{"id":190377,"date":"2019-06-25T14:28:54","date_gmt":"2019-06-25T21:28:54","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/heelthatpain.com\/?p=190377"},"modified":"2019-06-25T14:29:02","modified_gmt":"2019-06-25T21:29:02","slug":"art-heel-pain","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/heelthatpain.com\/art-heel-pain\/","title":{"rendered":"Active Release Technique (ART) For Heel Pain"},"content":{"rendered":"[et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”3.19.6″][et_pb_row _builder_version=”3.19.6″][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”3.19.6″ parallax=”off” parallax_method=”on”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”3.19.6″]

\"ARTActive Release Technique, or ART for short, is a treatment that was initially developed to treat soft-tissue injuries in athletes as quickly as possible.<\/p>\n

Since then, ART has gained popularity with doctors and patients to treat microtraumas, tears, and painful scar tissue in a wide variety of injuries \u2014 including plantar fasciitis.<\/p>\n

In this article we\u2019ll cover how ART therapy works, how this therapy differs from other soft-tissue treatment methods, potential risks and benefits, how much Active Release Technique costs, and whether ART is effective for plantar fasciitis.<\/p>\n

What Is Active Release Technique (ART)?<\/h2>\n

Active Release Technique (ART) is a patented treatment method that targets injuries to soft tissues in the body (like tendons, ligaments, and nerves). The soft tissues of the body (including the plantar fascia) are vulnerable to injuries like tears, bruising, or pulls, as well as chronic deterioration and microtraumas (small tears that accumulate over time).<\/p>\n

Scar tissue and adhesions can build up as a result of these injuries and traumas, which places extra strain on tendons, limits range of mobility, and entraps nerves at the injury site. This scar tissue can lead to significant pain and become a big roadblock to healing, especially in areas of the body that don\u2019t naturally get a lot of blood flow (like the heel and arch!).<\/p>\n

ART is performed by a trained medical provider, who uses unique movements and manipulations to help break up painful scar tissue, facilitate blood flow to the injured area, and promote healing.<\/p>\n

How is ART Different from Other Soft-Tissue Treatments?<\/h2>\n

While ART might sound very similar to Graston or deep tissue massage at first glance, Active Release Technight is unique in a few different ways. It can be helpful to compare and contrast these common soft-tissue treatments:<\/p>\n

ART vs. Graston<\/h3>\n

Both of these therapies work to break up adhesions and scar tissue while improving circulation. In Graston<\/a>, a therapist uses instruments instead of the hands to manipulate tissues. These two treatment methods are often used hand in hand.<\/p>\n

ART vs. Deep Tissue Massage<\/h3>\n

Both of these therapies combine pressure with a series of movements. However, unlike deep tissue massage, the movements in Active Release Therapy do a better job of lengthening and applying tension to scar tissue, which helps break that scar tissue up more effectively. ART and deep tissue massage are sometimes used together in therapy sessions.<\/p>\n

How Effective Is Active Release Therapy for Plantar Fasciitis?<\/h2>\n

As of now, there aren\u2019t peer-reviewed studies that can offer conclusive evidence about the effectiveness of Active Release Technique. However, the feedback from patients and providers is encouraging, and the principles of ART are aligned with tried-and-true treatment methods.<\/p>\n

The arch of your foot and heel are avascular. That means these areas get very little blood circulation naturally. When the arch is injured, strained, or overused the body has a more difficult time sending blood cells to the injury, which are crucial for delivering oxygen, nutrients, and collagen to rebuild the damage. That\u2019s one of the biggest reasons why injuries like plantar fasciitis are slower to heal than say, a cut on your arm.<\/p>\n

It\u2019s also the reason why ART\u2019s specialized movements to improve circulation and deliver needed blood supply to the plantar fascia and heel are effective. Each of the movements targets a specific muscle, ligament, or tendon in the foot (there\u2019s more than 100, including the flexor digitorum brevis, abductor hallucis, and the flexor digiti minimi brevis!) and deeply works the tissue using principles of friction, lengthening, and pressure to increase circulation and break up stubborn scar tissue.<\/p>\n

Potential Risks and Benefits of Active Release Technique<\/h2>\n

As with any treatment, ART has unique benefits to offer, along with a few risks that can be summed up as follows:<\/p>\n

Potential Benefits of ART<\/h3>\n