What Is Active Release Technique? Benefits and Uses

As a practicing chiropractor for over a decade, I've seen countless patients walk through my doors suffering from chronic pain, limited mobility, and frustration with treatments that just don't seem to work. When I first discovered Active Release Technique (ART), it completely transformed how I approach soft tissue injuries. Today, I want to share with you what ART is, how it works, and why it might be the solution you've been searching for.

What Is Active Release Technique?

Active Release Technique (ART) is a specialized hands-on therapy designed to treat problems involving muscles, tendons, ligaments, fascia, and nerves. Unlike general massage or traditional chiropractic adjustments, ART specifically targets adhesions in soft tissues that form due to overuse, acute injuries, or chronic conditions.

Think of your muscles as a bundle of fibers that should glide smoothly alongside each other. When injury occurs, these fibers can become stuck together, forming what we call adhesions. These adhesions act like internal scar tissue, restricting normal movement and causing pain, weakness, and reduced flexibility.

ART works by breaking down these adhesions through precise tension and specific movement patterns. As a certified ART provider, I use over 500 specific protocols to address various conditions throughout the body. During treatment, I apply targeted pressure to the affected area while guiding you through particular movements. This combination effectively "releases" the adhered tissues, restoring proper function and relieving pain.

The History of Active Release Technique

ART was developed in the 1980s by Dr. P. Michael Leahy, a chiropractor who noticed that his patients' symptoms seemed related to changes in their soft tissue. Through extensive research and clinical observation, Dr. Leahy created a system that could identify and treat these soft tissue dysfunctions.

What began as a treatment primarily for athletes has evolved into a widely recognized therapy for people from all walks of life. Today, ART is used by healthcare providers worldwide to treat various conditions affecting soft tissues throughout the body.

How Does Active Release Technique Work?

When I perform ART on a patient, I'm essentially doing three things simultaneously:

1. Evaluating the tissue texture, tension, and movement
2. Applying precisely directed tension with my hands
3. Having the patient actively move the affected body part in specific ways

This combination of tension and movement accomplishes several important physiological changes:

Breaking Down Adhesions

The direct pressure combined with active movement creates a shearing force that helps separate adhered tissue fibers. Imagine untangling a knot in a rope by both pulling the ends and manipulating the knot itself—that's similar to how ART works on your soft tissues.

Restoring Normal Tissue Texture

Healthy soft tissue has a certain feel and elasticity. Injured tissue becomes tight, dense, and fibrotic. ART helps restore the natural texture and pliability of these tissues.

Improving Blood Flow

Adhesions can restrict proper blood circulation. By breaking down these restrictions, ART helps improve blood flow to injured areas, bringing in fresh oxygen and nutrients essential for healing.

Re-establishing Proper Movement Patterns

When tissues are bound by adhesions, they don't move correctly. This can lead to compensatory movements that create additional problems. ART helps restore proper biomechanics by allowing tissues to move as they should.

Common Conditions Treated with Active Release Technique

In my practice at Luce Chiropractic & Sports Care, I use ART to treat a wide range of conditions. Here are some of the most common:

Repetitive Strain Injuries

Conditions like carpal tunnel syndrome, tennis elbow, golfer's elbow, and shin splints often respond exceptionally well to ART. These injuries occur when repetitive movements create micro-trauma in the soft tissues, eventually leading to pain and dysfunction.

Back and Neck Pain

Many cases of back and neck pain stem from soft tissue problems rather than spinal misalignments alone. ART can target specific muscles like the piriformis, psoas, or levator scapulae that often contribute to spinal pain.

Shoulder Problems

Rotator cuff injuries, frozen shoulder, and impingement syndromes frequently involve soft tissue adhesions that limit range of motion and cause pain. ART can help break down these adhesions and restore normal shoulder function.

Headaches and Migraines

Tension in the neck and upper back muscles often contributes to headaches. By releasing these tight tissues, ART can help reduce the frequency and intensity of certain types of headaches.

Sports Injuries

As an Ironman Provider, I've treated numerous athletes with ART. From runners with IT band syndrome to swimmers with shoulder problems, ART helps athletes recover faster and perform better.

Post-Surgical Recovery

After surgery, scar tissue naturally forms as part of the healing process. Sometimes this scar tissue can become excessive, limiting movement and causing pain. ART can help manage this scar tissue for better outcomes.

Benefits of Active Release Technique

In my years of practice, I've observed numerous benefits that make ART stand out from other treatment approaches:

Faster Recovery Times

Because ART directly addresses the root cause of many soft tissue problems, patients often experience faster relief compared to more general therapies. Many of my patients report noticeable improvement after just a few sessions.

Non-Invasive Approach

ART provides an effective alternative to medications or surgery for many conditions. It works with your body's natural healing processes rather than overriding them.

Precise Treatment

Unlike general massage or stretching, ART targets specific problematic structures. This precision means we're not wasting time working on areas that don't need attention.

Improved Performance

For my athletic patients, ART often leads to improved performance. By optimizing how muscles and other soft tissues function, ART can help you move more efficiently and with greater power.

Long-Lasting Results

When combined with appropriate exercise and lifestyle modifications, the results from ART can be long-lasting. We're not just temporarily masking symptoms—we're addressing underlying causes.

What to Expect During an ART Session

If you've never experienced ART before, you might wonder what the treatment actually feels like. Here's what you can expect when you visit us at Luce Chiropractic & Sports Care for an ART session:

Initial Assessment

First, I'll perform a thorough evaluation to identify the problematic tissues and determine if ART is appropriate for your condition. This involves testing your strength, flexibility, and observing your movement patterns.

The Treatment Process

During the actual treatment, you'll be positioned in ways that make the affected tissues accessible. I'll then use my hands to apply precise tension to the area while guiding you through specific movements.

Is it uncomfortable? I'll be honest—ART can be uncomfortable during the treatment. Many patients describe a "good hurt" sensation, similar to stretching a tight muscle. However, this discomfort should not be extreme, and it typically subsides immediately after the technique is applied.

Post-Treatment

After treatment, you may experience some mild soreness, similar to what you might feel after a workout. This usually resolves within 24-48 hours. I often recommend specific stretches or exercises to complement the treatment and help maintain the improvements we've made.

How Many Sessions Will You Need?

This is one of the most common questions I get from patients. The answer depends on several factors:

• The nature of your condition: Acute injuries often resolve faster than chronic problems that have been present for years.
• How long you've had the problem: Generally, the longer you've had an issue, the more sessions it may take to resolve.
• Your body's response to treatment: Everyone's body responds differently to therapy.
• Your compliance with home exercises: Patients who follow through with recommended exercises typically see faster results.

In my experience, many patients experience significant improvement within 4-6 sessions. Some simpler conditions may resolve in just 2-3 treatments, while more complex or chronic issues might require more extended care.

Active Release Technique vs. Other Therapies

As someone who uses multiple treatment approaches in my practice, I often get asked how ART compares to other therapies:

ART vs. Traditional Massage

While both involve hands-on work with soft tissues, ART is much more targeted and involves specific movement patterns. Traditional massage tends to be more general and passive.

ART vs. Regular Chiropractic Adjustments

Chiropractic adjustments primarily address joint function, while ART focuses on soft tissues. At Luce Chiropractic & Sports Care, I often combine both for comprehensive care.

ART vs. Dry Needling

Dry needling uses thin needles to target trigger points in muscles. ART achieves similar goals but uses manual pressure instead of needles. Both can be effective, and I sometimes use them complementarily.

ART vs. Graston or IASTM Techniques

Instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization (IASTM) techniques like Graston use tools to address soft tissue problems. ART relies on the practitioner's hands, which many patients prefer for the feedback it provides.

Is Active Release Technique Right for You?

While ART is beneficial for many conditions, it's not appropriate for everyone. As with any treatment, there are certain situations where we might recommend different approaches:

When ART Works Best

• When your pain is related to muscles, tendons, ligaments, or nerves
• When you have reduced range of motion due to soft tissue restrictions
• When you've developed compensatory movement patterns
• When other treatments have failed to resolve your issues

When Other Approaches Might Be Better

• In cases of acute inflammation (we might need to wait until this subsides)
• When the main problem is a joint misalignment rather than soft tissue dysfunction
• If you have certain medical conditions that contraindicate pressure techniques
• When skin conditions make direct touch therapy uncomfortable

Combining ART with Other Therapies for Optimal Results

In my practice at Luce Chiropractic & Sports Care, I rarely use ART in isolation. I've found that combining complementary approaches often yields the best results:

Chiropractic Adjustments

Joint dysfunction and soft tissue problems often go hand-in-hand. Addressing both simultaneously through chiropractic care and ART can produce better outcomes than either treatment alone.

HClass IV K-Laser Therapy

We often combine ART with our advanced K-Laser therapy. The laser helps reduce inflammation and accelerate healing at the cellular level, while ART addresses the mechanical aspects of tissue dysfunction.

Kinesiology Taping

After an ART session, I sometimes apply kinesiology tape to help maintain the improvements we've made. The tape provides gentle support while allowing full range of motion.

Therapeutic Exercise

Specific exercises to strengthen and stabilize the affected area are crucial for long-term success. I work with patients to develop personalized exercise programs that complement their ART treatment.

Tips for Getting the Most from Your ART Treatment

To maximize the benefits of your ART sessions, I recommend the following:

Stay Hydrated

Drinking plenty of water before and after treatment helps your tissues respond better to therapy.

Follow Through with Home Care

The exercises and stretches I recommend are designed to reinforce the changes we make during treatment. They're not optional—they're an essential part of your recovery.

Communicate During Treatment

Let me know if the pressure is too intense or not enough. The feedback helps me adjust the treatment for optimal results.

Be Patient with the Process

Healing takes time, especially for chronic conditions. Trust the process and stay consistent with your treatment plan.

Address Contributing Factors

If certain activities or postures contribute to your problem, we need to modify them. Sometimes simple ergonomic changes can make a big difference.

Experience the Benefits of ART at Luce Chiropractic & Sports Care

If you're dealing with persistent pain, reduced mobility, or an injury that just won't heal, Active Release Technique might be the solution you've been looking for. At Luce Chiropractic & Sports Care, I bring over 13 years of experience and specialized training in ART to help you overcome your soft tissue problems.

Our approach is always patient-centered—we focus on your specific needs and goals rather than applying a one-size-fits-all treatment. Whether you're an athlete looking to optimize performance, an office worker struggling with repetitive strain, or someone who's tried everything for chronic pain without success, we're here to help.

Don't continue to struggle with pain or limited function. Schedule a consultation today, and let's discuss whether ART might be right for you. Call us at (801) 254-1811 or use our online scheduling system to book your appointment. Your journey to better movement and a pain-free life is just one step away.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How long does an Active Release Technique session typically last?

A typical ART session at Luce Chiropractic & Sports Care lasts about 15-20 minutes, though your first visit may be longer as we conduct a thorough assessment. We may combine ART with other therapies like chiropractic adjustments or K-Laser treatment during your appointment for comprehensive care.

2. Is Active Release Technique painful?

ART can be uncomfortable during the treatment, but it shouldn't be extremely painful. Many patients describe it as a "good hurt" sensation—similar to stretching a tight muscle or pressing on a bruise. The discomfort typically subsides immediately after the technique is applied, and most patients report feeling better right away. We always work within your comfort tolerance.

3. How soon can I expect to see results from ART treatment?

Many patients notice improvement after their very first session, particularly for acute conditions. You might experience increased range of motion, decreased pain, or improved strength immediately following treatment. For chronic conditions, it typically takes 4-6 sessions to see significant sustained improvement. Your specific timeline depends on the nature and duration of your condition.