What is Ironman Performance Care?Ironman performance care is a system of analysis and treatment designed to improve athletic performance and treat injuries. The system was developed working with Ironman triathletes to improve swimming, biking, and running, but the principles are applicable to any sport.
How does it work?
The first step is to watch the athlete perform the athletic event. When observing an activity several factors are looked for. Asymmetrical movements, shortened ranges of motion, and excessive effort are among the most common problems. This step is the most important and technically difficult. Many of the problems require a very well trained eye and years of experience to identify.
Once a problem is identified what do you do?
Any biomechanical problems that are identified by observation are then confirmed by examination. Usually, biomechanical problems can be traced to areas of scar tissue in muscles, ligaments, or nerves. Scar tissue is diagnosed by the way it feels. It has increased tension, lumpy/leathery texture, decreased movement and impaired function.
When a muscle, tendon or ligament is torn the healing process involves the creation of scar tissue. This is necessary to connect and bind the torn tissue. Unfortunately, the healing scar tissue often sticks to surrounding structures (think of it as glue) entrapping nerves, limiting motion, strength, speed, and over-working healthy tissue. Scar tissue can also result from overuse. Overuse causes the tissues to increase in tension which decreases the blood supply and releases free radicals. Free radicals attract the cells that produce scar tissue. Many overuse athletic injuries are due to scar tissue build-up.
For example, scar tissue in the hamstring muscles will cause the forward movement of the knee to be limited and slow while running. As a result the stride will shorten, creating several potential problems. The most obvious problem is that the athlete’s stride will be short, thus compromising performance and efficiency.
Another problem is that the leg is now landing under the body instead of in front which causes the foot to absorb increased shock. This situation can quickly overload the calves and Achilles tendon, likely resulting in shin splints or Achilles tendonitis.
This example demonstrates the principle of layering - the underlying source of a problem has been accumulating over time and is not where the pain is. Cumulative use may cause a muscle to become injured and weak. This will alter motion and recruit other muscles that are forced to overwork. Over time, this second set of muscles will become injured and weak. This can then cause a third group of muscles to become involved. Each group of muscles that becomes involved is called a layer. This cycle can wreak havoc throughout the body even before the onset of symptoms. Once the body’s ability to compensate is exhausted pain begins. ART/ Ironman performance care is designed to identify these layers and fix them before causing any more harm.
Active Release Techniques (ART) is a manual treatment, meaning that it is performed only using the doctors hands, designed to identify and treat areas of scar tissue. Therefore, there are no unwanted side effects from medication or surgery.
Common Performance Care Questions
What is the relationship between ART and the Ironman triathlon?
ART providers volunteer to treat athletes at most of the Ironman races worldwide. These events are among the most challenging in the world. There is a 2.4 mile swim, 112 mile bike race, and a 26.2 mile run. Many of these athletes suffer from overuse injuries and benefit greatly from ART/ Ironman Performance Care. You can read about their stories on the web at Ironmanlive.com, just click on the training bar and go to A.R.T. Doc.
Who would benefit from this care?
Anyone who is looking to improve his or her performance or fix an injury will benefit from care.
Do I need to be in pain to receive care?
You definitely don’t need to have pain to benefit from care. Most athletes have accumulated injuries over the years and are suffering from compromised performance as a result. Often the athlete is aware of this but does not think there is anything that can be done (i.e. "Ever since I sprained my ankle I can’t run as fast"). Sometimes the athlete is entirely unaware of the deficiency.
Can anyone perform ART?
No. Dr. Zak is one of only a few ART specialists in the state of Ohio. Training consists of a series of post-graduate classes, written and practical testing, and many hours of biomechanics instruction.
How long does treatment take?
Most treatment sessions require only 15-20 minutes to complete. The number of treatments required to resolve a problem depends on many factors and almost always falls between 2 and 20, with an average of 8-10.