Active Release Technique for Golf Injuries

ART has been developed, refined, and patented by P. Michael Leahy, DC, CCSP. Dr. Leahy noticed that his patients' symptoms seemed to be related to changes in their soft tissue that could be felt by hand. By observing how muscles, fascia, tendons, ligaments and nerves responded to different types of work, Dr. Leahy was able to consistently resolve over 90% of his patients' problems. He now teaches and certifies health care providers all over the world to use ART.

Active Release Technique® (ART) is a patented, state of the art soft tissue system/movement based technique that treats problems with muscles, tendons, ligaments, fascia and nerves. Headaches, back pain, carpal tunnel syndrome, muscle strain, shoulder pain, sciatica, plantar fasciitis, knee problems, and golfer’s elbow are just a few of the many conditions that can be resolved quickly and permanently with ART. As the name implies, ART uses motion to fix the problem. Once the injury has been assessed, the provider uses hands on treatment and patient motion to “free up” the adhesion or restrictions within the muscles, tendons, fascia, etc. These conditions all have one important thing in common: they are often a result of overused muscles, Cumulative Injury.

Cumulative Injury Cycle

The Cumulative Injury Cycle (above) represents the process in which over-use injuries and pain occur. The process begins with Overwork, such as bodybuilding, sports and certain work requirements. This combined with a sedentary lifestyle or repetitive activities leads to Weak & Tight Muscles throughout the body. These weak and/or tight muscles lead to excessive Friction, Pressure and Tension to the local muscles, ligaments, tendons, and fascia. In turn, Decreased Circulation, Swelling and Hypoxia (lack of oxygen) to the area ensues. Due to this hypoxic state, formation of adhesions and/or scar tissue occurs to the area which decreases the function of the local structures. This becomes a vicious cycle that over time results in inflammation, pain and injury.

Implementation of ART to weak or tight muscles with the above mentioned restrictions is necessary for stretches or strengthening exercises to be more effective and in turn correct muscular imbalances. These muscular imbalances are the root cause to many over-use injury and pain syndromes.

Every ART session is actually a combination of examination and treatment. The ART provider uses his or her hands to evaluate the texture, tightness and movement of muscles, fascia, tendons, ligaments and nerves. Abnormal tissues are treated by combining precisely directed tension with very specific patient movements.

These treatment protocols - over 500 specific moves - are unique to ART. They allow providers to identify and correct the specific problems that are affecting each individual patient. ART is not a cookie-cutter approach.