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FAQs

What is ART?
ART or Active Release Techniques is a specific way to diagnose and treat soft tissue injuries. Developed by a Chiropractor, Dr. Michael Leahy of Colorado Springs, CO, it has quickly become a treatment of choice for many professional athletes.

ART releases areas of scar tissue and adhesion, which as a result, can help with numerous conditions that result in pain, numbness, weakness or loss of mobility.

What are scar tissue adhesions?
When a muscle or tendon gets injured, either traumatically or gradually with overuse, scar tissue or adhesions will form between fibers. Scar tissue and adhesions act like glue to bind up the tissues, and inflammation develops, swelling up the tissues. This often causes a decrease in circulation to the area bringing on pain, numbness and weakness.

Is ART the same as massage?
Even though they may look and sound alike they are very different. Even though there are several good massage techniques, ART is problem specific. For each problem, a thorough history and exam is taken to identify the problem area. Once identified, the doctor can help break down the scar tissue and restore normal function to the area.

What kind of conditions can be helped with ART?
If it is a musculoskeletal type of problem, ART at the very least will probably help it if not fix it. The following is a list of some of the more common ailments that present to the office:

• Rotator cuff problems
• Frozen shoulder
• Tendonitis
• Tennis/Golfers elbow
• Bursitis
• Carpal tunnel syndrome
• Neck/lower back pain
• Headaches
• Plantar fascitis
• The list goes on and on

Can ART treatment prevent surgery?
For many conditions, quite often, the answer is yes. There are many conditions that respond extremely well, such as carpal tunnel syndrome and frozen shoulder, even in very advanced stages.

What is the treatment like?
ART is not a magic bullet or cure-all. Active Release Techniques is noninvasive, very safe, has virtually no side effects and comes with a record of very good results.  Treatments can be uncomfortable during the movement phases as the scar tissue or adhesions “Break up”. This is temporary and subsides almost immediately after the treatment.  It is common to feel a duplication of your symptoms during the treatment, a very good indication that the problem has been identified. Treatments are about 8-15 minutes per area treated and vary in number from 2-10 visits typically.  Chiropractic manipulation is frequently done in addition to ART to increase the effectiveness.

Will my problem return?
Usually, the changes are permanent, but ultimately it depends on patient compliance. By not changing or modifying what caused the problem – it will most likely return. This is very true for those with repetitive injuries. In some cases, where changing the cause is not possible, a extended monthly “maintenance” care is needed to keep the problem at bay.

How can I help myself get better?
Simple stretches and exercises that are quick and easy are prescribed to each individual. If these are done correctly and on a regular basis, there is a very low chance that the problem will re-occur.

NOTICE – The information is provided as general health guidelines and may not be applicable to your particular health condition. Your individual health status and any required medical treatments can only be properly addressed by a professional health care provider of your choice. Remember: there is no adequate substitution for a personal consultation with your physician.

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Healthcare Review article on ART & Dr. Arvidson
Sunday News article on ART & Dr. Arvidson

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“...compared with similar studies in the literature [ART] was superior.”
-Journal of Occupational Rehabilitation, 1999

“It saved me from shoulder surgery.”
-Milos Sarcev, Mr. Universe 1989, in Muscle & Fitness 1999

“...our results [with ART] were better than others reported in the literature.”
-Journal of Musculoskeletal Medicine, 1998

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