Long-lasting and recurring pain in your body can have several different causes. In many people, this pain is caused by tension, inflammation, scar tissue and other conditions in the muscles and soft tissue.
Physical therapists have a variety of methods for treating the conditions that cause muscle and soft tissue pain. The treatments a physical therapist will use vary depending on the cause of your condition, but many people with muscle pain can expect some form of soft tissue mobilization.
Soft tissue mobilization is a practice that involves the use of your physical therapist’s hands to break down tension and scar tissue in your muscles and soft tissue. One soft tissue mobilization technique that we like to use at SOL Physical Therapy is the Active Release Technique (ART).
How does ART work?
ART is a form of soft tissue mobilization that specifically focuses on the removal of adhesions, which are large forms of scar tissue in your muscles and soft tissue. These adhesions frequently develop as the result of soft tissue injuries, such as:
- Strains and sprains
- Torn ligaments
- Tennis elbow
- Carpal tunnel syndrome
- Tendinitis
- Whiplash
This scar tissue is an issue because it creates abnormal connections between different muscles and soft tissue. These abnormal connections can limit your range of motion and put pressure on your nerves, which causes pain.
During ART therapy, your physical therapist will identify areas in your muscles and soft tissue that are affected by the buildup of scar tissue. They will use ART manual therapy techniques to apply compression, force and tension where the scar tissue is built up.
Repetitive applications of ART can cause the scar tissue to break down, which helps improve your range of motion and reduce pain.
Visit SOL Physical Therapy to treat your pain with ART
If you have been injured, you may develop scar tissue that limits your range of motion and causes pain. At SOL Physical Therapy, our physical therapists are certified in administering ART to break down scar tissue and improve your range of motion. Contact our team today to learn more about ART or to schedule an initial appointment.
