Active Release Technique…The Gold Standard in Soft Tissue Treatment
- Dr. Douglas Gold
- Mar 4, 2022
- 2 min read
Updated: 4 days ago
The subject of the Active Release Technique (ART) is very important to me. To begin with, I'll aim to make it as straightforward as possible and clarify what it is... it's truly uncomplicated.
ART is an innovative, patented soft tissue system created to tackle problems involving muscles, tendons, ligaments, fascia, and nerves. Here is a list of some common conditions that ART effectively addresses:
Headaches
Back Discomfort
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
I personally experienced shin splints, which were quickly resolved through ART. This success motivated me to pursue training in ART during my chiropractic education.
Shoulder Pain
Plantar Fascitis
Sciatica
Tennis and Golf Elbow (lateral and medial epicondylitis)
These are merely a few examples of the numerous conditions that ART can address. The common factor among all these conditions is that they often stem from injury to overused muscles. Each ART session involves both examination and treatment. An ART-certified practitioner uses their hands to assess the texture, tightness, and movement of muscles, fascia, tendons, ligaments, and nerves. Dysfunctional tissue is treated by applying precisely directed tension along with specific patient movements. The treatment protocols, which number over 500 and continue to increase, are unique to ART.
Whether you're an office worker with a desk job, a weekend warrior playing Thanksgiving Day football, or a world-class athlete, the preventive and restorative advantages of ART can assist you in performing your daily activities at your best.
When people inquire about what "I do," I try to avoid simply stating that I'm a Chiropractor. Many Chiropractors lack training in ART, and I have a strong preference for practitioners who incorporate soft tissue techniques into their practice. I often reply by saying I'm a neuromechanical musculoskeletal specialist, which tends to pique more interest. I believe we can't overlook soft tissue dysfunction while only focusing on spinal misalignments. Each Chiropractor is unique, with their own experiences and skill sets.
During my time in Chiropractic college, I began my ART training early. My initial treatment was for shin splints, a condition I frequently experienced due to playing basketball, volleyball, and my occasional runs. After receiving 3-4 ART treatments, I never suffered from shin splints again.
Absolutely, I also incorporated more preventative exercises alongside ART... and I was able to return to playing sports pain-free after just a few sessions. I quickly enrolled in ART training and achieved Full Body certification even before graduating from Chiropractic college... Needless to say, many of my fellow students wanted me to perform ART on them while we were still in school.
ART has provided numerous incredible experiences throughout my career and has enabled me to collaborate with many exceptional practitioners over the years. Many professional athletes recognize ART and look for practitioners with this advanced skill set. Early in my career, I had the opportunity to work with several of these athletes in South Florida, including Olympic triathletes, PGA professionals, professional tennis players, professional musicians, and even a few celebrities—gotta love Palm Beach. I attribute a significant portion of my experiences to the specialized training in ART.
Here is a list of excellent links for learning more about ART. I'm happy to answer any questions you have about this incredible technique.
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