Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get a Regular Massage (instead of an ART® treatment)?
Everyone needs a nice massage now and then to release tension in the body, and restore the mind / body connection; Hana is happy to provide therapeutic massage as needed. However if you are experiencing specific pain or ongoing issues, Hana may recommend you start with ART® for a much longer lasting result. Regardless of the type of treatment you choose, Hana's goal is to have you leave the session feeling relaxed and energized.
What is Active Release Techniques® (ART®)?
ART® is a patented, soft tissue technique that treats problems with muscles, tendons, ligaments, fascia (connective tissue), and nerves. ART works by breaking up adhesions, which are dense collections of scar tissue that form when muscles and connective tissues are injured. When the scar tissue binds between your muscles, it limits flexibility, causing pain and stiffness in muscles and joints. ​Adhesions can also entrap nerves.
How does ART® treatment differ from other therapies/modalities?
During an ART® treatment, the client is more active: as the client moves the affected area, the practitioner presses or maintains contact with the area to feel how and where there are restrictions in order to effectively treat the area, and break up adhesions to enable your muscles, joints, and nerves to begin moving freely again.
What is it like getting an ART® treatment from Hana?
Hana begins by asking questions, listening closely, watching how you move, conducting any necessary movement tests, and feeling the affected areas. This helps her identify the location of scar tissue, and isolate the target area(s). She then manipulates the area using the ART® technique to break up the scar tissue, restore range of motion, and return proper blood flow so the area can heal.
Who might benefit from ART®?
Over 500 specific moves make up the treatment protocols used in ART, allowing the practitioner to tailor treatment to the unique needs of each client. Individuals who may benefit from ART include 1) members of the athletic community, both recreational and professional; 2) people with chronic pain and/or symptoms mimicking overuse syndrome; and 3) anyone who has not been able to find relief through conventional therapies.
What kind of conditions can be treated with ART®?
A wide array of musculoskeletal conditions can be treated with ART®. These conditions all have one important similarity: they are frequently the result of overused muscles, which cause muscle spasms, create scar tissue, and can even result in the loss of function within a region of the body.
How should I prepare for an ART® session?
Arrive wearing comfortable, stretch-able clothing such as athletic wear, and plan to be more involved in the process than a standard "laying down" massage.