Active Release Technique - ART
Has anyone ever had active release technique (ART) used for recovering from an injury? Strained my hamstring and thinking about trying it out. This is the first injury I have had, knock on wood!
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Has anyone ever had active release technique (ART) used for recovering from an injury? Strained my hamstring and thinking about trying it out. This is the first injury I have had, knock on wood!
Comments
Mary
I used it for a hamstring pull/strain 12 weeks out frmo IMCDA last year. I ended up going once a week through CDA and have been back for other aches and pains since. Like Mary ended up finding out the hanny issue root cause was an instability issue and so since doing gait analysis in August haven't had any issues at all.
YES! A chiropractor in Natick, MA (http://www.performancehealthcenter.com/) that my wife and I visit regularly offers ART, and yes, it makes a big difference for us. I also believe that ART addresses an immediate issue, and that functional strength training, flexibility training, gait analysis - are long term solutions.
YES! ART is super effective - IF you are going to the right person! I've had it done by at least 4 different practitioners (three chiropractors and one PT), and two of them, unfortunately, were not so great at using the technique and I doubt they would've made a difference for me using ART had I been treated by them long-term. The certification process is intensive and EXPENSIVE, so finding someone who is certified is worthwhile in my opinion, as they've taken the time and invested the money in learning true ART (and my therapist friends who have done it - I am an non-practicing occupational therapist ;-) - have all said they re-learned anatomy in an unbelievable way). You can find a certified practitioner on the ART website: http://www.activerelease.com/providerSearch.asp
If I were you, I'd also look into finding someone (likely a chiropractor) who is also certified in Graston Technique. Graston, especially in combination with ART, will have you back on your feet fast! I've had amazing results with just one Graston treatment when the ART alone wasn't cutting it, but follow up the Graston treatment (which helps release trigger points and smooth scar tissue) with ART, and it was like a miracle! http://grastontechnique.com/LocateaProvider.html
Let us know how it goes!
X2 the ever wise Jess Withrow's input. I'm lucky enough to have an ART and Graston practicioner who keeps me tunned up and running on a semi-regular basis (I'm so lucky because she specializes in elite runners and Ironman athletes -- works Kona every year, and regularly treats the pros and fixes running form problems!) She cured my IT band problems and my plantar faciitis problems on separate ocassions. If you can find one, start building a relationship, you will learn a ton about biomechanics and injury prevention...
WOW, thanks for all the advice. Made an appointment with a Chiro off the active release website. Let you know how it goes.
1. I have no dominant side (R/L).........I write left handed and do everything else on the right side of my body. Chiro thinks that is odd. I couldn't write my name with my right hand if my life depended on it.
2. I am not engaging my glutes while running
3. I have weak lower legs and my ankles are in flexible.
4. I am super tight all over
Then the poking and prodding began..............It was one of the most painful sessions I have been to. After I felt much looser and free flowy (if you get me).
Next appt Wed evening, should only be 20 mins...........A lot of work to do chiro said but she can "fix" me. Says I need to strength train my legs.
I hear you on the painful thing... ART has brought tears to my eyes!
Oh, and @Rian - you are too kind! That SHOULD read the "Ever-Injured" Jess Withrow! I've had a lot of experience in that department... ;-)
Sometimes I'm sore the next morning as well.
The strength-training recommendation is probably spot on - my practitioner has me doing back-step lunges and squats for glutes and hamstrings. The other functional strength exercise that helps with my hamstrings, which is where you started this thread, is the single-leg dead-lift.
The one recommendation I would add - consider finding a qualified PT to set you up with a routine and coach you on the exercises. Correct form has to be learned, and it really pays to have someone show you how to do specific exercises, watch you do the exercises, make corrections to your form... Lots of people hurt their backs through poor form when strength training. Ironic because the goal of functional strength training is to prevent injury. I set up a 2xmonthly visit with a local PT (http://spectrumfit.net/) for about six months last year, and it was a great investment. The return for me is that I can stay with a program like the EN OS without breaking down.
Hope the hamstring feels better!
Is it just me or does this remind anyone else of EN?
Note: Graston HURTS, and you can't take advil afterwards. But for my n=1, the results are undeniable.