Des Moines Massage Therapy Compared With Des Moines Active Release Techniques

Des Moines area residents frequently wonder what the difference is between massage therapy and Active Release Techniques.  These frequently asked questions should shed some light on the differences between Des Moines massage therapy and Des Moines Active Release Techniques.

How are Des Moines massage therapy and Active Release Techniques similar?

Des Moines massage therapy and Active Release Techniques are both soft tissue techniques.  The soft tissues are the muscles, ligaments, and tendons of the body.  Des Moines massage therapists and Des Moines Active Release Techniques providers both focus on improving the function of the soft tissues of the body.

What is the main goal of Des Moines massage therapists?

Some Des Moines massage therapists focus on using light touch on specific points in the body to relax a person.  This type of treatment performed by a Des Moines massage therapist can generally be called relaxation massage.  Generally, the lights in the room are turned down, you are undressed to your comfort level, and soothing music is playing while you receive your relaxing massage from a Des Moines massage therapist.

Other Des Moines massage therapists focus on using pressure or stripping motions to mash on tight spots or scar tissue in the body.  This type of treatment is known as deep tissue or swedish massage therapy.  Deep tissue massage therapy focuses on generating pressure on the problem areas.  Since scar tissue is sticky, tough stuff, this type of massage therapy is a bit like taking a piece of sticky, tough gum and dropping it on the floor and trying to break it apart with pressure by stepping on it.  It is not the most effective for tough scar tissue and often patients feel increased soreness after a deep tissue massage from a Des Moines massage therapist.  Often the results of Des Moines massage therapy are short term and don't solve the underlying scar tissue problem.

What is the main goal of a Des Moines Active Release Techniques provider?

In the previous answer, scar tissue in the body was compared to a sticky, tough piece of bubblegum. Now think about taking that same piece of gum and stretching it out.  If you have a friend give it even a very light karate chop, it will now break in half with almost no force at all.  This is possible because the gum is under tension.

The goal of a Des Moines Active Release Techniques provider is to combine stretching and pressure very specifically on the scar tissue causing the health problem (no karate chops involved in the treatment).  This generates tension rather than just pressure and allows the problem areas of scar tissue to be broken up, similar to the above example.  Often the changes made with Des Moines Active Release Techniques treatments are permanent.

How long are treatments for Des Moines massage therapy and Active Release Techniques?

Generally massages with Des Moines massage therapists are scheduled in 30 minute increments, with 60 minute massages being the most common.  However, during an hour long massage it's common to only have your main complaint area worked on for 5 to 10 minutes by a Des Moines massage therapist.  This leads to frustration for many massage therapy clients and leads many patients to avoid seeking treatment for significant problems just because they don't have time for an hour massage therapy session.

Des Moines Active Release Techniques providers generally focus just on the specific problem you are dealing with.  Treatments generally last 10 to 20 minutes depending on the problem.  With Active Release Techniques you can feel confident that your treatment will be wholly focused on fixing your main complaint or complaints.  The lights stay on, you keep your clothes on (you may be asked to wear shorts or capris), and no candles will be lit.  At Compass Chiropractic we generally play Capital 106.3, a pleasant, upbeat mix of music very conducive to resolving those problems you've been putting up with "forever".  We focus on staying on time with appointments so you can get the care you need within your busy schedule.

What do people feel like after Des Moines Massage Therapy and Active Release Techniques?

Relaxation massage can be very beneficial at reducing stress.  Many people fall asleep during their massage and awake refreshed and renewed.  However, deep tissue massages often leave patients feeling more sore than when they started.  After a couple days of increased soreness, patients experience a few days of relief before the problem comes back as bad as it was before.

Active Release Techniques generally results in increased range of motion, and decreased pain following treatment.  Occasionally people do experience areas of soreness following treatments.  Nerve conditions such as carpal tunnel syndrome and sciatica are very successfully treated with Active Release Techniques.  Patients often have an immediate reduction in numbness and tingling, and muscle strength in affected muscles often rapidly returns to normal with ART treatment.  Often Active Release Technique results in permanent resolution of problem conditions.

What are the charges for Des Moines massage therapy and Active Release Techniques?

Des Moines massages generally cost about $1 per minute.  One hour massages vary between $55 and $70 per hour.  Massages are generally not covered by health insurances.  Most Des Moines massage therapists with good reputations do not work with insurances at all.

Des Moines Active Release Techniques is $45 per treatment at Compass Chiropractic.  However, it is covered by most health insurances as a manual therapy performed by a doctor of chiropractic.  Our office will be happy to call your insurance to determine exactly what your responsibility will be for each treatment.  In situations where a patient does not have insurance or chooses not to use their insurance, we are able to offer a 20 percent time of service discount.  This brings the cost of a Des Moines Active Release Techniques treatment down to $36.

What is the first visit like with a Des Moines massage therapist or Des Moines Active Release Techniques provider?

On the first visit to a Des Moines massage therapist, you will generally fill out a brief information and history form.  This will let the Des Moines massage therapist know the specific complaints you'd like them to focus on.  The Des Moines massage therapist will then direct you to undress to your comfort level and lie under a sheet.  The Des Moines massage therapist will generally get started on the massage within a few minutes of you getting there.  Des Moines massage therapists do not diagnose health conditions.

When you visit a Des Moines area Doctor of Chiropractic who specializes in Active Release Techniques, your first visit will start with a thorough history and examination.  This is the standard care a doctor has a responsibility to meet.  At Compass Chiropractic, we plan on one hour for the first visit.  If your problem is a straight-forward soft tissue problem, the exam will be brief and you will be treated that day. 

If your problem is more complicated, the exam will be more thorough and take more time.  X-rays of the spine, arms, or legs may be taken at Compass Chiropractic if needed.  You will receive some treatment the first day, but it may not be a full ART treatment if time does not allow. 

Dr. David Krohse at Compass Chiropractic will go over the results found in the examination and X-rays if taken.  He will outline a plan that may include Active Release Techniques, chiropractic adjustments, exercises and stretches, and other supportive devices such as custom orthotics or neck supporting pillows to resolve your situation.  You may choose to only receive Active Release Techniques treatment at that point, but most patients appreciate that they have been given a thorough plan to solve their condition as quickly and permanently as possible.

My massage therapist/chiropractor/physical therapist says he/she is doing Active Release Techniques on me even though he/she is not certified.  Can I expect the same results.

The basic concepts of Active Release Techniques are simple.  "Combine stretching with pressure to generate tension on the problem spot or scar tissue."  This leads some health care providers to make claims that they, "can do it without going through the demanding classes."  However, the amazing reputation of Active Release Techniques is a result of the rigorous education and certification process that certified Active Release Techniques providers have gone through.

When your massage therapist/chiropractor/physical therapist claims to be doing Active Release Techniques on you even though they are not certified, it can be compared to your husband or wife telling you that they are a massage therapist just because they can rub your shoulders.  They might be able to rub where it hurts but they will not get the same results as someone who has been thoroughly trained in the techniques.

When should I go to a massage therapist and when should I go to an Active Release Techniques provider?

If you are interested in relaxation, you will appreciate a massage more.  However, if you are dealing with a significant soft tissue condition such as chronic back pain, neck pain, shoulder pain, knee pain, or headaches or Achilles tendonitis (back of the heel pain), plantar fasciitis (arch of foot pain), tennis elbow (pain at the outside of the elbow), carpal tunnel syndrome (hand numbness, tingling, pain, or weakness), or sciatica (pain down the back of the leg) you will likely get quicker and more complete resolution of your condition with Active Release Techniques.

A free consultation is always available at Compass Chiropractic in Des Moines, Iowa where Dr. David Krohse will personally take the time to show you how ART works and how it can affect your condition.