Physicians Plus

This state of the art soft tissue and movement based technique treats injury to muscles, ligament, tendons, nerves and fascia.  Active Release Techniques (ART) works by identifying and elongating acutely and chronically damages tissue that generates pain and loss of function.  ART certified doctors diagnose damaged tissues by palpating the area of injury and evaluating the texture, tightness, adhesions and movement of the tissue.  Therefore, ART is used as both a diagnostic and treatment tool.  The damaged tissues are then treated with a combination of precisely directed tension and specific patient movements in a timely and directed manner.  ART allows each treatment protocol to be individualized for each patient, therefore allowing the providers to address each patients specific needs.

Since ART is directed at sensitive tissues, the work through this area can cause some short term discomfort described "as the good hurt."  This sensation may reproduce some of your presenting symptoms, however it is usually only lasts a few seconds.  The pressure applied never goes beyond the patient's tolerance and comfort level.

You can expect to be with the doctor for 10-15 minutes and an average of 4-12 visits to correct the dysfunctional tissue.  However, this timeline varies based upon the patients presenting condition, compliancy and how active "you" the patients are in your care.

Results are most often noticed after the first treatment and continue to grow with each subsequent visit.  You will begin to notice an increase in range of motion and muscle strength, reduced pain, numbness and tingling depending on the injury.

Virtually anyone can benefit from ART, Olympic athletes to office laborers to construction workers.  The use of ART is determined by the patients presenting condition and works to free the dysfunctional tissues and reduce pain in a safe and timely manner.

More information available at Active Release Techniques Website

Physicians Plus provides performance care to athletes looking to get an edge on the competition.  We are part of the ART Ironman Performance Care Team and can be found on the Ironman Provider Network.  Performance care is a system of treatment which helps lengthen and strengthen muscles before they become injured which results in improved athletic performance.                                                        

Dr. Paul and Dr. Tim and the Madison IRONMAN Active Release Techniques treatment team.