Active Release Techniques for Running Injuries
Thursday, April 7th, 2011
Did your last 5K run leaving you reaching for an ice pack and an ibuprofen? Have you been telling yourself that post-treadmill knee pain is going to go away by itself? Perhaps it’s time to consider those Active Release Techniques your chiropractor was telling you about!
What are Active Release Techniques?
ART® was created by an aeronautical engineer, chiropractor, and avid tri-athlete, Dr Micheal Leahy, and is a patented, state of the art soft tissue system/movement based massage technique that treats problems with muscles, tendons, ligaments, fascia, and nerves.
ART® is different from other forms of soft tissue therapy because it incorporates the best of other forms of treatment, movement, stretching, and pressure points. The ART provider uses his or her hands to evaluate the texture, tightness, and movement of muscles, fascia, tendons, ligaments, and nerves. Abnormal tissues are treated by combining precisely directed tension with very specific patient movements. The treatments are aimed at manually breaking up adhesions, the scar tissue that entraps muscles, tendons, ligaments, and nerves, making it an alternative for some to traditional medical treatments that can range from anti-inflammatory drugs to splinting and surgery.
All fully certified ART® providers learn over 500 protocols. All providers must continue to maintain their certification each year by attending seminars. This ensures the public that quality of the application of the technique can be maintained.
Why ART® for Running Injuries?
ART® is most successful for “overuse” injuries, and not surprisingly repetitive strain injuries are the most common injury seen in runners. Sure, you can blame it on poor running mechanics, over training, muscle imbalance, or the wrong shoes, but blame isn’t going to fix it. Even the hardiest runner with good technique, a good training plan, and proper footwear can still suffer from repetitive strain injuries.
Repetitive stress injuries are usually a result of continued repetition of a movement and/or an overload of stress on muscles, tendons or joints over a period of time without adequate rest. Just think about what your body does when you are running, your hips, knees, and ankles all repeat the same motion over and over again. They flex and extend thousands of times during a long run. The muscles have to absorb two to three times your body weight each time you land. And most people who consider themselves “runners” do this day in and day out until the pain starts creeping in.
Scar tissue develops as a result of the repetitive stress injury, resulting in a restricted range of motion, a reduction in circulation, increase in muscle tension, and friction. All of which, if not treated, can result in an ongoing cycle of injury. The best treatment plan for this type of injury should include Active Release Technology.
If you are a runner, an athlete, or just interested in how you can benefit from ART®, contact us for an appointment today!
