Nerve Release Technique in Newport Beach Physical Therapy
Active Release Technique (ART) offers a hands-on physical therapy method focused on relieving nerve entrapments and soft tissue adhesions. Unlike traditional stretching, massage, or general mobilization techniques, ART actively engages the patient’s movement to break down scar tissue and restore normal nerve function. The physical therapists at Balanced Body Physical Therapy use this targeted approach to treat nerve compression, chronic pain, and mobility restrictions for Newport Beach and Irvine patients.
How Is Nerve Release Technique Different?
Most physical therapy techniques focus on general muscle relaxation, passive stretching, or strengthening exercises. While physical therapists rely on these methods to improve flexibility and strength, they may not directly address nerve entrapments caused by muscle, tendon, and fascia adhesions. ART involves:
Specific Contact and Tension – A therapist applies direct pressure to a restricted muscle or nerve path while guiding the patient through specific movements.
Dynamic Motion – Unlike static stretching or passive massage, ART requires active participation from the patient, helping to break down adhesions in real time.
Nerve Glide Enhancement – ART improves nerve mobility by releasing trapped nerves, reducing tingling, numbness, and weakness.
This technique allows for precise treatment, often targeting affected areas more efficiently than general manual therapy or static myofascial release techniques.
Conditions Treated with ART Nerve Release Technique
ART helps a variety of conditions where nerve entrapment or soft tissue dysfunction causes pain or restricted movement. This includes:
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome – ART can release adhesions around the median nerve, restoring proper hand and wrist function without invasive procedures.
Sciatica – Compression of the sciatic nerve, often caused by tight muscles such as the piriformis, responds well to ART’s deep tissue manipulation.
Thoracic Outlet Syndrome – This condition involves nerve compression near the neck and shoulder, leading to arm pain and numbness. This targeted nerve release technique releases the tight scalene and pectoral muscles that cause restriction.
Plantar Fasciitis and Foot Nerve Entrapments – ART works to free the tibial nerve and other small nerves in the foot, reducing pain and restoring normal movement.
Tendonitis and Overuse Injuries – Conditions like tennis elbow and rotator cuff issues often involve nerve irritation alongside tendon inflammation, making ART a valuable treatment.
Nerve release technique as part of physical therapy treatment gets you moving again
Key Benefits of Active Nerve Release Technique
ART offers several advantages over other physical therapy techniques, particularly for individuals suffering from nerve-related pain and mobility restrictions.
Rapid and Effective Pain Relief
Patients often experience immediate improvements after their first PT session. By directly addressing adhesions and nerve entrapments, Newport Beach physical therapists at Balanced Body can significantly reduce pain without weeks of passive therapy.
Improved Nerve Function
Entrapped nerves result in numbness, weakness, and radiating pain. Through active nerve release, the therapist restores proper nerve glide, allowing signals to travel efficiently between the brain and muscles.
Better Mobility and Flexibility
Unlike traditional stretching, ART breaks down scar tissue and restores normal tissue movement. This results in an improved range of motion and reduced stiffness.
Targeted, Patient-Specific Treatment
At Balanced Body, each nerve release session conforms to the patient’s condition. Customized treatments take into consideration the individual’s movement patterns, nerve involvement, and soft tissue restrictions.
How Nerve Release Technique Differs from Myofascial Release Technique
Both active release and myofascial release target soft tissue restrictions, but they differ in their approach. Myofascial release focuses on sustained, gentle pressure applied to the connective tissue surrounding muscles. During this passive technique, the therapist holds pressure over a restricted area and waits for the tissue to release. During active nerve release, the therapist utilizes a more active and aggressive approach. The therapist directly guides the patient's movement to break down adhesions and free trapped nerves. This dynamic motion makes nerve release more effective for nerve entrapments and conditions that involve restricted nerve glide. On the other hand, myofascial release works best for general tissue tightness and chronic tension without nerve involvement.
Newport Beach Nerve Release Therapy
Active nerve release technique actively engages the therapist and the patient in the healing process. This specialized, hands-on approach to treating nerve entrapments and soft tissue dysfunction offered by Balanced Body Physical Therapy combines direct pressure with patient movement to effectively break down adhesions, restore nerve function, and alleviate chronic pain.
Call today and schedule a free phone consultation to find out if ART is right for you.
