Myofascial release and Active Release Technique are both closely related and rooted in the same basic concepts. Myofascial release is generally used as an umbrella term for several types of soft-tissue massage and release therapies.
Below we’ll take a look at both and see how they differ, as well as which one may be right for you.
What Is Myofascial Release?
Myofascial release focuses on fixing abnormal adhesions, scar tissue, and other issues with the fascia in the human body. Fascia is a tough, elastic connective tissue that surrounds muscles and other structures inside the body.
This fascia can become adhered to certain parts of the muscle, as well as lose its elasticity in other areas. These types of abnormalities in the fascia can result from sudden injuries, repetitive injuries, or improper form during athletic activities.
This can result in pain, loss of flexibility, and injury. The goal of myofascial release is to use external manipulation to relieve and fix these problems that have arisen within the fascia. When done properly, the muscles can return to their natural state and proper function, relieving pain and increasing performance.
What Is Active Release Technique (ART)?
Active Release Technique is a more advanced form of myofascial release therapy. ART combines decades of evidence-based study to build on the foundations of myofascial release to achieve even better results and positive outcomes.
Active Release Technique moves beyond just the fascia and focuses on other soft-tissue structures in the body. These include the muscles themselves, ligaments, and tendons.
This more holistic approach to treating more than just the fascia, combined with advanced manipulation techniques all allow Active Release Technique to treat a far wider range of issues.
Is Active Release Technique Better Than Myofascial Release?
Myofascial release is considered one-dimensional than Active Release Technique. ART also requires extensive training and practice to achieve optimum results since it involves more than just fascia. So in layman’s terms, Active Release Technique has built upon the foundations of Myofascial release to treat a wider range of injuries with better outcomes.
Both of these methods treat the same issues, but a professional trained in Active Release Technique will be able to address the exact cause of the problem, whether it be only with the fascia, or involving other soft-tissue structures.
Because of this, an Active Release Technique practitioner has more options at their disposal when it comes to treating chronic or repetitive injuries in patients and athletes.
Is Myofascial Release Or Active Release Technique Right For Me?
Active Release Technique can now treat a wide range of stubborn injuries that may be slow to improve on their own without intervention. Because of ART’s non-invasive nature, it makes it one of the safest and most beneficial choices when dealing with repetitive, acute, or chronic issues.
At Elite Performance Chiropractic, our doctors specialize in Active Release Technique and have years of experience putting it to use for our patients.
Whether you’re dealing with a repetitive stress injury or an athlete looking to improve recovery and performance, Active Release Technique at Elite Performance Chicago can be one of your best options.