledge of biomechanics in order to assess movement patterns and identify problem components.
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Kinesio® Taping is different from conventional athletic tape and has emerged within the international medical community as an effective rehabilitative taping method and an innovative approach to treating the nervous, muscular and lymphatic systems...
The Kinesio® Tape is an elastic, latex–free tape that takes very little time to apply over and around desired muscles, ligaments and tendons in order to help in the reduction of pain, assist optimal muscle function and enhance performance.
Kinesio® Taping may also be extremely versatile in its ability to aid recovery from injury and lymphedema. By microscopically lifting the skin, Kinesio® Tape helps to promote lymphatic flow and remove bruising by facilitating drainage away from affected areas.
The use of The Kinesio Taping® Method in conjunction with other therapies such as Active Release Techniques® and Physical Therapy may further enhance benefits. PT by Jessica is proud to be able to offer these combinations; together, they may work more effectively than separately.
Positive effects, which may result from the use of Kinesio Taping :
- Relieves pain
- Removes bruising
- Removes lymphatic fluid congestion
- Supports muscles in movement
- Corrects joint mis-alignment
- Assists in positioning a muscle or joint into proper position for rehabilitation
- Assists a weak muscle by placing it in a normal position
- Improves awareness of posture and alignment
Kinesio Taping has had enormous acceptance and success in the international sporting community. From football to basketball, swimming to cycling or tennis to sprinting, many of the world’s foremost athletes turn to Kinesio® Tape for its many benefits. For more information on The Kinesio Taping® Method, as well as its recent successes at the 2008 Olympic Games please visit www.kinesiotaping.com.
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