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Active Release Techniques - for professional & amateur multi-sport athletes.

 
Active Release Techniques
 

Whether you swim, run, or cycle, it is essential to have core stability to maximize performance and prevent injury.

The core of your body is where you derive your power; it provides the foundation for all arm and leg movements. Your core must be strong, flexible, and unimpeded in its movements to achieve maximum performance.

Motion is not an isolated event that occurs in one direction. Body movement is a complex event involving agonists and antagonists structures that work together to create motion and to stabilize the body in all three directional planes.

 
  • More about ART
  • Video
  • CC ART Providers
  • Testimonial
Addressing Core Stability with Active Release Technique (ART)
The first steps in dealing with issues of core stability should be the analysis, identification and treatment of restrictions that inhibit motion. Active Release Technique is specifically designed to do just this.
 
ART practitioners start the procedure by performing a specific biomechanical analysis of the athlete's motion. This analysis is used to determine where specific restrictions are located along their entire kinetic chain. Your core area is the first place an ART practitioner will evaluate.  After evaluation, appropriate ART protocols are then applied to remove restrictions and restore or improve function.
 
About Active Release Techniques
ART treatments are specific and based upon the individual needs of each athlete. ART does not use a cookbook approach to treating a non-specific diagnosis.
 
ART® finds the specific tissues that are restricted and physically works them back to its normal texture, tension, and length by using various hand positions and soft tissue manipulation methods.
 
Effective treatment of any soft tissue restriction requires an alteration in tissue structure that breaks up the restrictive cross-fibre adhesions and restores normal function to the affected soft tissue areas. When executed properly, this process treats the root cause of the injury, and improves athletic performance.
 
Active Release Technique® is a patented muscle therapy that is considered the very best treatment of repetitive strain (RSI), sports, overuse, recurring and training injuries.
 
The ART practitioner is extensively trained to find the exact tissue that is injured or causing the problem and then physically works that tissue back to its normal texture, tension and length. This technique is unique, very specific and provides excellent results. Usually a patient will see significant results within just a few visits even if the injury has been around for years.
 
Conditions that respond best: shin splints, tennis elbow, carpal tunnel syndrome, rotator cuff strain or other shoulder problems, knee and ITB problems, head aches, neck and back strains.
 
Who can benefit from Active Release Technique® (ART)?
Anyone who suffers from any type of repetitive strain injury – from the athlete, to the office worker, to the home keeper- can be helped by treatments with active release techniques. Even if this problem has not responded to other forms of treatment. In addition ART is an effective tool for improving athletic performance.
 
ART is should be your first choice if you have any type of repetitive strain injury since it is able to resolve the majority of these cases without the use of invasive techniques like surgery, and can do so with almost no side effects (aside from a temporary tenderness of the soft tissue)
 
How can ART improve athletic performance?
Performance of any sport – by either the amateur or the professional athlete – can improve significantly after ART treatments.
 
Art allows the body to perform at its most efficient level by restoring proper soft tissue function and movement. Short, restricted muscles are weak muscles. The removal of these restrictions results in an almost immediate increase in strength. In addition, patients frequently experience improved reaction times due to the improved muscular and nervous function.
 
Why will exercises that did not work before become effective after ART treatments?
Stretching and strengthening exercises only become effective if they are executed after the adhesions within the soft tissue have been released. Attempts to strengthen muscles bound by adhesions often cause the structure to become more restricted, which in turn causes additional tension within the soft tissue.
 
What is Active Release Technique® (ART)?
ART is soft tissue therapy that treats problems with muscles, tendons, ligaments, fascia and nerves. Headaches, back pain, carpal tunnel syndrome, shin splints, shoulder pain, sciatica, plantar fasciitis, knee problems, and tennis elbow are just a few of the many conditions that can be resolved quickly and permanently with ART. These conditions all have one important thing in common: they are often a result of overused muscles.
 
How do overuse conditions occur?
Over-used muscles (and other soft tissues) change in three important ways:
  • acute conditions (pulls, tears, collisions, etc)
  • accumulation of small tears (micro-trauma)
  • not getting enough oxygen (hypoxia)
Each of these factors can cause your body to produce tough, dense scar tissue in the affected area. This scar tissue binds up and ties down tissues that need to move freely. 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.
 
What is an ART treatment like?
Every ART session is actually a combination of examination and treatment. The ART provider uses his or her hands to evaluate the texture, tightness and movement of muscles, fascia, tendons, ligaments and nerves. Abnormal tissues are treated by combining precisely directed tension with very specific patient movements.
 
These treatment protocols - over 500 specific moves - are unique to ART. They allow providers to identify and correct the specific problems that are affecting each individual patient. ART is not a cookie-cutter approach.
 
What is the history of Active Release Techniques®?
ART has been developed, refined, and patented by P. Michael Leahy, DC, CCSP. Dr. Leahy noticed that his patients? symptoms seemed to be related to changes in their soft tissue that could be felt by hand. By observing how muscles, fascia, tendons, ligaments and nerves responded to different types of work, Dr. Leahy was able to consistently resolve over 90% of his patients problems. He now teaches and certifies health care providers all over the world to use ART.
What is Active Release Techniques?


 
About Active Release Providers

City Clinic Active Release Providers:
 
ART, Doctor of Chiropractic

ART, Doctor of Chiropractic

ART, Doctor of Chiropractic
Testimonial
 
I am an Ironman triathlete and for the past 4 years I have been plagued by achilles/calf overuse injuries, severely hampering my running ability. I have been to physios, chiros, herbal remedies, acupuncture, massage (the lot) all with limited and short term success. I was starting to get depressed and despondent about my injuries and thinking that this was it, they weren't going to get any better than this. 
 
I then read about ART - Active Release Technique, in a number of triathlon magazines, but found that the few practitioners in Australia (let alone Sydney) weren't conveniently located for me. That was until I was recommended to City Clinic in York St Sydney (for acupuncture) and found that Michael Badke practiced ART. In a little over 3 months Michael has been my saviour - he has been able to free up all the scar tissue that had built up in my achilles/calves over the years. He has got me back running consistently but more importantly pain free.
 
The only thing holding me back now is my level of fitness and I'm looking forward to my next Ironman. Thanks Mike, you have given me back the sport that I love.
 
Steve Taylor - Ironman.
Read what patients write about us . . . . independent reviews by service! city clinic back to previous page
 
  • Active Release Techniques

    I am an Ironman triathlete and for the past 4 years I have been plagued by achilles/calf overuse injuries, severely hampering my running ability. I have been to physios, chiros, herbal remedies, acupuncture, massage (the lot) all with limited and short term success. I was starting to get depressed and despondent about my injuries and thinking that t his was it, they weren't going to get any better than this.

    I then read about ART - Active Release Technique, in a number of triathlon magazines, but found that the few practitioners in Australia (let alone Sydney) weren't conveniently located for me. That was until I was recommended to City Clinic in Sydney (for acupuncture) and found that Michael Badke practiced ART. In a little over 3 months Michael has been my saviour - he has been able to free up all the scar tissue that had built up in my achilles/calves over the years. He has got me back running consistently but more importantly pain free.

    The only thing holding me back now is my level of fitness and I'm looking forward to my next Ironman. Thanks Mike, you have given me back the sport that I love.

    Steve Taylor - Ironman

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    I've been using Active Release Technique (ART) for more than four years. I've found it to be the most effective method for dealing with hamstring and back injuries.

    Stephen P. Robbins, Ph.D.

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    After Geoff, my Chiro for the last five years, recently moved away to the good life in Byron Bay I have been looking for a new Chiropractor to take over where he left off.

    I am into weight training and have been for over 20 years. I enjoy it immensley and rarely miss a day. As a consequence I do suffer a range of niggling injuries however a visit to the Chiro every couple of weeks or so and I'm back on track.

    One of the guys from the gym recommended City Clinic so I booked a session with Mike Badke who I now know also practices Active Release Technique. Had read about it however never experienced it. With all due respect to Geoff I have to admit Mike is the man. After only two sessions I'm feeling better than I have felt for years.

    If you are into heavy weight training you'll know the frustration you feel when a niggling injury interrupts your training. All I can say is "see Mike", and you'll be back in the gym better than ever.

    Thanks Buddy, see you in a couple of weeks.

    Stanley

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    I developed very sore tennis elbow in 2004 – the severity ranged from difficult to work at a computer for a day’s work and progressed to not being able to lift a cup of coffee – I basically became left handed just to avoid the pain. After seeking evaluations and treatments which included chiropractic, massage, acupuncture, physiotherapy and two cortisone injections over the course of the next two and half years, I had almost given up.

    In late 2007 I started having Active Release Technique (ART) treatments with Michael Badke at City Clinic. There was improvement after the very first treatment and with every subsequent treatment it just got better and better. After several months of treatments my arm had recovered to the point that I could do all the activities I was normally doing prior to the injury including working full time and working out to rebuild all the muscle deterioration. What can I say ART works!

    Bernie

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  • Acupuncture

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  • Chiropractic

    I've suffered major back pains which have led me to many places , but all seemed low on experience, and helped me temporarily. This clinic helped treat my physical condition and mental condition, explaining the condition and purpose of my recent constant pain and most importantly, how to treat it daily.

    M Webb

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    City Clinics' Dr Mike Babke is an amazing practioner who has made a huge difference to my quality of life. I have suffered from back and neck pain over the years and seen many different specialists, doctors and natural therapists. Finding Mike and being treated with his specialist techniques of ART (active release therapy) in combination with chiropractic treatment has made a huge impact on my day to day quality of life. Being pain free and knowing that when i do need treatment from time to time -- it works -- quickly and effectively, i can do more now and feel great! thanks Mike you are a wonderful practitioner..

    L Hamileon

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    These guys are excellent. I first attended their practice when it was in Crown St after injuring myself at a nearby Gym years ago. I was doing a particular exercise incorrectly (behind the neck military press), which I still see a lot of people doing. They fixed the injury, showed me the correct way to do the excercise and got me into Pilates which I have been combining with my Gym training ever since.

    Michael_54

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  • Dexa Scan Sydney™

    I had my DXA Scan in October 2011. Unfortunately the results were not what I expected and certainly way different to another scan I had with another company a few months before.

    To their credit however they sent my results to a scientist in the US and then provided a whole lot of info on a new calibration system they use. It turned out the calibration for their DXA was not set right when it was installed. They organised for me to have another scan at no charge and the results were significantly different and in line with the DXA I had with the other company.

    I see one of their Chiro's fairly regularly and have always had excellent service from all their staff so it was no real surprise when they went out of their way to solve the DXA scan problem for me.

    Can't recommend them enough. They really are a very friendly and professional team.

    Michael L

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  • Health Assessments

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  • HemaView™

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  • Kinesiology

    For many years I have worked in improving my health of the mind, and body through various means. Yoga, meditation with the combination of osteopathy treatments, have helped with my posture and reduction of neck and back pain.

    Having an initial session of kinesiology with Francine, she helped me put into words where these niggling body pains stem from, and how my thought patterns are an influencing factor as well.

    Francine, through her calm nature, has made me go that step further in my aim for self-improvement. Thank You and I am looking forward to my next appointment.

    Mrs Galimberti

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  • Massage

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  • Naturopathy

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  • Nutrition

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  • Osteopathy

    I had my first appointment with City Clinic this morning ..... this was to treat a sore/strained bicep muscle in my right arm. The service was excellent and the treatment very professional.

    Lindsey

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    I suffered from a chronic pelvis condition for over 2 years and was recommended to visit City Clinic's Osteopath. Unlike other medical diagnosis given to me without identifying my condition, they pin-pointed it immediately, informed me the extent of my condition and what it would involve. I proceeded with visits with steady progress to the place where I was totally relieved from any former pain and now back to normal. I can highly recommend City Clinic for the high standard of practitioners and their integrity.

    Varunk

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    I had never been to Osteo before so I was a little nervous and didn’t know what to expect when I was recommended to go to for my sore neck that I had for 2 months. James was very professional and fixed my neck and rest of my back in just two visits. I was very happy and he was very honest with how many sessions I required. City Clinic has great opening hours so if you are unable to make it during work you can visit before or after.

    Forensics

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    I cannot fault them. I have been going to the Osteo there and he has fixed all my issues, I am straight and un-injured now. They are really good which is what you want when someone is dealing with your back and spine. It is such a senstivie area, you want to know the person knows what they are doing and can be effective in managing your injury.

    Justine C

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    Got my lower back fixed there a couple of times now. Very nice staff, their ostheo is highly recommended - my wife sent me there the first time and am now going for regular check ups.

    Sunny-76

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  • Physiotherapy

    I had my physio at City Clinic and it was wonderful. Very professional place, friendly staff, my appointment was on time. I am going there next week again. I can definately recommend this place.

    Aggie

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    Hi Hayden. I have been meaning to drop you a line to thank you very much for my recent treatment.

    I had a range of injuries to deal with but the worst was a knee complaint that was interfering with my marathon training.

    After continuing with the stretches and strength exercises it eventually settled down about 2-3 weeks before the marathon – which I completed in a time that I was very pleased with.

    I hope that you are well and many thanks again

    Regards

    Tony

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    As a patient my interest was mainly in the quality of the services provided by their physiotherapist. I tore a ligament/tendon while playing tennis. The service I received was professional, excellent quality, very caring, extremely knowledgeable regarding what I should and not do to achieve full recovery and play tennis again.

    As for general management of the clinic, I would rate reception and ambience 8/10, SMS text appointment reminder a win/win service both for the clinic and its clients.

    JayaPonniah

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  • Pilates

    I was referred to City Clinic Pilates by a friend who had used them for rehab. After four years of Pilates with a master teacher in NYC I expected to be disappointed as I had heard that Sydney teachers were not as skilled. So I have been delighted to find Bec Gosling who is a great diagnostician and an excellent instructor. Plus she is a genuinely nice person who I look forward to spending time with each week. I cannot recommend her highly enough. If you have any back or hip problems or just want to strengthen your core and show off a great belly this is the woman for you.

    Hyphen

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    I have been doing Pilates at City Clinic for most of this year. Rebekah Gosling is a great instructor who is helping me to correct posture problems. She is a great person who is genuinely interested in my progress.

    PJD

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  • Podiatry / Sports Podiatry

    I am a new patient. These guys are great. My podiatrist Kate is very thorough, down-to-earth, and has helped with rehabilitation of my little footsie very nicely.

    I particularly liked the professional way I was welcomed to the business on my initial enquiry. Polite, prompt service on the phone, confirmation via sms, and even could fill in the new patient form online so I didn't have to complete it when I arrived. Very smooth indeed.

    I have lots of problems... so, I'll get to sample the other professional services they offer as well.

    HiFalutin

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    Hi Kate (City Clinic Podiatrist),

    Just wanted to let you know that I ran the city2surf yesterday in 76 minutes - my best time. While I am feeling a little worn out today, my knees are the best they've ever been after a long run like that. I'm sure I wouldn't have been able to do that / recover without your treatment.

    Thank you very much for your help and I'll be sure to come see you once I need a new pair of shoes so you can modify them again.

    Kind regards

    Gaylia

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  • Reflexology

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  • 2012 Sydney Business Awards
  • Payment Methods Accepted
  • 2011 Award
    2011 Sydney Business Awards
About City Clinic
"It's never too late to feel great!"
City Clinic was established in 1998 as Sydney's first multidisciplinary allied health centre combining primary sports injury disciplines, remedial and alternative therapies, corrective exercise and Pilates all under one roof.

 

 

In our experience health professionals working in a multidisciplinary environment are more knowledgeable and
have a more co-ordinated approach to patient care.

This collaboration of experiences and ideas has achieved better outcomes for our patients and together we look forward to helping you meet your health goals.

 

 

 

 

City Clinic is a multi award winning centre now operating in
two Sydney CBD locations: 50 King St and 32 Jamison St

 

  • Winner 2011 Microsoft IT Innovation Award
  • Winner 2011 Sydney Business Awards
  • Finalist 2010 Sydney Business Awards
  • Winner 2009 Sydney Business Awards
  • Finalist 2008 Sydney Business Awards
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