While Rolfers were busy rebranding their techniques as “Deep Tissue Massage” and “Myofascial Release,” there was another person, a chiropractor making his mark on the soft tissue scene. His name was Dr. Michael Leahy.
Dr Leahy knew that skeletal adjustments alone weren’t enough to solve this issues his clients were having, so he devised his own soft tissue techniques. But instead of using forearms and knuckles to glide against tissues (like massage therapists), Leahy’s idea was that you could pin a structure using your thumbs and hands, and then have that person move in such a way as to get maximal lengthening (and maximal release) across that tissue.
Soon chiropractors around the world were using ART to help clients solve their issues. ART has proven itself to be particularly useful in treating nerve entrapments, joint adhesions, and certain muscle adhesions that are difficult to target with deep tissue and Myofascial Release techniques. Learn more about ART HERE.
Active Release Technique is incredibly difficult to learn and a highly sophisticated system. For this reason, many of the chiropractors, physical therapists, and massage therapists who are practicing ART are often not doing so correctly. This takes two forms. First, professionals will often practice their own interpretations of ART techniques, or just refer to any pin and stretch technique they use as ART. This is not ART. Second, professionals will often apply too much pressure while using ART. ART should NOT feel uncomfortable, and if someone tells you ART should hurt, they need to take another seminar. I know this from practicing on Dr. Leahy in person at a seminar in Portland, Oregon. I was working on Dr. Leahy’s adductor hallicus, and he spent 15 minutes showing me how to make the technique hurt LESS. This is not a no-pain-no-gain technique, which ironically is why many people searching for massage therapy don’t want ART.
If you’re looking for Active Release Technique In San Francisco, you’re in the right place. I am full body certified in Active Release Technique. I should mention, however, that today I rarely do sessions of only Active Release Technique. I almost always integrate ART with Myofascial Release and deep tissue massage because I find that it helps me get overall better results. I use Active Release Technique on an as needed basis when it is clearly the best technique for what I am trying to accomplish. Click “Book Now” above to schedule your first session.
Pain Solutions Massage Therapy & Personal Training
Phone: 415.518.2125
Email: ben.beeler2014@gmail.com
Hours:
Monday: Closed
Tuesday: 8:30am-10am, 1pm-7pm
Wednesday: 8:30am-10am, 1pm-7pm
Thursday: 8:30am-10am, 1pm-7pm
Friday: 8:30am-10am, 1pm-6:30pm
Saturday: Closed
Sunday: 2pm-6:30pm
