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Not all massage techniques are alike! While the number of massage techniques used is virtually unlimited, they each involve a unique approach. That includes the Active Release Technique (ART). Here are some need-to-know facts about this particular massage method:

1. It was developed by Dr. Michael Leahy

Dr. Leahy is an American Doctor of Chiropractic who is based on Colorado Springs, Colorado. He developed ART after observing that muscles, ligaments, tendons, and nerves responded to various types of movement. In fact, ART became successful in treating 90% of his patients' problems related to soft tissue. Leahy has also been instrumental in developing methods for preventing and treating injuries that occur in the workplace. Interestingly, Dr. Leahy has also personally participated in several Ironman triathlons.

2. It treats more than muscles

Various massage techniques differ in how effectively they treat pain or stress. One of the main benefits of ART is that it not only can be used to treat muscles, but also tendons, ligaments, and even nerves! Most often, therapists use ART to treat scar tissue that has formed in overused muscles. The role of ART is to strengthen and lengthen muscle tissue.

3. It can include training and certification

As with other types of massage techniques, potential ART practitioners can receive both training and certification for the technique. When receiving ART training, it's important that trainers have received a sufficient amount of training themselves. To receive ART certification, one must attend a required number of workshops. Another certification requirement is to pass both a practical and written exam. Furthermore, to retain ART certification, one must attend at least one ART seminar yearly, and earn passing scores on recredential tests.

4. It can treat various health conditions

Therapists use ART to treat a wide array of health conditions, including:

backaches

carpal tunnel syndrome

headaches

TMJ joint

tendonitis

How can ART be effective in treating so many health conditions? That's due to the techniques it involves. ART not only treats muscles, ligaments, tendons, but also blood vessels and nerves-which can cause various health conditions.

It has been proven to be effective

The number of clinical studies about the efficacy of ART is relatively small. However, in 2008 a Vanderbilt University study concluded that the effectiveness of ART was sufficient enough to make it a practical option for treating pain and injuries related to soft tissue.

It involves three levels

How does ART differ from run-of-the-mill massage techniques? One of the key differences is in the four levels of treatment that it includes. Other massage techniques include the first three levels of ART's treatment of soft tissue. What distinguishes ART is Level Four of the technique. The patient is required to move his or her affected tissue in certain directions, as the therapist applies pressure. The key to this approach is that the patient becomes an active participant in the implementation of the ART technique.

If you suffer from various soft-tissue problems, then you should certainly consider the ART method. The unique approach accounts for the extremely high success rate of this innovative technique.