Active Release Techniques (ART) 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 pain, carpal tunnel syndrome, shin splints, shoulder pain, sciatica, plantar fasciitis, knee problems, restricted chest and tennis elbow are just a few 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.

Another name for an overused muscle is “repetitive strain injury cycle”. This is where you have continued causing micro-trauma that leads to further adhesion formation and lends itself to stress and more micro-trauma. It begins with tissue tightness, decrease in strength and changes in blood flow, followed by altered biomechanics and loss of flexibility. Now the tissue is strained, which causes more micro-trauma and forms scar tissue. While necessary for healing, scar tissue may stick to adjacent structures, restricting range of motion and causing compression over nerves or blood vessels.

Once an ART certified practitioner has made an assessment of what, where and why pain/injuries are occurring, ART treatment can begin immediately. A full-body ART practitioner can address many soft tissue problems, including muscles, ligaments, fascia and nerves. ART treatments are highly successful with shoulder, neck, arm, chest, hip, knee, and/or foot injuries, because ART specifically designed to locate and treat scar tissue adhesions that accumulate in the muscles and other soft tissues. By locating and treating these adhesions the practitioner is able to break-up restrictive adhesions; reinstate normal tissue flexibility and movement and; more completely restore flexibility, balance and stability to the injured area and to the entire kinetic chain.

Earl Tullock is a trained therapist in the ART Bodyworks by Bull Therapeutic Massage, at 60 2nd  St., Ste. 304, in Shalimar. For more information, call 850-651-2286 or visit BodyworksByBull.com.