What is the Active Release Treatment (ART)?

The Active Release Treatment (ART) alleviates afflictions in the musculoskeletal system.

An ART session always deals with the patient as an individual.  After carefully studying the patient’s condition, chiropractors utilize a hands-on approach (with over 500 possible moves specific to ART) to address and treat soft tissue injuries in the body’s fascia, muscles, tendons and nerves.  The patient participates in this process by creating very specific movements during the treatment.

When the body undergoes trauma or injury, caused by surgery, repetitive strain, or postural distortion, it responds by creating scar tissue.  While scarring is a natural and necessary response, this hardening of tissues can lead to unnatural adhesions in the body and lead to many problems and pain over time.   The manual practice of ART aims to eliminate these afflictions and offer the patient much needed relief.

Here are just a few of the conditions ART can successfully address:

Here are some conditions Flexion Distraction can successfully treat:

  • Tissue Hypoxia
  • Repetitive Strain
  • Joint Dysfunction
  • Headaches
  • Back and Shoulder Pain
  • Carpal Tunnel Syndrome,
  • Shin Splints
  • Sciatica
  • Plantar Fasciitis

Some soft-tissue care methods of the past, like drugs, heat, cold, and massage, addressed the patient’s condition from the perspective of its symptoms.  For that reason, they offered patients only short-term results.  However, with Active Release Techniques, we work with the injury from its cause, and therefore give our patients the gift of long-term relief and lasting results.

How do I know if I have a slipped disc?

The phrase “slipped disc” is misleading.

Our discs, pads containing jelly-like material, are situated between the bones of our spine and responsible for normal bending and turning.   They aren’t capable of actually slipping.  This “slipping” many people speak of is in fact a herniation, where a disc protrudes or bulges due to an abnormal amount of pressure on an area of the spine.

While this herniation is usually accompanied by a great deal of pain, it is possible to occur with little to no symptoms; hence the reason regular spinal checkups are key for maintaining your optimal health.

How do I know if I have a pinched nerve?

Many patients consult a chiropractor believing they may have a pinched nerve, which can result from compression.   Some common symptoms include a “pins and needles”or burning sensation, often radiating outward from an injured area.  It is also common to feel areas of the body numbing or “falling asleep.”  Pinched nerves can lead to other more serious conditions, so it is best to address the situation quickly.

What is chiropractic? How does it work?

Chiropractic partners with your body to restore your natural state of health.

When your nervous system is functioning properly, all your organs, tissues and cells successfully resist disease.  Interferences in your spinal column can disrupt healthy nervous system functioning.  Chiropractors are skilled at locating and eliminating these blockages to good health so your body can function at its highest level.

How do I get started with chiropractic care?

A skilled chiropractic doctor knows that each patient is an individual and requires a very specific approach to his or her personal healing.  As such, they will start each course of treatment with a thorough case history of your health.  During this time, it is important you give your doctor as much information as you can regarding your previous injuries, accidents and surgeries, as well as the specifics of your current condition so they can best determine your course of treatment.  After studying your history, the doctor will perform an orthopedic, neurological and chiropractic examination.  It is likely you will also take a series of x-rays to help further identify the misalignments and malfunctions you will tackle together.

What kind of education do chiropractic doctors receive?

Doctors of Chiropractic undergo rigorous training, schooling and testing, and are extremely well educated.

Chiropractic science emphasizes:

  • Anatomy
  • Physiology
  • Pathology
  • Neurology
  • Bio-mechanics
  • X-ray
  • Spinal Adjusting Techniques

Chiropractic Doctoral candidates must pass the demanding National Board Examination before receiving their degree.   They then must apply for and pass even more rigorous testing with the governmental or professional licensing board before they are granted the privilege to practice.

For most chiropractors, the education never ends.  The best doctors continue their postgraduate education and always stay current with the latest scientific research.

Is it possible for me to adjust myself without the care of a chiropractor?

Many people twist and bend their bodies in an effort to “crack their backs” and enjoy what feels like temporary relief.  While the sound that accompanies this may be similar to sounds from an actual chiropractic adjustment, the effect could not be more different.  Chiropractors are trained to apply pressure to a very specifically targeted area of your spine in order to bring you into healthier, more stable alignment.  When you attempt to do this yourself, not only is it impossible to apply that same targeted pressure, but your efforts may actually be de-stabilizing the spine rather than strengthening it.

Working with a skilled chiropractor is the best thing you can do for your spinal health.  Even doctors themselves visit their fellow chiropractors to receive adjustments.

How safe is chiropractic care?

It is extremely safe.  Chiropractic care works with the body and encourages its natural ability to heal.  It is an approach to healing that requires no invasive procedures or habit-forming drugs.  Chiropractic has an excellent safety record and has proven time and again how remarkably effective it is.

Are there ways to accelerate my healing?

While patience is key in any healing process, there are many things you can do to encourage your recovery.

  • Be sure you are receiving enough rest (and avoid sleeping on your stomach).
  • Practice sitting, standing and lifting methods that support your spine health.
  • Make proper nutrition a priority.
  • If you are carrying excess weight, do your best to slim down.
  • Dedicate yourself to the specific exercises your chiropractor recommends.
  • Keep your appointments.
Can children benefit from working with a chiropractor

Yes!  Children undergo an enormous amount of growth and potential spinal trauma in their earliest years.  In fact, the birthing process alone can create a great deal of subluxations in the spine, so more and more parents are now choosing to bring in their newborns for chiropractic check-ups and on-going care.

As children learn to crawl and walk, and eventually take part in games and sports, they are of course susceptible to falls.  These falls often create unseen spinal injuries.  Chiropractic doctors are trained to spot these hidden injuries and treat them before they become a problem.

Am I too old to work successfully with a chiropractor?

Absolutely not.  People can benefit from chiropractic care at any age.  As the public’s concern over the safety of prescription drugs and their side effects increases, so does the popularity of natural chiropractic care.  Patients who are feeling the affects of aging are having great success in relieving the symptoms of arthritis and other chronic ailments through chiropractic treatment.   Increased spinal mobility leads to improved function and plays a big role in boosting appetite, endurance and overall vitality.

How long will I need chiropractic treatment?

Most people find their health is served best with regular spinal checkups, especially those who are very active or work in stressful environments.  Scheduling periodic preventative visits is recommended for optimal spinal function for everyone.

Many patients come to us with spinal conditions they have neglected over time. When the spine has undergone trauma over many years, there are often issues of muscle weakness and tissue damage in the body, as well as degenerative changes to the spine itself.  In these cases, on-going supportive chiropractic care is key to reclaiming optimal spine health.

How much can I expect to pay for a chiropractic consultation?

All our general chiropractic consults with Dr. Sid are complimentary at Esprit Wellness.  Contact us to schedule your free consultation.

Consults for our ScoliSMART™ Scoliosis Treatment program for scoliosis are available for a fee.  Contact us for more information.

How soon will I feel the results of chiropractic care?

That depends.  Each patient’s case is different.  Many of our patients report feeling better after just one treatment, though it is common to enjoy marked improvement after approximately 10 adjustment sessions.

Does Esprit Wellness accept my health insurance?

Most health insurance policies are accepted at Esprit Wellness, yes.   However, it is important you check with your provider to ensure they specifically cover chiropractic treatment.

Will you accept my non-US insurance policy?

Many of our international clients use non-U.S. insurance plans to cover treatment with us at Esprit Wellness Center.  Contact your insurance company to verify that your plan will cover chiropractic treatment in the US as well.

Can I pay with a credit card?

Certainly.  Master Card, VISA, American Express and Discover are all accepted.

Can I pay with ATM, Debit, or Check cards?

You can.  We accept Master Card and VISA debit and ATM/check cards