Active Release Technique, usually shortened to ART, is a hands-on method for treating soft tissue: the muscles, tendons, ligaments and fascia that support and move your joints. If you have heard a friend or teammate mention it, or a provider has suggested it for a tight shoulder or a nagging hip, you may be wondering what it actually involves.
This guide explains Active Release Technique in plain English, including what happens during a session, what it feels like and how it fits alongside chiropractic care.
What ART is, in one paragraph
ART is a patented, movement-based soft-tissue technique. A trained provider first locates an area where tissue feels tight, thickened or restricted. They then apply firm, precise pressure with their hand while the area is moved through a specific range of motion, either by you or by the provider. The goal is to help tissues that have become restricted move and glide more freely.
Soft tissue explained
- Muscles produce movement and help hold joints steady.
- Tendons connect muscle to bone.
- Ligaments connect bone to bone and help stabilize joints.
- Fascia is the connective tissue that wraps around and between muscles and organs.
When these tissues are overworked, strained or kept in one position for long periods, they can become tight or less able to slide smoothly against neighboring structures. Many people notice this as stiffness, a reduced range of motion or a spot that always feels knotted.
How a session works, step by step
- Assessment. Your provider asks about your symptoms and checks how the area moves.
- Locating the tissue. They feel for areas where the texture or tension of the tissue seems different.
- Pressure plus movement. With a hand or thumb on that spot, they guide you through a specific movement, often from a shortened position to a lengthened one.
- Re-check. They check how the area moves afterward and adjust the plan for next time.
What it feels like, and soreness afterward
ART uses firm pressure, so you will feel it. Many people describe the sensation as a deep stretch or a strong, focused pressure. It should stay within what you can comfortably tolerate, and your provider will check in with you throughout. Mild soreness for a day or so afterward is common, similar to how you might feel after a hard workout.
Concerns ART is commonly used for
- Muscle tightness or knots that keep coming back
- Tendon irritation from repetitive activities such as typing, gardening, lifting or running
- Shoulder, elbow, wrist, hip, knee and foot concerns related to soft tissue
- Reduced flexibility after activity or a past strain
Whether ART is a good fit depends on your individual assessment. It is one tool among several, not a cure-all.
What ART is not
ART is not the same as massage. Massage generally works over larger areas to relax muscles, while ART is targeted and combines pressure with movement. We explain the difference in more detail in ART vs. Massage: What’s the Difference?
Why we pair ART with adjustments
Joints and soft tissue work together. When a joint is not moving well, nearby muscles often tighten to compensate, and tight tissue can in turn limit how a joint moves. Combining chiropractic adjustments with ART lets your chiropractor look at both pieces of the puzzle at the same visit.
How to know whether it is right for you
The best way to find out is a professional assessment. Bring your questions, describe the activities that bother you, and ask your provider to explain why they do or do not think ART will help.
When to see a professional
Get prompt medical attention if you notice any of the following:
- Numbness, tingling or weakness in your arms or legs
- Loss of bladder or bowel control
- Pain after a fall, car accident or other injury
- Fever, or pain with unexplained weight loss
- Pain that is severe, getting worse or keeps you awake at night
Contact your doctor, or call 911 or go to an emergency room if symptoms are severe or sudden.
How we can help
Dr. Leslie Martin holds a full-body advanced certification in Active Release Technique, and Dr. Robbi Long has also trained in ART. Learn more on our Active Release Technique page, or contact our office with questions.
This article is for general educational purposes only and isn’t a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. If you have a specific health concern, please consult a qualified healthcare provider. In an emergency, call 911.
Sources
- Active Release Techniques, official ART website
- Massage Therapy: What You Need To Know, National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health
Have a question about your situation?
Articles can only go so far. If you’d like a professional opinion about what you’re feeling, our chiropractors are happy to help. Call us or schedule a visit.