Triathletes and marathon runners put their bodies through immense strain, allowing them to perform amazing feats. That’s why caring for your body between events is essential. Through various chiropractic care techniques, marathon runners and triathletes can ensure their body performs at its peak. 

For athletes who need chiropractic care in Plymouth, MN, Bomberg Chiropractic can provide natural, whole-body care utilizing a special technique called Active Release Technique. Let’s take a look at how ART can improve your body as an athlete. 

What Is the Active Release Technique?

Active release technique (ART) is a soft tissue movement-based massage technique that treats a wide range of muscular problems in muscles, tendons, ligaments, fascia, and nerves. The active part of ART comes from the tissue being treated is always moving throughout the treatment. It allows the muscle to move through its full range of motion, increasing mobility and treating the area more effectively. This technique is so effective and gentle that it can help women feel more comfortable during pregnancy. 

What Common Athlete Conditions Does ART Treat?

Doctor Bomberg utilizes ART in movement-based massage for triathletes and marathon runners. The technique is effective at relieving pain associated with these athletic activities.

A few of the many conditions that can be resolved quickly and permanently with ART include: 

  • Headaches
  • Back pain
  • Carpal tunnel syndrome
  • Shin splints
  • Shoulder pain
  • Sciatica
  • Plantar fasciitis
  • Knee problems
  • Tennis elbow 

These conditions all have one important thing in common: they are often a result of overused muscles.

How Do These Conditions Occur in Triathletes & Marathon Runners?

Triathlons and marathons can affect muscles in three ways:

  • Acute conditions, such as pulls, tears, collisions
  • Accumulation of small tears in the tissue
  • Lack of adequate oxygen

Each of these factors can cause your body to produce tough, dense scar tissue in the affected area. This scar tissue binds up and ties down tissues that need to move freely. 

As scar tissue builds up, muscles become shorter and weaker, tension on tendons causes tendonitis, and nerves can become trapped. 

Addressing Scar Tissue Problems in Athletes

Scar tissue can cause a reduced range of motion, loss of strength, and pain. If a nerve is trapped, you may also feel tingling, numbness, and weakness. Scar tissue and soft tissue injuries are common, and ART is a great way to help relieve some of the associated pain. A capable chiropractor who is experienced with ART, including Dr. Bomberg, can determine the best treatment for scar tissue and help determine if it needs further medical intervention. 

Taking an active approach to scar tissue is necessary to provide complete rehabilitation of the injury and restore full strength and function for your muscles. Combined with anti-inflammatory medications, ice, and rest can all help rehab your scar tissue problems. 

What Can You Expect From ART Treatment?

Movement-based massage sessions utilizing the active release technique provide necessary relief for athletes with scar tissue. Sessions include thorough exams, diagnosis, and treatment. 

Dr. Bomberg uses his hands to evaluate the texture, tightness, and movement of muscles, fascia, tendons, ligaments, and nerves. He treats abnormal tissues by combining precisely directed tension with very specific patient movements.

ART includes over 500 unique moves. These allow Dr. Bomberg to identify and correct the specific problems affecting your performance and causing your pain.

How Is Movement-Based Massage Different From Other Soft Tissue Techniques?

Movement-based massage uses the patient's movement to create tension in scar tissue. Every session combines an examination and treatment, which targets the injured soft tissue. 

ART treats specific muscles, which target the exact area of the scar within each tissue. Unlike massage or other myofascial release techniques, ART includes patient participation to complete the treatment. 

It’s much different than just asking the patient to lie on a table!

Schedule ART at Bomberg Chiropractic in Plymouth, MN

If you are suffering from muscle or joint pain and are seeking instant relief, contact Bomberg Chiropractic. We offer a wide range of chiropractic pain treatments, including movement-based massage. 

To schedule a consultation or chiropractic treatment, call 763-450-1755 or contact us online.