What are ADHESIONS? A Quick Definition.

What are adhesions?

When the load placed on the body is greater than the capacity of the body’s tissues to handle that load, the result is dysfunction.  Any time a muscle is overworked (repetitive motions, repeated contractions) or acutely injured (fall or collision causing a tear or crush), it receives a decreased amount of bloodflow (read: oxygen flow).  If this condition continues, the hypoxia (lack or oxygen flow) causes adhesions to form in the muscles.  These are sticky areas, almost as if someone poured glue into the muscle, which limit range of motion, alter your biomechanics, and cause pain.  Adhesions remain until they are treated.  Rest, ice, stretching, and ibuprofen will not make them go away!  You may get some temporary relief, but once you resume your activities, the issue will make itself known once again.  Active Release Techniques is a manual therapy technique that is effective in reducing the adhesions so that you can get back to your activities!