CHARLOTTE, N. C., July 1, 2012 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Dr. Darcey Walraven-Ladner, chiropractor and owner of Omni Wellness Center, announced that her physical therapy programs employ a treatment modality known as Active Release Technique, or ART. According to Dr. Walraven-Ladner, ART has been shown to ameliorate the recovery and healing process as well as reduce scar tissue. She says she has seen healing expedited by ART when she uses the technique to break up scar tissue and adhesions that typically form after an injury or surgery. ART is based on massage therapy and was developed by Dr. P. Michael Leahy. The technique contains more than 500 specific movements that serve to manipulate the soft tissues involved in the healing process.
"Active Release Technique has been extremely beneficial for reducing and eliminating scar tissue as well as providing other benefits," the Charlotte chiropractor said. "ART has been effective for treating pain and promoting healing as part of our physical therapy programs."
Dr. Walraven-Ladner says ART may be used to treat a number of conditions, from a herniated disc to a muscle strain. She says the chiropractic technique has also been beneficial for treating back pain, shin splints, carpal tunnel syndrome, sciatica, headaches, plantar fasciitis, and myriad other conditions caused by muscle overuse. When a muscle is overused, it can develop tears and stop receiving adequate oxygen. The tears and lack of oxygen, in turn, can result in the formation of scar tissue. Scar tissue can continue to develop, eventually resulting in a decreased level of strength, flexibility, and mobility. The built-up scar tissue can also press down on nerves, causing pain, weakness, and tingling.
Chiropractor Dr. Walraven-Ladner says she often uses ART in conjunction with other techniques, such as neurolymphatic muscle balancing, to further assist the healing process. The overall goal of neurolymphatic muscle balancing is to help a muscle function at its full capacity. Dr. Walraven-Ladner says it does this by combining ART's ability to break up scar tissue with acupuncture's ability to alleviate trigger points. "The end result is a muscle that functions at its full 100 percent capacity," she said, "rather than the previous limited capacity."
Dr. Walraven-Ladner says employing laser therapy in conjunction with ART can create a comprehensive healing program to aide chiropractic care. This treatment modality uses specifically measured doses of laser light to assist with the healing process. The chiropractor says the results may include a reduction in swelling, an increase in blood circulation, and cellular-level healing of the injured soft tissues. She adds that chiropractors may use any combination of techniques as part of a healing program, based on the nature and severity of the injury being treated and the specific needs of the patient.
Omni Wellness Center offers advanced techniques and holistic services to the Charlotte community. The center's services include spinal adjustments, therapeutic laser treatments, acupuncture, and nutritional counseling.