Active Release Techniques (ART)

Active Release Techniques (ART) is a sophisticated manual method that addresses issues arising from damage to muscles, ligaments, fascia, and nerves. Soft tissue injuries can result from sudden tears or sprains, repetitive motions (such as carpal tunnel syndrome, tendonitis, and bursitis), or a reduced supply to the tissues. The body responds to injury by releasing inflammatory chemicals and forms fibrous scar tissue known as adhesions. Even after an injury has healed, weaker, less elastic tissue can restrict movement, causing muscles to shorten and increasing tension on tendons, which may lead to tendonosis.

A Master Level ART Provider with Nearly 25 Years of Experience

I have been certified in ART since 1999, and I am a Master Level ART® Provider, certified in every clinical module the technique offers, including spine, upper and lower extremity work, and nerve entrapment protocols. For about 15 years, from the mid 2000s through 2021, I taught ART seminars nationally to other clinicians, an added depth of training experience most providers in the area do not have.

What Happens During an ART Session

Each session begins with a manual examination. I use my hands to evaluate the texture, tightness, and mobility of the affected muscle, tendon, or fascia before applying any treatment. Once I locate the restricted area, I combine precise tension with specific patient movements, guiding the tissue through a full range of motion while maintaining tension on the affected fibers. This active movement component is what separates ART from a standard massage or static soft tissue work. It allows me to break up adhesions and restore normal glide between tissue layers in real time, rather than just relieving surface tension.

Sessions typically run fifteen to twenty minutes for a focused area. Most patients feel noticeable improvement in mobility within a handful of visits, and many chronic overuse conditions resolve in five or fewer sessions.

Conditions That ART Effectively Treats

ART is especially effective for repetitive strain and overuse injuries, including carpal tunnel syndrome, tennis and golfer's elbow, plantar fasciitis, IT band syndrome, rotator cuff tendinopathy, and chronic low back and neck tightness tied to postural strain. It also addresses nerve entrapments, where scar tissue or adhesions are compressing a nerve and causing radiating pain, numbness, or weakness.

Frequently Asked Questions

How is ART different from a deep tissue massage?

A massage therapist works to relax muscle tissue and improve circulation, generally without targeting a specific structural adhesion. ART is a diagnostic and corrective process. I am identifying a specific area of restricted tissue and combining precise pressure with active patient movement to break up that exact adhesion, not just working the muscle in general.

How experienced are you in ART?

I have practiced ART since 1999 and hold Master Level certification in every clinical module the technique offers. I also spent roughly 15 years as a certified ART instructor, teaching seminars to other clinicians across the country through 2021.

Will ART be painful?

Most patients describe a strong, sometimes uncomfortable pressure during the movement phase of treatment, followed by real relief once the adhesion releases. I adjust pressure based on your tolerance throughout the session.

How many sessions will I need?

Many overuse and repetitive strain injuries respond within five sessions. Chronic or long-standing cases sometimes need more, and I reassess progress at each visit to adjust the plan.