The Active Release Techniques® Soft Tissue Management System was developed and founded by Dr. Michael Leahy, DC, CCSP. Active Release provides a way to diagnose and treat the underlying causes of a variety of conditions collectively called cumulative trauma disorders. These disorders are also known as repetitive stress injuries or "overuse" syndromes. These syndromes are given familiar names like rotator cuff syndrome, tendonitis and plantar fascitis. Other conditions that fall directly into this category are post- operative scar tissue, carpal tunnel, chronic low back pain, and hyper extension/flexion injury (whiplash).

Why Active Release is Different

Active Release is a highly successful approach to injuries of muscles, tendons, nerves, and the surrounding soft tissues. Active Release is not massage, physiotherapy, or chiropractic care. While those procedures relieve muscle and motion dysfunction, they do not necessarily address the underlying problems caused by scar tissue formation.

The three most common mechanisms of injury are: Acute trauma Constant pressure Repetitive motion

All three are a part of the cumulative injury cycle. Soft tissue structures in the body change or adapt with time: these changes are predictable and can be felt by the doctor. Chronic or "older" injuries actually feel different from acute or recent ones.

Active Release has proven to be especially valuable for athletes, from the professional to the beginner. Ninety percent of the time athletes with acute or long- standing muscular strain/sprain injuries experience complete recovery -- in a short period of time.

Many patients experience complete recovery after only 5-10 visits, although this depends on the severity of their injuries. Because of the soft tissue component, where other treatments fail, ART® succeeds. The bottom line is that patients get well quickly, completely, and with much less expense.

If you have further questions or would like to learn more, call us at (858) 452-0282, or e-mail.