What is Active Release Technique and How Can it Help You?

As a functional movement practitioner, and as a certified ART provider, I have used Active Release Technique (ART) to help many of my clients find relief from their stubborn aches and pains. So, I wanted to break it down and explain the benefits of ART and how it might be able to help you. 

What is Active Release Technique? 

First of all, what is Active Release Technique? Active Release Technique is a therapy used to treat muscles, nerves, blood vessels, and connective tissue that become injured from an acute and or chronic injury. This treatment was developed by Dr. Michael Leahy. His technique is based on a system of specific movements and massage methods designed to eliminate pain and increase mobility. It’s the gold standard of soft tissue care. ART also has a positive effect on your body’s tendons, ligaments, fascia, and nerves. Sometimes, scar tissue and adhesions can entrap nerves which can cause mild to severe pain. Once those adhesions are broken up, your muscles and joints are able to move freely again. 

Who can benefit from Active Release Technique? 

So, what kind of injuries or conditions can Active Release Technique treat? Basically, ART is beneficial for anyone who is suffering from soft tissue damage symptoms, like back pain, neck pain, or chronic headaches. These symptoms are pretty common for people who work at a desk during the day, or if you have a job that requires repetitive movement. It can also be helpful for people who have more serious conditions like shoulder strains, frozen shoulder, carpal tunnel syndrome, sciatic nerve pain, or bursitis. 

ART patients can expect increased flexibility, increased range of motion, and decreased pain and stiffness after an ART session. Keep in mind that more serious conditions and injuries may take more than one session to get full relief. 

How does ART work?

During your ART session, your practitioner will target the affected areas causing your discomfort, apply precise pressure, and manipulate the area in order to break up the scar tissue and increase blood flow. Now, for some people this process may get a bit uncomfortable. Of course, if you’re ever in too much pain during a session, be sure to tell your practitioner so they can adjust their pressure or process. A little bit of discomfort is expected, but you should never be in intense pain during a session.

I’ve had many clients find relief from their stubborn pain from just one Active Release Technique session.  ART is an amazing tool to help with soft injuries, but I always want to find the root of the problem. That way, I can figure out the source of your pain and resolve the underlying issue. ART really is a beneficial technique when it’s done correctly by a trained ART provider. Do you think you could benefit from an ART session? Let’s get in touch. I’d be happy to answer any questions you may have, and we can come up with a treatment plan together. Click here to contact me and schedule your session.