Hand pain can be incredibly frustrating, especially when it starts interfering with daily tasks like typing, gripping objects, or even holding a cup of coffee. At Simply Move Chiropractic in Charlotte, NC, I use Active Release Technique (ART) to help patients regain function and reduce pain in their hands. ART is a highly effective, hands-on treatment that focuses on breaking up scar tissue and adhesions in soft tissues, helping to restore normal movement and reduce discomfort.
Conditions I Treat with Active Release Technique
Many people experience hand pain due to overuse, repetitive motions, or injury. ART is particularly beneficial for conditions such as:
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Carpal Tunnel Syndrome – Compression of the median nerve at the wrist can cause numbness, tingling, and weakness in the hand. ART helps by releasing tightness in the flexor retinaculum and associated muscles.
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Trigger Finger – This condition occurs when the flexor tendons of the fingers become inflamed and restricted. ART helps free up movement in the flexor tendons and surrounding soft tissues.
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De Quervain’s Tenosynovitis – This affects the tendons on the thumb side of the wrist, leading to pain with gripping or twisting motions. ART helps release tension in the abductor pollicis longus and extensor pollicis brevis tendons.
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Tendonitis and Overuse Injuries – Whether from sports, work, or hobbies, repetitive hand movements can lead to inflammation and stiffness. ART breaks up adhesions and improves mobility.
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Osteoarthritis Pain Management – While ART doesn’t reverse arthritis, it helps by keeping the surrounding muscles and tendons mobile, reducing joint stress and improving function.
Muscles Targeted During Active Release Technique for Hand Pain
ART is precise and targeted. When treating hand pain, I focus on specific muscles that often contribute to dysfunction. Some of the key muscles and soft tissues I work on include:
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Flexor Digitorum Superficialis and Flexor Digitorum Profundus – These muscles control finger flexion. Adhesions here can cause stiffness and difficulty gripping.
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Thenar and Hypothenar Muscles – These are the muscles in the base of the thumb (thenar) and pinky side of the hand (hypothenar). Tightness here can limit thumb mobility and grip strength.
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Lumbricals and Interossei – These small muscles help with fine motor control. Releasing restrictions here improves dexterity and hand function.
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Extensor Digitorum and Extensor Indicis – These muscles help with finger extension. If they become tight or restricted, it can cause pain on the back of the hand and difficulty straightening the fingers.
How ART Works for Hand Pain
During an ART session, I apply precise pressure to the affected muscles, tendons, and ligaments while guiding the hand through specific movements. This combination of manual therapy and motion helps break up adhesions and restore normal tissue function. Many patients notice immediate improvements in mobility and a reduction in pain after just one session.
In addition to ART, I often incorporate other therapies like manual adjustments, infrared laser therapy, and dry needling to provide a comprehensive approach to hand pain relief.
To enhance treatment outcomes, I also combine ART with red laser therapy, shockwave therapy, and dry needling when appropriate. Red laser therapy helps reduce inflammation and accelerate tissue healing, while shockwave therapy breaks down scar tissue and stimulates cellular repair. Dry needling targets trigger points and releases deep muscle tension. By integrating these therapies, I can provide a well-rounded approach to pain relief and functional recovery, helping my patients achieve lasting improvements.
Why Choose Active Release Technique in Charlotte, NC?
If you’re dealing with persistent hand pain, ART offers a non-invasive, effective solution. Whether your pain stems from work-related activities, sports, or daily life, I can help you regain function and feel better. At Simply Move Chiropractic, I take a one-on-one, patient-focused approach to care, ensuring that each treatment plan is tailored to your needs.
If you’re in the Charlotte, NC area and struggling with hand pain, schedule an appointment today. Let’s get your hands moving pain-free again!
