Active Release Technique – ART

Thank you for all the feedback on my feet.  I decided to do a little research into an Active Release Technique provider in my area.  There were only a few and I was able to get in to see one this morning.

After a very thorough consultation, Dr. Perry said that he thinks the problem is the Flexor Hallucis Longus.  Basically, the long muscle that runs from my big toe through my heel.  He said it’s a complicated diagnosis and much more simple to lump all the complexities of the foot into a Plantar Fasciitis diagnosis.  Of course, I came home and looked at a picture of the foot – wow – there’s a lot going on in there.

Source

 From the ART website:

“ART is a patented, state of the art soft tissue system/movement based massage technique that treats problems with muscles, tendons, ligaments, fascia and nerves. Headaches, back pain, carpal tunnel syndrome, shin splints, 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 ART. These conditions all have one important thing in common: they are often a result of overused muscles.”

My Appointment:

The doctor examined my feet and said that my feet are super flat (tell me something I don’t know).  Basically, over time, the tendons and stuff (technical term) on the bottom of my feet have to stretch out farther because I have no arch.  So, over time things get tighter and tighter.  I’ve also been having some lower back pain recently and while the two problems aren’t connected, he’s able to address them both.

He did a lot of range of motion testing and a very thorough exam before starting the treatment.  The actual ART treatment was probably 20 minutes and I spent over an hour with the doctor.  Love the thoroughness.

The treatment itself was uncomfortable, but not overly painful.  While I was prepared for pain (based on blog posts I’ve read), it wasn’t that bad.  There were a few points on my calves and feet that were painful with the amount of pressure that was applied.  I only jumped once or twice.  He gave me the option of starting a little lighter today and building up, which I accepted.  But, then as the treatment went on, he said he was actually applying all the pressure he needed to.  It was more like a super deep tissue massage without the goal of relaxing you.

His philosophy is to heal a person from their pain and then not see them until another issue arises.  He said he’ll typically work with a patient for 5-10 treatments for one thing and then they’ll come back a year later for something else.  He said that subsequent treatments are usually shorter because people know that the treatment works and will usually come sooner into their pain.  He thinks that he can treat me in 6-10 treatments.  I’m supposed to do a few stretches every day on top of the treatment.

No running or walking for long periods of time for a while.  After a few treatments, we’ll start to ramp back up again.  I’m allowed to bike and strength train.  He said the elliptical would be fine, too.

He talked to me about no running in a way that I think he wasn’t sure I’d follow his instructions.  Considering I can hardly run these days, it’s really ok.  I’d rather be able to run for many more years than to run in pain in the short term.  I haven’t signed up for anything, nor do I have any particular training plans at the moment, so I’m okay with the plan.  I think it’ll be another few weeks before he gives me a green light for more high impact workouts.  Far cry from my reaction to my ganglean cyst from a year ago – I was horrified at not being able to run – I had grand plans then.

He suggested that I get over-the-counter insoles and he thinks that with treatment, and then the regular support of the insoles, I will probably be fine doing barefoot workouts.  He doesn’t think that having insoles is a permanent solution and that my body would just come to rely on the insert.  I need to teach my body to work properly, not give it the crutch of insoles all the time.  Since I usually wear tennis shoes most days, they’ll have plenty of support.

We’ll see how long it takes to get to that point.

Another note: he said the compression gear probably did nothing to help matters.  Oh well, it helped me feel better mentally.

I love the whole body approach of a chiropractor for treatment.  My mom asked why I wasn’t going to a podiatrist to heal my feet.  I see a chiropractor and ART as being preventative.  Medical doctors tend to treat the pain and not necessarily solve the underlying issue.  This way, I hope to teach my feet to do what they’re supposed to and not just deal with the pain.  Dr. Perry also said that ART tends to be a favorite treatment of very active people as compared to traditional chiropractic care.  He said many people don’t like the thought of the pain, but really such a quick reward and the choice treatment of many athletes.  If it’s available to us weekend warrior types, why not take advantage of it?  He also said that his patients that are the biggest wimps are the body builder type men.  :-)

For now, I’m already feeling better.  I feel like my feet are less angry and tight.  My back is still a little achy, but the stretches this afternoon helped.  I can’t wait to go again, bummer that I have to wait until next Friday.  With the holiday this coming week, I can’t get back there until Friday and then after that, I’m going to try to get there 2 times a week.

I know I’ve only been once, but I would highly recommend a certified ART chiropractor for your aches and pains.  I’m already doing the happy feet dance

The post Active Release Technique appeared first on Family Fitness Food.