How Active Release Technique Can Help Improve Range of Motion
Limited range of motion can make everyday activities, exercise, and sports more difficult. Tight muscles, overuse, repetitive movements, and soft tissue restrictions can all contribute to stiffness and reduced mobility. Active Release Technique (ART) is a hands-on soft tissue therapy that may help address these restrictions and support more comfortable movement.
At West Side Comprehensive Chiropractic Care, ART can be incorporated into a personalized chiropractic care plan to help patients move more freely and comfortably.
What Is Active Release Technique?
Active Release Technique is a hands-on therapy designed to address areas of tight or restricted soft tissue. During treatment, a practitioner uses specific pressure and movement to work with muscles, tendons, ligaments, and other soft tissues.
Rather than simply working over the surface of a tight area, ART focuses on identifying areas that may be contributing to restricted movement.
How Can ART Support Range of Motion?
When soft tissues become tight or irritated, movement can feel restricted. ART may help reduce soft tissue tension and improve how the affected area moves.
For example, someone experiencing tightness around the shoulders may have difficulty reaching overhead, while tight hip muscles may make certain movements or exercises uncomfortable. Addressing soft tissue restrictions may help improve mobility in these areas.
Helps Address Muscle Tightness
Muscle tightness can limit how far a joint comfortably moves. ART works directly with affected soft tissues to help reduce tension and improve flexibility, which may make movement easier.
Supports Better Mobility
Improved soft tissue mobility can contribute to better overall movement. ART may be particularly helpful for people whose daily activities, work, or athletic routines involve repetitive movements or prolonged positions.
Complements Chiropractic Care
ART and chiropractic care can address different aspects of movement. Chiropractic treatment may focus on joint and musculoskeletal function, while ART targets soft tissue restrictions. Combining these approaches may provide a more comprehensive approach to improving mobility.
Can Benefit Active Individuals
Athletes and active individuals often place repetitive demands on their muscles and soft tissues. ART may help address areas of tightness that develop through training, sports, or other physical activities, supporting comfortable movement and mobility.
What Can You Expect During ART?
During an ART session, your practitioner will assess your movement and the affected area before applying targeted hands-on techniques. You may be asked to move the affected body part while pressure is applied to specific soft tissues.
Treatment is tailored to your individual needs and the areas contributing to your movement limitations.
Improve How You Move
You don't have to simply accept stiffness or limited mobility as part of your everyday life. If muscle tightness or soft tissue restrictions are affecting your movement, Active Release Technique may be a useful addition to your chiropractic care plan.
At West Side Comprehensive Chiropractic Care, we can evaluate your individual needs and determine whether ART and chiropractic care may be appropriate for you. Contact our office to learn more and take the next step toward moving more comfortably.
