About Active Release Techniques

About Dr. Noel | About Active Release Techniques | New Patients

Active Release Techniques, or ART, is a new non-invasive treatment used to correct conditions arising from overuse and repetitive stress injuries. ART is a hands-on-therapy designed to restore the normal texture and tension to soft tissue structures, allowing full function and actions once corrected. Muscles, tendons, ligaments, and nerve entrapment sites are the soft tissues ART works on. ART is used to break down scar tissue and adhesions that form within or between these soft tissues. This revolutionary application of therapy can be applied to spine, upper and lower extremity complaints only by a credentialed provider of Active Release Techniques. The provider of ART uses his knowledge of anatomy, neurology, and bio mechanics to correctly diagnose and treat injuries presenting for their care. The main benefit to and main attraction of ART to so many professional athletes and weekend warriors is the quick results obtained without surgery.

Who Can Benefit from ART?

ART is used in a clinical setting on professional athletes, Olympic athletes, office workers, laborers, housewives, youth athletes, as well as others. What these people all have in common is altered movement patterns, but their mechanism or cause is different. Conservative treatments such as ART should be explored before a person has decided they can not be helped for their given condition.

Common Conditions Successfully Treated With Active Release Techniques

• Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
• Sciatica
• Low Back Pain
• Neck/Upper Back Pain
• Shoulder Impingement
• Thoracic Outlet Syndrome
• Rotator Cuff Tendonitis
• Muscle Strains/Sprains
• Sports Injuries
• Repetitive Motion Injuries
• Epicondylitis (Tennis/Golfer's Elbow)
• Shin Splints

What is Treatment Like?

After a diagnosis has been reached based on a history and examination, treatment can begin. ART is generally performed with a direct contact from Dr. Noel to the patient's skin. Dr. Noel will find the area to be worked on and either have you move a body part or passively move the body part for you. Dr. Noel’s contact, coupled with the movement of the patient, allows the adhesions to separate. The severity of the injury, as well as the length of time the injury has existed, are two critical factors as to how long it will take to heal. You must take an active role in your recovery to help lessen the chances of reoccurrence. This may involve strengthening an area or mediations of certain activities. The treatment needed to resolve a problem is variable and specific to each case with an average being 6-12 visits.

How Does ART Improve Performance?

Performance of any task such as golfing, typing, or running can be improved significantly with ART. Restoring proper muscle function and movement enables the body to perform at its most efficient level. Adhesions create drag and tension which requires more energy and effort to accomplish peak performance. Reaction times can also be improved as muscle function is improved. ART allows the body to do what you ask of it when you need it.