This will be a three part series that will explain everything you need to know about ART (Active Release Technique).

Part 1: How does scar tissue form?

Part 2: How can scar tissue lead to the pain that I have?

Part 3: How does ART get rid of scar tissue?

So let’s start off with:

Part 1: How does scar tissue form?

ART stands for Active Release Technique and is probably the most popular and sought after form of soft tissue treatment on the market today.  ART was developed by  P. Michael Leahy, DC and it’s main purpose is to break down scar tissue that forms in muscles, ligaments, and tendons. MAR stands for Manual Adhesion Release and was developed by William Brady, DC.  MAR also breaks down scar tissue but Dr. Brady also has a system of diagnosis that leads to quicker and more effective results.

Most people typically say, “I haven’t had an injury, so why would I have scar tissue?” Hopefully this next section will help clarify how and why scar tissue forms.

There are three main pathways for scar tissue formation:

1. Acute conditions, such as pulls and tears.
2. Micro-trauma or an accumulation of small tears.  This is a fancy name for wear and tear (accumulation of bad movements); for example, when factory workers have to perform a repetitive job. Eventually, your body will react in a negative way and fill in the gap with scar tissue.
3. Hypoxia (low oxygen) pathway is the most common generator of scar tissue in muscles.  Muscles need oxygen to function and oxygen is delivered via the blood.  The blood vessels pass throughout the muscles and can become constricted by a contracting muscle.  This is normally not a problem, but with today’s sedentary world, muscles are forced to contract longer and more frequently than our ancestors.  A great example of this is using a keyboard many hours in a day.  This will cause constant contraction of the forearm extensor muscles (pictured below).

 

This causes a low oxygen environment in the muscle and triggers fibroblasts to come in and create scar tissue.  This overloads the attachment point (lateral epicondyle) of the extensor muscles on the outside of the elbow and causes pain.  This is called lateral epicondylitis/epicondylosis or tennis elbow.  Tennis players abuse the forearm extensors as well, especially during backhand movements.

 

Who would have thought that these two activities could lead to the same problem?

Part 2: How can scar tissue lead to pain?

Part 3: How does MAR™ and ART® get rid of scar tissue