What are Active Release Techniques (ART)?

ART is a patented, state of the art soft tissue system and movement-based massage technique that treats complications involving muscles, tendons, ligaments, fascia, and nerves. 

Conditions commonly treated with ART:

• Headaches

• Back pain

• Carpel tunnel syndrome

• Shin splints

• Shoulder pain

• Sciatica

• Plantar fasciitis

• Knee problems

• Tennis elbow

All of these conditions have one important thing in common: they are often a result of overused muscles.

How do overuse conditions occur?

Over-used muscles (and other soft tissues) change in three important ways:

• Acute conditions (pulls, tears, collisions, etc),

• Accumulation of small tears (micro-trauma)

• Not getting enough oxygen (hypoxia).

Each of these factors can cause your body to produce tough and dense scar tissue in the affected area. This scar tissue binds up and ties down tissues that need to move freely. As scar tissue builds up, muscles become shorter and weaker. If there is tension on tendons it can cause tendonitis, and nerves become trapped. This will lead to reduced range of motion, loss of strength, and pain. If a nerve is trapped you may also feel a tingling sensation, numbness, and weakness in the affected area. 

What can I expect from ART treatment?

Every ART session is a combination of examination and treatment. The practitioner will evaluate the texture, tightness, and movement of muscles, fascia, tendons, ligaments, and nerves. Abnormal tissues are treated by combining precisely directed tension with very specific patient movements. These treatment protocols (over 500 specific moves) are unique to ART. They allow providers to identify and correct the specific problems that are affecting each individual patient.  

To learn more, visit the official Active Release Technologies website.