Active Release Techniques
Active Release Techniques
Dr. Ayala is the first Level 2 Full Body Certified Active Release Techniques Practitioner in Ventura County and serves as and carries an Elite Provider Status with Active Release Techniques.
ART® is a patented, state-of-the-art soft tissue system/movement based technique that treats problems with muscles, tendons, ligaments, fascia and nerves. Headaches, back pain, carpal tunnel syndrome, TMJ, shoulder pain, sciatica, plantar fasciitis, knee problems, and tennis elbow are just a few of the many conditions that can be resolved quickly and permanently with Active Release Techniques. These conditions all have one important thing in common: they are often a result of overused muscles.
How do overuse conditions occur?
Over-used muscles (and other soft tissues) change in three important ways:
- Acute conditions (strains, tears, trauma, etc.)
- Accumulation of small tears (recurring micro-trauma, unresolved injury)
- Not getting enough oxygen (hypoxia due to lack of movement or tight tissue)
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 tight tissue builds up, muscles become shorter, weaker, and contracted. As the injury progresses, tension on tendons causes tendonitis, tendinosis, capsulitis, and entrapment of nerves can occur (ex. Carpal Tunnel). Soft Tissue conditions that are untreated continue to go through a cumulative injury cycle due to dense/irregular scar tissue resulting in chronic pain and dysfunction.
How does Active Release Techniques treatment work?
Using a series of hands-on techniques and protocols while the affected tissues are in motion, Dr. Ayala utilizes Active Release Techniques to treat the damaged and tight tissues resulting in decreased pain, increased range of motion, and restored function.
What is an Active Release Techniques treatment like?
Every Active Release Techniques session is actually a combination of examination and treatment only Certified Providers can perform. The ART provider uses his or her hands to evaluate the texture, tightness and movement of muscles, fascia, tendons, ligaments and nerves. Abnormal tissues are treated by specific Protocols that combine precisely directed tension with very specific patient movements to sheer tissue and change the injured tissue on a cellular level.
These treatment protocols – over 500 specific moves – are unique to ART. This allows a Certified Active Release Techniques Provider to identify and correct the specific problems that are affecting each individual patient. Dr. Aaron Ayala is Certified in all Protocols of Active Release Techniques.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Active Release Techniques treatment painful?
Treatment of Active Release Techniques is described as a “great stretch”. Sometimes the first couple of ART treatments can be somewhat uncomfortable. Each patient is different and his or her tolerance level as well. It also depends on the severity of the condition. This feeling of being uncomfortable will stop within seconds of the stopping the treatment.
How long do the treatments take?
The initial consultation, examination, and treatment will can take anywhere from thirty minutes to one hour. Future treatments will take about twenty minutes. ART treatments will depend on the severity of the problem as well as patient’s overall health.
Is Active Release Techniques (ART) similar to other soft tissue treatments like massage, trigger point therapy, ischemic compression, or Rolfing?
No. ART is widely recognized as the gold standard in soft tissue treatment across the industry. Unlike other methods, ART is highly specific and diagnostic in its application, delivering results that are second to none.
What is the relationship between ART and the Ironman Triathlon?
At all Ironman events, ART is used to treat athletes and help keep them performing at their best throughout the competition. These events are grueling and take a significant toll on the athletes, often leading to injuries from overuse. ART, along with Ironman Performance Care, provides these athletes with the support they need to help recover and continue competing at a high level.
Can I benefit from ART even if other doctors and specialists have already treated me?
Yes. Because of Dr. Ayala’s full body approach to treament. Dr. Ayala will treat the Kinetic Chain and not just the site of injury. In order for the body to perform at its best, this approach is best.
Who would benefit from this care?
Everyone can benefit from ART treatment. Dr. Ayala is proud to have treated patients ranging from just 2 weeks old to 89 years young. Whether you’re looking to help recover from an injury more quickly, enhance your performance, or simply enjoy daily activities without discomfort, ART can be a transformative option. Dr. Ayala, trained in ART, is here to help you achieve your goals.
Do I need to be in pain to receive care?
No, pain is often the last symptom to appear and the first to disappear. Pain doesn’t always originate at the site of complaint, and the absence of pain doesn’t mean there isn’t an underlying issue. Dr. Ayala examines each patient using orthopedic tests and functional movement screenings to identify and address any dysfunctions throughout the kinetic chain.
Can anyone perform Active Release Techniques?
No. Dr. Ayala is a certified Active Release Techniques provider and has undergone a series of practical testing, biomechanics instruction as well as post-graduate classes. He also takes yearly Recertification classes to stay up to date as required by ART to remain a Provider.
What if my doctor recommends surgery?
ART is non-invasive and may not have the same effects for everyone. Sometimes surgery is the only option, but very commonly we have been able to mitigate a patient’s pain. It is also a great option post surgery to return to your activity quicker.
Gentle Chiropractic Adjustment | Active Release Techniques | Mild Hyberbaric Oxygen Therapy | SFMA | FMS | TPI | Functional Range Conditioning | RockTape | Acoustic Shockwave | Deep Laser Therapy | PEMF
