Adhesion Release Therapy: Types, Procedure, and Techniques

Adhesion release therapy (ART) is a highly effective treatment for those suffering from restricted movement due to adhesions. If you are experiencing adhesion for reasons like injury, surgery, or repetitive strain, we can help you. ART helps your body to heal and regain proper function. Our blog will tell you all about ART. So, if you are dealing with chronic pain caused by adhesion, don’t stop reading.

What is Adhesion Release Therapy (ART)?

Adhesion-release therapy, also known as ART, breaks down adhesions. Adhesions are bands of scar tissue that form between muscles, tendons, or ligaments. They typically can restrict your flexibility and may cause pain. ART is a good way to release these adhesions, restore mobility, and relieve discomfort.

The purpose of ART is to help patients regain full movement, improve overall body function, and relieve pain without surgery. This kind of treatment is divided into different types, including manual, rapid, myofascial, and more. Recovery time depends on the severity of the condition, but many patients report noticeable improvements within two to six weeks. Read on to learn more about types, procedures, and more details.

Types of  Adhesion Release Therapy

Adhesion release therapy can fall into different types. Let’s see the most common types of this treatment together:

Manual Adhesion Release (MAR)

In this technique, therapists use their hands to put pressure directly on the adhesion areas. By doing this, the scar tissue breaks down and restores flexibility and function. This treatment is  typically effective for conditions like tendonitis, carpal tunnel syndrome, and lower back pain.​

Active Release Technique (ART)

This adhesion release technique combines manual pressure with patient movement to break up adhesions in muscles, tendons, ligaments, and nerves. During treatment, the therapist applies pressure to the affected area while the patient moves the affected muscle or joint. This combination of pressure and motion helps to release adhesions. Those with sciatica, frozen shoulder, and plantar fasciitis are good candidates for ART. This technique is often more dynamic than MAR.

Instrument-Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization (IASTM)

In this method, therapists use specialized tools to find adhesion areas precisely. For example, IASTM in Vegas is a good option for those with chronic inflammation and fibrosis. These tools can help therapists target deeper adhesions and improve outcomes for conditions like tendonitis, plantar fasciitis, and muscle strain.

Rapid Release Therapy (RRT)

This method uses high-frequency vibration devices to break up adhesions and scar tissue. Rapid release therapy, or PRT, is a quicker, non-invasive treatment for musculoskeletal issues. It can be combined with other therapies like chiropractic adjustments.​

Myofascial Release Therapy

This treatment focuses on areas like the fascia and the connective tissue surrounding muscles and organs. Therapists use foam rollers or massage balls to apply gentle and sustained pressure to areas of restriction to ease tightness and improve mobility.

Adhesion Massage Therapy

This method aims to loosen tight muscles and break down scar tissue. In this method, therapists massage guns or deep tissue massage tools to apply deep and slow pressure to the affected areas. Adhesion massage therapy reduces pain and improves flexibility. It also helps to prevent the buildup of new adhesions.

What Does Adhesion Release Treat?

Let’s see what adhesion release treats based on its type:

• Manual Adhesion Release (MAR) helps to reduce chronic pain and improve mobility. It’s effective for conditions like tendonitis and plantar fasciitis.​
• Active Release Technique (ART) targets soft tissue injuries caused by overuse. It commonly treats back pain, shoulder pain, and sciatica.​
• Instrument-Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization (IASTM) addresses deeper adhesions, particularly in cases of chronic inflammation and fibrosis​.
• Myofascial Release Therapy targets fascia and helps to relieve tightness, improve mobility, and reduce pain​. You better choose this treatment in case of fibromyalgia, chronic pain, or postural problems.
• Rapid Release Therapy (RRT) leads to pain relief and improved tissue function​​. Therapists use this treatment if you are experiencing chronic pain or restricted tissue function due to conditions like muscle tension, scar tissue buildup, or nerve entrapment.

What Body Parts Are Treated?

Our therapists commonly use ART to treat affected parts of the body like:

• Shoulders
• Neck
• Elbows
• Lower back
• Knees
• Ankles and feet
• Wrists and hands

Procedure of Adhesion Release Therapy

Let’s see adhesion release therapy step by step:

1. First, your therapist evaluates the texture, movement, and tightness of muscles, tendons, or ligaments to find the areas that cause pain or restrict movement.
2. Then, the therapist uses their hands or specialized tools to apply pressure to the target area. It aims to break down scar tissue.
3. The therapist asks you to move the affected muscle or joint while he maintains pressure on the adhesion.
4. With continuous pressure and movement, the adhesions gradually break down.
5. After the therapy session, you better rest the treated area for a day or two. Stretching, hydration, and specific exercises can help you recover sooner.

Adhesion Release Surgery

In severe cases, adhesion-release therapy alone doesn’t work, and doctors use surgery for treatment. Those who don’t respond to typical therapies are good candidates for surgery.

The steps to do the surgery are:

1. Before the surgery, your doctor thoroughly assesses your conditions to confirm the need for surgical intervention.
2. During the surgery, the doctor makes a small incision to access the affected area where the adhesions have formed.
3. Next, your surgeon carefully identifies and removes the scar tissue or adhesions that are restricting movement or causing pain.
4. After removing adhesions, the surgeon checks for proper movement and function.
5. Finally, they close the incision, and the patient enters the recovery phase, which may take several weeks.
6. You better go through physical therapy sessions to help restore strength, mobility, and flexibility, ensuring a full recovery.

Note: Recovery depends on your conditions and aftercare. It normally takes 6 to 12 weeks.

Adhesion Release Therapy Near Me in Las Vegas

If you are living in Vegas and looking for a good therapist for adhesion therapy, we can help you.

Our clinic provides specialized ART treatments. In case you are still in doubt, make an online appointment for free consultation.

Conclusion

Adhesion-release therapy is an effective, non-invasive treatment for those suffering from adhesions. No matter what type of adhesion therapy you choose, after the procedure, you will find relief and improved function. If you are experiencing severe adhesions, you may need surgery, but for most, ART provides a less invasive alternative.

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