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Wade Folske

Relieve Upper Back Tension with Active Release Technique (ART)

Updated: Dec 12, 2023

If you're someone who experiences upper back tension and discomfort, you know how debilitating it can be. It affects your daily activities, work productivity, and overall well-being. You've probably tried various treatments, but have you considered Active Release Technique (ART)? In this guide, we will explore the benefits of ART for relieving upper back tension and how it can improve your quality of life.


Using Graston technique tool to relieve neck pain

Understanding Upper Back Tension


Before delving into the details of ART, let's first understand the causes and symptoms of upper back tension. Upper back tension, also known as repetitive strain injury (RSI), occurs when the muscles, nerves, ligaments, fascia, or tendons in the upper back become inflamed due to repetitive actions and overuse. This condition can arise from activities such as prolonged sitting, poor posture, heavy lifting, or repetitive motions involved in sports or certain occupations.

The symptoms of upper back tension include pain, numbness, weakness, stiffness, and biomechanical dysfunction. These symptoms can significantly impact your daily life, making it difficult to perform simple tasks or engage in physical activities. Fortunately, ART offers a solution to alleviate these symptoms and restore optimal function to your upper back.


Introducing Active Release Technique (ART)


Active Release Technique (ART) is a patented soft tissue treatment that has gained recognition for its effectiveness in addressing repetitive strain injuries. ART requires intensive training and dedication by healthcare professionals, making it an exclusive treatment option provided by only a handful of certified practitioners worldwide including Wade Folske at Performance Care Stretch Clinic.

ART focuses on locating and breaking down scar tissue and adhesions that contribute to pain, limited mobility, and dysfunction in the affected muscles and soft tissues. By targeting the root cause of the problem, ART provides more than just symptomatic relief, offering a comprehensive approach to treating upper back tension.


The ART Procedure

When you undergo ART for upper back tension, a certified practitioner will apply specific protocols tailored to your condition. The treatment typically involves the following steps:


  • Evaluation: The practitioner will conduct a thorough evaluation of your upper back, assessing your range of motion, identifying areas of tension, and understanding your specific symptoms and concerns.

  • Treatment: Using their hands, the practitioner will apply precise pressure and tension to the affected muscles and soft tissues. This technique helps break down scar tissue and adhesions, restoring optimal function and relieving pain.

  • Stretching and Rehabilitation: Following the treatment, the practitioner will guide you through specific stretches and exercises to promote muscular rehabilitation and prevent the recurrence of upper back tension. These post-treatment exercises are crucial for long-term healing and maintaining optimal muscle function.

Benefits of ART for Upper Back Tension


ART offers several significant benefits for individuals experiencing upper back tension. Let's explore these benefits in detail:

1. Targeted Treatment

Unlike generic treatments, ART provides a highly targeted approach to addressing upper back tension. By identifying the exact areas of scar tissue and adhesions, ART can effectively break them down, providing relief and promoting healing in specific muscles and soft tissues.

2. Pain Relief

One of the primary goals of ART is to alleviate pain associated with upper back tension. By addressing the underlying causes, such as scar tissue and muscle dysfunction, ART helps reduce pain and discomfort, allowing you to regain normal function and mobility.

3. Improved Range of Motion

Upper back tension often restricts your range of motion, making it challenging to perform everyday tasks or engage in physical activities. ART can help restore and improve your range of motion by breaking down scar tissue and adhesions within the muscle fibers, allowing your muscles and soft tissues to move freely.

4. Enhanced Performance

ART is not only beneficial for individuals experiencing upper back tension but also for athletes and sports enthusiasts looking to enhance their performance. By identifying and releasing restrictions that may hinder performance, ART helps athletes optimize their biomechanics and overcome muscular shortening/lengthening limitations, leading to improved athletic performance.

5. Non-Invasive and Drug-Free

ART is a non-invasive and drug-free treatment option for upper back tension. Unlike surgical interventions or reliance on pain medications, ART provides a natural and holistic approach to healing. It focuses on restoring optimal function to your muscles and soft tissues without the need for invasive procedures or medication that may only hide the perception of pain.


Finding an ART Practitioner

If you're considering ART for your upper back tension, contact Wade Folske at Performance Care Stretch Clinic.

As a certified ART practitioner, he has undergone rigorous training to ensure he can deliver effective ART treatments.


Take Control and Relieve Upper Back Tension with Active Release Technique (ART)


Upper back tension can significantly impact your daily life and hinder your ability to perform at your best. ART offers a targeted and effective treatment option for individuals experiencing upper back tension, providing pain relief, improved range of motion, and enhanced performance. By addressing the root causes of upper back tension, ART empowers you to take control of your well-being and enjoy a pain-free and active lifestyle.


Don't let upper back tension hold you back any longer. Contact Performance Care Clinic for a consultation and discover how ART can transform your life.


Image Source: FreeImages‍

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