Active Release Techniques

About ART^® (Active Release Techniques^®)

Dr. Kymberlee Wilkens is Master's certified in Active Release Techniques^® (ART), a patented, soft tissue technique that treats problems with muscles, tendons, ligaments, fascia and nerves.

Overuse of muscles can cause your body to produce tough, dense scar tissue. As scar tissue builds up, muscles become shorter and weaker, tension on tendons causes tendonitis and nerves can become trapped. This can cause reduced range of motion, loss of strength and pain. If a nerve is trapped, you may also feel tingling, numbness and weakness.

The goal of ART^® is to restore optimal texture, motion and function to the soft tissue, and release entrapped nerves or blood vessels.

Dr. Wilkens uses ART^® to treat a number of soft tissue injuries, such as:

ART Treatments

Each ART^® session combines examination and treatment. At the beginning of each appointment, Dr. Wilkens evaluates the texture, tightness and movement of muscles, fascia, tendons, ligaments and nerves in the affected area. She treats any abnormalities with a combination of precisely directed tension and very specific patient movements. Dr. Wilkens is well versed in the more than 800 specific movements that are unique to ART^® treatment protocols and custom designs a unique approach to each individual patient.

The History of Active Release Techniques^®

ART was developed, refined and patented by P. Michael Leahy, DC, CCSP of Colorado Springs, CO. Utilizing his background in aeronautical engineering and anatomy, Dr. Leahy developed ART to treat soft tissue problems, which were not responding to other traditional treatments. By observing how muscles, fascia, tendons, ligaments and nerves responded to different types of work, Dr. Leahy was able to resolve over 90% of his patients' problems. He now teaches and certifies health care providers all over the world to use ART^®.

Patient Testimonial

I was absolutely thrilled to discover Wilkens Chiropractic as an Active Release Technique provider in Flagstaff. Five months ago, after running the marathon, I had accumulated a lot of microtissue damage from the race and was struggling to resume training pain-free. In my first few visits with Dr. Kym, she was keen in identifying the sources of my overuse injuries and used ART to help relieve the pain and encourage the body’s natural healing process... it is extremely effective in relieving muscular tension while promoting healthy muscle tissue restoration and improved range of motion. Overall, I was very impressed with her professionalism, knowledge of the musculoskeletal system and her level of compassion - injured athletes are not easy to deal with! Her ART and chiropractic treatments are by far the most comprehensive therapies I have ever received.... I have continued to see Kym for chiropractic “tune-ups” and ART treatment to help reduce soreness and aid in recovery after running races and hard workouts. I feel I am able to get more out of my body in training and racing by integrating these therapies into my routine. I would highly recommend chiropractic care and ART for anyone wanting to be and remain active without being sidelined by aches and pains. So thank you Kym and Chris for keeping me running strong and healthy; I could not be in better hands! -- Jeffrey E