Benefits of Active Release Technique for Sport Injuries

Are you a seasoned athlete or a physically active individual suffering from pain? Active Release Technique (ART) might be the answer. Sports injuries are a common challenge for athletes at all levels. They can negatively interfere with performance and potential.

Finding effective treatment options is crucial for quick recovery and optimal performance. Active Release Technique for sports injuries is a hands-on therapy designed to alleviate pain and improve mobility in soft tissues. 

In this blog post, we will discuss the numerous benefits of ART for athletes dealing with sports injuries and highlight why it has become a go-to solution for many in the athletic community.

What Is Active Release Technique

Active Release Technique is a noninvasive therapy that combines manual movement and manipulation to relieve pain, mobility issues, and tension. The main principle of ART is to restore normal mobility and function to the affected areas by identifying and targeting specific tissues that are causing pain and dysfunction.

During an ART session, chiropractors use their hands to evaluate the texture, tightness, and movement of muscles, tendons, ligaments, and fascia. The treatment involves a combination of precisely directed tension and very specific movements.

The Active Release Technique addresses these specific tissues, helping restore optimal function, reduce pain, and accelerate healing. Professional athletes or sports-minded individuals use this technique to recover from sport-related injuries.

Common Sports Injuries Treated with ART

Here are the common injuries that can be treated with ART.

Muscle Strains and Sprains

Active Release Technique for sports injuries is particularly effective in treating muscle strains and sprains by addressing the root causes of pain and dysfunction. This approach restores normal tissue function and flexibility, reduces inflammation, and alleviates pain, facilitating a faster total recovery.

Common muscle injuries among athletes who benefit from ART include hamstring strains, which are frequent in runners and sprinters. Quadriceps strains, often seen in sports that involve jumping or sudden acceleration, like basketball and soccer, also respond well to this treatment.

Tendonitis and Tendon Injuries

Tendonitis and tendon-related injuries can also be treated with ART by targeting the scar tissue contributing to these conditions. This technique helps break up the adhesions, reduce inflammation, and improve circulation to the injured area.

Conditions such as Achilles tendonitis and tennis elbow may benefit significantly from this technique.

Chronic Overuse Injuries

ART is beneficial for treating chronic overuse injuries. Injuries such as runner’s knee and swimmer’s shoulder are often the result of repetitive motions that develop scar tissue and adhesions in the muscles and tendons. You can see big improvements after a few ART sessions with a certified chiropractor.

Ligament Injuries

Proper ligament healing is crucial for athletes as it directly impacts their ability to perform and reduces the risk of future injuries. Through manual manipulation and movement, ART helps break down adhesions, improve blood flow, and restore normal tissue flexibility and function. This approach particularly benefits ACL tears, where the ligaments must heal properly to ensure joint stability and prevent reinjury.

Benefits of ART for Sports Injuries

Accelerated Healing and Recovery

ART promotes faster healing by breaking down scar tissue and restoring normal tissue function. It enhances blood circulation to injured areas, facilitating quicker repair of damaged tissues and reducing downtime for athletes.

Pain Relief and Reduced Inflammation

ART targets muscle knots that cause pain and inflammation. By releasing tension and improving blood flow, it alleviates pain effectively without the need for medication, offering athletes relief from acute and chronic pain conditions.

Improved Mobility and Flexibility

Stretching and releasing tight muscles through ART enhances range of motion and flexibility. It addresses restrictions in movement caused by overuse or injury, enabling athletes to perform better and reducing the risk of further strain or injury.

Prevention of Future Injuries

By correcting imbalances and restoring optimal muscle function, ART helps prevent recurring injuries. It strengthens weakened areas, improves biomechanics, and enhances proprioception, reducing the likelihood of injuries during sports activities.

Noninvasive and Drug-Free Treatment

ART uses precise manual techniques to treat injuries without invasive procedures or medications. It focuses on natural healing processes, making it a safe and holistic approach for athletes seeking recovery and performance enhancement.

Integrating ART into Athletic Training and Recovery

Athletes should consider seeking ART treatment when conventional treatment options fail to bring relief. For optimal results, it's best to undergo ART sessions two or three times a week to allow for faster healing.

Integrating ART with other therapies can enhance its effectiveness. Combining ART with chiropractic care, Kinesio tape, therapeutic exercises, massage therapy, and electrical muscle stimulation can provide a comprehensive approach to injury recovery and prevention. This multimodal strategy targets different aspects of the healing process, offering a more robust and holistic treatment plan.

At Allied Pain and Wellness, athletes can benefit from Dr. Shahen Simian's expertise in ART. With a deep understanding of sports injuries, Dr. Simian provides personalized treatments that address each athlete's unique needs, promoting quicker and more effective healing. His commitment to patient education keeps athletes well-informed about their treatment plans and the steps they can take to support their recovery outside of the clinic. 

Takeaway

Active Release Technique for sports injuries can be a game-changer for athletes. It isn’t just about temporary relief; it’s about addressing the core issues causing your pain and movement problems. Whether you’re aiming to speed up recovery or maintain optimal physical health, ART provides a targeted, effective solution that can transform your training and performance.

Start feeling and performing your best today. Call (818) 688-2275 to request an appointment.