What is Active Release Technique?

 

 

Imagine pulling a string as taut as possible, until it can’t be stretched any further. Yet, if you clasp the middle of the string and pull, it will move…just a little bit more. Essentially, this depicts the concept behind Active Release Techniques® (ART), a state-of-the-art deep stretching system that treats problems with muscles, tendons, ligaments, fascia and nerves. “First and foremost, ART is a stretch,” explains Dr. Kris Kondrad.

 

"Strategically applying pressure and massage with my fingers enables me to get deeper into a muscle, where I can stretch it 10-15% further than you can do on your own.”             -Dr. Kris Kondrad

 

ART is the ‘gold standard’ treatment for repetitive stress injuries, making athletes, especially runners, prime candidates. Overuse can produce dense scar tissue which constricts movement. Patients may experience a loss of strength, reduced range of motion and pain, while a trapped nerve may cause a sensation of tingling, numbness or weakness. Patients who experience chronic tightness, feeling like they can never get their hamstrings or calves loose enough, respond well to ART. When combined with chiropractic care, takes treatment to the next level–pain resolves faster and often holds permanently. Remember, repetitive stress injuries does not only affect athletes. Daily activities such as sitting at a desk, driving, using a phone and carrying packages or young children with backpacks, are also causing constant strains. ART can be highly effective in relieving residual tension throughout the body.

 

ART will often permanently resolve health complaints such as:

• Headaches

• Back pain

• Carpal tunnel syndrome

• Shin splints

• Shoulder pain

• Sciatica

• Plantar fasciitis

• Knee problems

• Tennis elbow

• Achilles tendinitis

• IT band syndrome

• Peripheral nephropathy

​

During an ART session, Dr. Kondrad utilizes his strong sense of intuitive touch to manually evaluate the texture, tightness and movement of muscles, fascia, tendons and ligaments. “Once I detect the problem, I personalize the treatment by selecting from over 500 specific protocols used to free restrictions and restore blood flow to the area,” he explains. “Most patients describe the sensation as an intense stretch that ultimately feels good.” A life-long athlete, Daniel R was introduced to chiropractic and ART in high school. “I’ve experienced numerous repetitive stress injuries from running and have always found relief from chiropractic and ART,” said Daniel. When pain resurfaced, locating a certified ART practitioner became a priority. “I was experiencing calf pain that would worsen until I couldn’t run anymore,” explains Daniel. Dr. Kondrad used a combination of ART and the Graston Technique-which uses stainless steel hand instruments to release soft tissue restrictions-to help Daniel recover. “After just three treatments, I was able to reintroduce biking. After five treatments, I was back to light running, and now I have no pain and no worries that my calf will seize up,” says Daniel. “Dr. Kondrad helped return me to a healthy, balanced state. I haven’t found anything to be as quick or helpful in maintaining active recovery.”

What is Exercise Instruction?

  

Flexibility, balance and strength are major players in the prevention of most spine, joint and sports injuries.

 

After determining your exact needs and reducing pain and spasms to workable levels, we will instruct you in the proper SAFE and EFFECTIVE exercises to allow you to be more active and most importantly, to help prevent re-injury or a recurrence of your painful condition. We provide written instructions and handouts as well for reference at home.