Making action films has really been tough on my body. Thanks to Dr. Donato and Active Release Techniques, I'm able to perform and, I feel great!Danny Glover, Professional Actor
This article was originally published in Saratoga Today
Every day, patients come into my office with chronic, unresolved shoulder problems. By its anatomy and inherent instability, the cause of most shoulder conditions is mechanical therefore, effective treatment must focus on cause and not merely on minimizing symptoms.
In more than 10 years of successfully treating shoulders, I have found care must begin with changes in soft tissue, posture, and movement. An approach that initiates stretching and strengthening prior to this necessary step will only reinforce the faulty biomechanics that caused and maintained the condition. In other words, failing to identify the cause for a shoulder condition will negatively impact resolution.
Keep in mind, rarely is the problem at the point of pain. Commonly, a shoulder problem will have the patient point to a spot on the front or the side of the shoulder. Treatment aimed at one particular spot doesn’t take into account all the muscles, tendons, ligaments and nerves acting on the joint, from cervical neck muscles to soft tissue that extend as far down as the opposite hip. Addressing peripheral areas will improve mechanics and take pressure off the shoulder, having the secondary effect of reducing inflammation and irritation at the joint itself.
The most important step in any approach is restoring full, pain-free range of motion. Most shoulder problems occur over time and the result is the development of adhesions or scar tissue affecting the normal length of muscle fibers. Changes in muscle length will upset balance and normal mechanics. These changes inevitably are the cause of and the reason for unresolved problems in the area; reducing the effect of adhesions on the muscles is primary to restoring full range of motion.
Active Release Techniques (A.R.T.) is a patented, state-of-the art soft tissue/myofascial release technique that treats problems with muscles, tendons, ligaments, fascia and nerves. No other technique is as specific or as comprehensive as A.R.T.
Every A.R.T. session is actually a combination of examination and treatment. Using my hands to evaluate the texture, tightness and movement of muscles, fascia, tendons, ligaments and nerves can help pinpoint troublesome areas. Abnormal tissues are treated by combining precisely directed tension with very specific patient movements. A.R.T. is not a cookie-cutter approach.