Release Your Pain: 2nd Edition - EBOOK. Dr. Brian James Abelson DC.

      Biomechanical analysis of an action or activity is an essential part of any ART treatment program. Several years ago, Kamali and I were fortunate enough to be involved in the writing of the ART Biomechanics Manual. This 600+ page online help system that we helped to produce is currently used to train practitioners on how to conduct a biomechanical analysis.

      ART practitioners certified in Biomechanics can:

       Quickly determine which structures are affected along the entire kinetic chain by paying attention to more than just the area of chief complaint.For example, a runner with lateral knee pain will often have accompanying restrictions in their lower extremities (dorsi flexors) and hips (external hip rotators). Even though the runner is not experiencing pain in these areas, it is essential to treat these areas since the dorsi flexors aid in controlling foot drop (eccentric contraction) and are involved in shock absorption by the lower extremities. Restrictions in this area can be a common cause of knee pain. In addition, restrictions in the hip often cause the runner’s leg to rotate out to the side (external rotation) resulting in increased stress on the knee.

       Identify the antagonistic structures (opposing muscle groups) to those that have been identified as the primary structures causing the imbalance.Since function and performance is based upon balance and coordination, an opposing soft-tissue structure is always affected by restrictions in the primary structure. These muscle imbalances often lead to injuries. Some examples of primary muscles and their corresponding antagonists are:biceps and triceps.quadriceps and hamstrings.pectoralis and latissimus dorsi.anterior and posterior deltoids.

      Once the affected areas (primary structures and their antagonists) have been located, the ART practitioner is able to systematically remove restrictions along the entire kinetic chain. Patients often see immediate improvements in their sports performance; from their running and walking speed, to increased power and accuracy in a golf stroke, to an ability to throw more precisely and at greater speeds.

Conditions That Can Be Helped with ART

       ART can help with...

       Achilles Tendonitis

       Ankle Injuries

       Arthritis

       Back Pain/ Back Injuries

       Bicipital Tendonitis

       Bunions and Bursitis

       Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

       Compartment Syndrome

       De Quervain’s Tenosynovitis

       Dupuytren’s Contracture

       Foot Pain and Injury

       Frozen Shoulder or Adhesive Capsulitis

       Gait Imbalances

       Golfer’s Elbow (Tendonitis)

       Golf Injuries

       Hammer Toes

       Hand Injuries

       Headaches

       Hip Pain

       Iliotibial Band Syndrome

       Impingement Syndromes

       Joint Dysfunctions

       Knee Meniscus Injuries

       Knee and Leg Pain

       Muscle Pulls or Strains

       Muscle Weakness

       Myofasciitis

       Neck Pain

       Nerve Entrapment Syndromes

       Plantar Fasciitis

       Post-Surgical Restrictions

       Repetitive Strain Injuries

       Rib Pain

       Rotator Cuff Syndrome

       Running Injuries

       Scar Tissue Formation

       Sciatica

       Shin Splints

       Shoulder Pain

       Sports Injuries

       Swimmer’s Shoulder

       Tendonitis

       Tennis Elbow (Tendonitis)

       Thoracic Outlet Syndrome

       Throwing Injuries

       TMJ

       Weight- Lifting Injuries

       Whiplash

       Wrist Injuries

       Remodeling Tissues with Exercise

      Chapter

      5

       Phases of Remodeling Soft Tissues

       Using Exercise to Remodel Injured Tissue

      Exercise is an integral component of all Active Release Techniques treatment protocols. It is the critical element required to ensure both proper tissue remodeling and to restore full neurological function.

Phases of Remodeling Soft Tissues

      To better understand why exercise is so essential, let us consider the process of tissue repair after injury. This repair typically occurs over three distinct phases¹:

      1 - Reaction or Acute Inflammatory phase: This 72hour phase is characterized by swelling and pain. During this phase, use ice to reduce inflammation, and if required, take an over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medication. Avoid using these medications after the first 72 hours since they can have a negative effect on tissue regeneration. Even during this initial stage, it is important to get some motion into the affected area in order to speed the healing process.

      2 - Regenerative or Repair phase: During this 48-hour-to-six-week phase, new collagen is formed and laid down to repair the injured area. If the injured person is performing the correct exercises, the majority of the collagen will be laid down in the same direction as the tissue being repaired, making the repaired tissue stronger and more capable of performing its function. If the individual is not exercising, the tissue will be laid down in more random patterns, leading to the development of weaker tissue that is easily re-injured.

      3 - Remodeling Phase: The remodeling phase can last up to 12 months. During this phase the collagen fibres increase in size, diameter, and strength. The amount of remodeling that takes place is dependant upon the forces that are applied to the tissue as the collagen remodels to withstand the stresses that are placed upon it. If the injured person is performing appropriate strengthening exercises, the collagen will remodel to withstand the stresses placed upon it. With exercise, this remodeling will lead to a complete recovery of the injured tissue, along with a decreased chance of re-injury. Without appropriate strength training, the possibility of re-injury is very high.

      It is very important to exercise throughout all stages of tissue repair. Lack of exercise results in decreased oxygen delivery to soft tissues, increased scar tissue formation, and increased muscle atrophy, and can