Active Release Technique®
in Garner, North Carolina
Advanced Soft Tissue Treatment for Lasting Relief
Active Release Technique (ART®) is a specialized soft tissue treatment method designed to address problems caused by scar tissue formation and muscle adhesions. This patented technique combines precise manual therapy with active movement to restore proper tissue function and eliminate pain at its source.
Dr. Seay has extensive training in various advanced soft tissue techniques, including previous full-body certification and long nerve entrapment in Active Release Technique®, providing comprehensive care for complex musculoskeletal conditions.
What ART® Treats
Scar Tissue Formation
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ART® specifically targets scar tissue that develops from acute injuries, repetitive strain, or constant tension. This fibrous tissue can bind muscles, nerves, and other structures together, restricting normal movement and causing pain. The technique works to break down these adhesions and restore proper tissue gliding.
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Muscle Adhesions
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When muscles, fascia, ligaments, tendons, and nerves become stuck together due to overuse or injury, ART®-based techniques help separate these structures. These adhesions commonly develop in areas subject to repetitive motion, such as the shoulders, forearms, hips, and calves.
Common Conditions Treated
Upper Extremity Conditions
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• Carpal tunnel syndrome • Tennis elbow (lateral epicondylitis) • Golfer's elbow (medial epicondylitis) • Shoulder impingement syndrome • Rotator cuff injuries • Frozen shoulder (adhesive capsulitis) • Thoracic outlet syndrome • De Quervain's tenosynovitis • Trigger finger • Cubital tunnel syndrome • Bicipital tendinitis • Wrist sprains and strains
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Spinal Conditions
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• Chronic neck pain • Cervical radiculopathy • Whiplash injuries • Tension headaches • Migraine headaches • TMJ dysfunction • Upper crossed syndrome • Chronic low back pain • Lumbar radiculopathy • Sciatica • Piriformis syndrome • Sacroiliac joint dysfunction • Lumbar facet syndrome • Post-surgical scar tissue
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Lower Extremity Conditions
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• Plantar fasciitis• Achilles tendinitis • IT band syndrome • Patellofemoral pain syndrome • Runner's knee • Jumper's knee (patellar tendinitis) • Hip flexor strains • Hamstring strains • Groin pulls • Calf strains • Shin splints • Ankle sprains (chronic) • Metatarsalgia • Morton's neuroma • Greater trochanteric bursitis • Compartment syndrome
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Athletic & Repetitive Strain Injuries
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• Sports-related muscle strains• Overuse injuries• Post-workout muscle tightness• Decreased range of motion• Performance limitations• Repetitive strain injuries (RSI)• Occupational overuse syndromes• Computer-related posture problems• Musicians' performance injuries• Post-surgical rehabilitation
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Nerve Entrapment Syndromes
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• Carpal tunnel syndrome • Cubital tunnel syndrome • Thoracic outlet syndrome • Piriformis syndrome • Tarsal tunnel syndrome • Suprascapular nerve entrapment • Lateral femoral cutaneous nerve entrapment • Median nerve entrapment • Ulnar nerve entrapment • Radial nerve entrapment
How ART® Differs from Traditional Massage
Precision and Specificity
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While massage typically addresses general muscle tension and relaxation, ART®-based treatments use specific protocols targeting exact anatomical structures and movement patterns, making them highly precise in addressing particular problems.
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Active Movement Component
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The key difference lies in the "active" aspect. During treatment, you actively move the affected body part through specific ranges of motion while the practitioner applies targeted pressure. Traditional massage is generally passive, with the client relaxed while the therapist works.
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Diagnostic Integration
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Practitioners trained in these techniques can identify exactly which tissues are involved in creating symptoms. They can feel the texture, tightness, and movement of different tissue layers, allowing them to pinpoint problem areas with remarkable accuracy.
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Treatment Approach
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While massage focuses on increasing circulation, reducing muscle tension, and promoting relaxation, ART®-based techniques specifically target adhesions between tissues, working to restore normal tissue texture, movement, and function.
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Expected Outcomes
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These targeted approaches aim for measurable, lasting improvements in specific functional problems. Many patients experience significant improvement in just a few sessions when adhesions are successfully addressed.
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Dr. Seay believes heavily in the value of massage therapy. Just like chiropractic, ART® is great adjunct to pair with massage therapy. Like massage therapy, Active Release Technique® is NOT billable to any insurance.
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