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 only fifteen to twenty minutes. ART treatments will depend on the severity of the problem as well as the patients overall health. A patient may be requiring approximately 6-10 more visits for the problem to be resolved.
How soon can I expect results?
Often after the first visit, our patients will find that they have increased movement and a decrease pain, tingling and numbness sensation. There will be an increase in muscle strengthen and a better range of motion.
Is this similar to other soft tissue treatments like massage, trigger point therapy, ischemic compression, rolfing, etc.?
NO. Active Release Techniques is seen as the Gold Standard iun Soft Tissue treatment across the industry. ART is very specific and Diagnostic when being performed which makes there results in second to none.
Once my problem has been corrected what are the chances of the problem returning?
Some lifestyle changes might be introduced along with various exercise/stretch routines. The reason for this is to help to initiate movement. Reoccurrence of the problem is rare, especially if the exercise regime has been followed through faithfully.
What is the relationship between ART and the Ironman Triathlon?
Elite Providers are Prouds Partners of Ironman. Dr. Ayala is certified provider is able to treat athletes who take part in the Ironman races all around the world. At all Ironman events, ART is invited to treat athletes and keep them moving for there event. These events are grueling and take their toll on the athletes. Sometimes injuries occur because of overuse. These athletes benefit greatly from ART / Ironman Performance Care.
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?
All patients benift from our treatment. I am proud to say my youngest patient treated was 2 weeks old and eldest being 89. People who want to fix an injury or improve their performance or just enjoy day to day activity will benefit greatly from seeing Dr. Ayala who is trained in ART.
Do I need to be in pain to receive care?
Remember, Pain is the last thing to come and first thing to go. Pain does not necessarily mean your problem is at the site of complaint, nor does no pain mean you do not have a problem. Dr. Ayala fully examines each patient both orthopedic and functionally through movement screenings to pull out all dysfunctions along the kinetic chain.
Can anyone perform Active Release Techniques?
No. Dr. Ayala is a fully certified Active Release Techniques Provider. He 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-evasive and may not have the same effects for everyone. Sometimes surgery is the only option, but very commonly we have been able to help patients avoid surgery. It is also a great option post surgery to return to your activity quicker.
Does my insurance cover Active Release Techniques?
It is better if you check with your insurance provider first to make sure that you are covered. Some insurance companies cover all Active Release Techniques procedures, while some only cover a percentage of the procedures. We have a special offer for first evaluations and when you have that first evaluation, we will notify you of what procedures are covered by your insurance company.
We specialize in
Gentle Chiropractic Adjustment | Active Release Techniques | HyberBaric Oxygen Therapy | K-Laser Therapy | Game Ready | SFMA | FMS | TPI | Functional Range Conditioning | Amino Neuro Frequency Therapy | RockTape