Ironman performance care is a system of analysis and treatment designed to improve athletic performance and treat injuries. ART can provide patients with a means to enhance their sports performance by identifying and releasing restrictions that reduce their performance during that activity. First Dr. Fragoso conducts a biomechanical analysis of the patient's motion and employs the following systematic approach to evaluation and subsequent treatment:

Assess Biomechanics:

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. The observer needs a strong understanding of biomechanics and knowledge of common dysfunctions associated with the sport being observed.

Once a problem is identified:

Any biomechanical problems that are identified by observation are then confirmed via examination. Usually, biomechanical problems can be traced to areas of scar tissue in muscles, tendons, 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 (whether it’s from an acute event or repetitive overuse) 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.

Once the restrictions are identified ART is applied using specific protocols with precise patient movements to remove the scar tissue and restore proper function of the effected soft tissues.

The Result:

Patients experience immediate improvements in their sports performance: increased strength, smoother actions, increased ranges of motion, and the ability to perform with less work. Whether it’s increasing running and walking speeds, increasing cycling speed, increasing power in a golf stroke, or an ability to throw more accurately, Ironman performance care is an unparalleled combination of assessment and treatment.

How does Performance Care Differ from ART Injury Care?

ART Injury Care deals with known, existing, identifiable injuries to soft tissue. The goal when using Injury Care is to remove the cause of these injuries, and return the soft tissues to normal condition.

In contrast, ART Performance Care is used to increase the performance of an athlete (speed, endurance, strength) by working with soft tissues to enhance their performance. Performance Care identifies unnoticed, or hidden restrictions in the motion of the body, and removes these restrictions to restore full function to the soft tissues. Performance Care requires a good understanding of the biomechanics of the human body.