What is Active Release Technique

The goal of ART is to restore optimal texture, motion, and function of the soft tissue and release any entrapped nerves or blood vessels. This is accomplished through the removal of adhesions or fibrosis in the soft tissues via the application of specific protocols. Adhesions can occur as a result of acute injury, repetitive motion , and constant pressure or tension. ART eliminates the pain and dysfunction associated with these adhesions.

Dr. Leahy first began teaching his innovative technique in 1991 using the name myofascial release. Later in 1995, he trademarked the name Active Release Techniques . This was done for several reasons —

1. This technique was dealing with more than just muscle and fascia;
2. Second — there are many other techniques which utilize the name myofascial release and many practitioners that utilize myofascial release techniques which are not similar in any way or form to ART®
3. To standardize the treatment a patient receives and duplicate the high rate of success achieved with ART® , a proficiency level was developed for ART® providers.

There are currently 5 courses offered through Active Release Techniques: Spine, Upper Extremity, Lower Extremity, Nerve Entrapments, and Masters ART.

The types of conditions successfully treated with ART is very diverse.
Some of the more common conditions are:

• Carpal tunnel and other peripheral nerve entrapments
• Spinal pain and dysfuntion
• Tendonitis and other soft tissue inflammatory disorders of the hand, wrist, elbow, shoulder, hip, knee, ankle, and foot
• Sciatica, TMJ, recurrent sprains and strains

Only a credentialed ART provider can ascertain whether ART might prove beneficial for your condition. To become proficient in ART, it takes approximately two years of working with patients once a provider has taken the courses and passed the required examinations. Providers must attend annual update seminars to maintain their credentialed status and keep current of any new protocols and research.

Dr. Myers is Asheville's ONLY FULLY Certified ART provider and is a member of the Elite Provider Network. The EPN network is exclusively for those providers that have met and passed additional requirements to provide care to not only patients but to major companies who want to reduce overuse injuries. Dr. Myers has been an EPN provider for several years at 3M Corporation Greenville and Cintas Corporation, where he helps reduce workplace injuries or "aches and pain" to employees through Active Release Protocols. He is also on staff at Clemson University with Men's Basketball along with UNC Asheville Athletics, where he provides ART and manual therapy to those team members.