Active Release Techniques® (ART®) is a patented soft tissue technique that treats problems involving muscle, tendons, ligaments, fascia and nerves. It is a hands-on examination and treatment system that evaluates the texture, tension and movement of underlying tissues. After locating the injured tissue, it is treated by using specific patient motions while drawing the tissue under precisely directed tension.
Injury can be categorized into 3 types: acute, repetitive strain or constant pressure/tension. Injury to any soft tissue heals by a fibrous process which often leaves tough, dense scar tissue in the affected area. Scar tissue can bind up and tie down tissues that need to move freely. As scar tissue builds up, muscle become shorter and weaker, increased tension on tendons can lead to tendonitis, and nerves can become entrapped. Pain, soreness, numbness, tingling, weakness, restricted movement or reduced performance may develop. This scar tissue alters the texture of the tissue which an experienced ART® provider can locate and treat.
Conditions successfully treated by certified ART® practitioners include: muscle strains, neck and back pain, carpal tunnel syndrome, iliotibial band (ITB) syndrome, plantar fasciitis, Achilles tendonitis, tennis and golfer’s elbow, rotator cuff strain, ligament sprains, nerve irritation, sciatica, numbness and tingling. ART® treatments offer improvements in strength, speed and endurance which has benefited many with athletic and workplace injuries.
Dr. Paula Vanderburgh has been an ART® provider since 2001. She is full body certified [holds her certification in spine, upper extremity, lower extremity and nerve protocols] and is also an ART® Biomechanics provider [assesses/studies the body in motion to address the sites which prevent optimum performance]. She has been an assistant instructor for ART® courses since 2005 and completed the Active Palpation course in 2011. ART® has a partnership with Ironman Triathalon and as an ART® Ironman Provider, Paula has had the opportunity to work at Ironman competitions (Lake Placid in 2004, Penticton in 2006). She was also the team chiropractor/ART® provider for the UWO Track and Field Team for 5 seasons.
