The Active Release Technique (A.R.T.) – Active Care Chiropractic York
Active Release Technique (A.R.T.) involves a form of non-invasive massage therapy that helps us to locate scar tissues and treat soft tissue injuries. It is a patented technique involving an in-person course and examination to register as a provider.
Some of the most common issues that A.R.T. can treat include; back, neck and shoulder pain, as well as debilitating conditions like carpal tunnel syndrome and repetitive strain injuries. ART is often considered as one of the most effective at treating soft tissue and muscle injuries due to its efficiency and ability to produce rapid treatment results.
How Does Active Release Technique (A.R.T.) Work?
A.R.T. is a 2-step process, involving the identification of structures through touch and movement, as well as treatment. As providers, we can be confident in identifying specific tissues, be they muscles, tendons or ligaments which ensures we are treating the source of the problem.
The cause of soft tissue damage that is causing pain is usually a build-up of scar tissue. Scar tissue formation reduces blood flow, shortens and weakens soft tissue, and restricts movement and function of the afflicted muscles and joints. In addition to causing pain, scar tissue can cause nerves to become trapped, resulting in numbness or tingling. A.R.T. addresses the underlying cause of the issue, resulting in rapid resolution and long-lasting pain alleviation.
Who Does Active Release Technique (A.R.T.) Help?
This technique is not exclusive to one group of people or a certain kind of injury. In fact, it is designed to help people of all ages by treating chronic pains being caused by soft tissue abnormalities.
The formation of scar tissue can occur over time (through the overuse of certain muscles, joints and ligaments) or you can damage these tissues in one singular instance (for example, straining whilst lifting a heavy load in the workplace).
Active release technique is also commonly used by professional sportspeople and athletes to help relieve pains caused by the overuse of parts of their bodies. Using this technique can help these people with injury prevention or injury treatment, and in the UK, Premier League football clubs such as Arsenal and Newcastle United have registered A.R.T. providers on their medical teams.
Who Can Active Release Therapy Help?
Here are some of the people who will benefit from ART chiropractic techniques:
Athletes
By targeting the soft tissue that’s engaged in your specific sport – whether it’s shoulder mobility in tennis, hip rotation in golf, or ankle flexibility in football – ART helps improve functional movement as well as restore range of motion. It’s not just used to treat injuries; it’s used to stop them happening in the first place. That’s why so many sports professionals now include ART in their regular recovery routines. For anyone training seriously, flexibility, nerve function and muscle coordination matter. ART helps tune those systems to perform better, for longer.
Elderly people
One of the reasons ART is particularly well suited for elderly patients is that it doesn’t cause bruising or trauma to the tissue. It’s a hands-on technique that works through guided movement and gentle tension (not brute force) making it a safer alternative for those with more fragile tissue or age-related conditions like arthritis. We use ART to help improve flexibility, restore normal movement, and reduce chronic aches in areas like the lower back, shoulders, hips and neck.
People with repetitive strain injuries
Typing at a desk all day. Lifting boxes. Gardening. Painting ceilings. Repetitive strain injuries don’t just happen to athletes – they can affect anyone. If your job or hobby involves repeated motion, you may notice aching in your neck, forearms, shoulders or wrists. ART is designed to target these very issues by releasing trapped nerves and easing tight tissue in high-use areas. If you’ve got carpal tunnel syndrome, it could respond well to this kind of treatment.
Those recovering from injury/surgery
After an injury (or even after surgery) scar tissue can form and limit your movement. It might feel like your body just isn’t quite working the way it used to. ART helps to remodel this tissue, reduce adhesions, and restore proper function to the muscles and joints affected. We often see patients recovering from knee surgery, hip replacements, or long-standing back injuries benefit from a carefully applied ART treatment.
Which Common Ailments & Injuries Does Active Release Technique (A.R.T) Treat?
As briefly mentioned above, A.R.T. is there to provide treatment to a whole range of people with different problems. Because there are over 500 different treatment protocols A.R.T. therapy is most certainly not a one size fits all approach to chiropractic treatment. However, below are some of the most common problems that can be treated effectively with Active Release Technique.
Sciatica
Shoulder Pain
Neck Pain
Back Pain
Sports Injuries
Frozen Shoulder
Headaches
Carpal Tunnel
Repetitive Strain Injuries (RSI)
And More…
Some of the conditions ART chiropractic techniques can help with:
ART for plantar fasciitis
ART for plantar fasciitis targets the tight bands and scar tissue in the foot arch and heel that contribute to pain with every step. This technique can help release tension in the plantar fascia, improving flexibility and reducing inflammation.
Sciatic Nerve Pain
Sciatica caused by muscle entrapment (often from the piriformis or glutes) can be relieved by releasing the tension and scar tissue pressing on the sciatic nerve. ART helps restore nerve function and reduces radiating leg pain.
Tennis Elbow
Also known as Lateral Epicondylitis, tennis elbow is a common condition among athletes; tennis elbow responds well to active release technique, especially when focused on releasing forearm extensors and breaking down repetitive strain scar tissue.
Shin Splints
Often seen in runners, shin splints can develop from overuse and inflammation of lower leg muscles. ART techniques work to relieve tension in the tibialis anterior and surrounding tissues, speeding up recovery and preventing future flare-ups.
Neck Pain and Headaches
Poor posture, stress, and desk work often result in chronic neck tension and tension-type headaches. ART helps release the soft tissue restrictions in the neck and upper back, improving range of motion and circulation.
What To Expect From an Active Release Technique (A.R.T.) Session?
Here at Active Care Chiropractic, our A.R.T. sessions work to combine examination with treatment. One of our friendly chiropractors will first use their hands to observe different parts of the muscles, tendons and ligaments whilst looking for where abnormalities in the soft tissue are.
To then treat these abnormal tissues, the techniques will combine carefully guided pressure and tension on the affected area with specific movements from you (the patient) to help alleviate pain and improve the mobility that has been affected by soft tissue abnormalities.
At Active Care Chiropractic we want every patient that we see to feel comfortable and relaxed in our clinic. So, if you would like to know some more about what you can expect on your first, take a look at this page for more information.
Active Release Techniques – Aftercare Exercises
In order to ensure the painful symptoms brought on through soft tissue abnormalities do not return, it is important to regularly focus different exercises on the area to keep tissues strong. To prevent the return of symptoms, any exercise programme has to focus on the following 4 essential areas:
Muscular & Aerobic Endurance.
A common cause of the degradation of soft tissues that leads to pain is a lack of oxygen to muscles, tendons and ligaments. By partaking in cardiovascular exercises regularly and training affected muscles for endurance you will greatly increase circulation and ward off a relapse of painful symptoms.
Stretching & Flexibility Exercises.
Muscles and joints should be able to move through their complete range of motion with good flexibility. Muscle, tendon, and ligament injuries are more likely to occur when one is not flexible enough. Joint-specific flexibility means that a person may have exceptional range of motion in one joint while having limited range of motion in another. However, only once the adhesions inside the soft tissue have been removed are stretching exercises helpful.
Proprioception & Balance.
The capacity of the body to respond effectively to outside pressures (via balance and touch) is referred to as proprioception. Exercises to improve proprioception should start early in the recovery process. The agility, strength, and endurance needed for thorough recovery from soft tissue damage are built upon this kind of exercise.
Strength Training.
Strengthening exercises should only be done after A.R.T. therapy has been fully completed by one of our chiropractors. If strength conditioning is undertaken whilst affected muscle movement is still restricted, then there is a risk of further aggravating the underlying issue – resulting in a longer recovery period.
How Active Release Therapy Compares to Other Techniques
For people in pain, especially those dealing with things like plantar fasciitis or nerve compression, the options can feel limited. Active Release Therapy offers a different route. It’s non-invasive, hands-on, and focuses on freeing up the soft tissue that’s actually causing the restriction. Unlike medication that only masks the problem and doesn’t always solve the issue, this treatment works to solve the underlying cause.
Compared to other chiropractic methods, it works differently. Instead of high-velocity joint movements or spinal adjustments, ART involves movement and tension applied directly to the problem area. It’s not passive. You’ll be asked to move while the chiropractor works, which helps treat the tissue as it functions – not just when you’re lying still. That makes it ideal for issues that show up when you’re active, like pain when walking or turning your head.
We also find it’s especially useful for older patients who want treatment that doesn’t leave them sore or bruised. Because ART doesn’t rely on force, it can be adapted for people with delicate tissue or chronic inflammation.
For ART Chiropractic Technique – Book With Active Care
If you’re interested in booking active release techniques, at Active Care Chiropractic we offer ART deep tissue massage treatments. When you book this treatment you will be seen by our chiropractor Harry who’s a specialist in active release therapy; whether you’re dealing with chronic pain or you’re an athlete wanting to stay ahead of the game by preventing sports injuries, ART chiropractic techniques can help you. Get in touch with us today and get your body in optimal condition.
Active Release Techniques FAQs
How does Active Release Technique work?
ART uses a combination of pressure and movement to break down scar tissue and restore proper muscle and joint function. Your chiropractor applies tension while you move the affected area.
Is Active Release Technique the same as deep tissue massage?
No – ART is more targeted and involves movement to release soft tissue restrictions. Deep tissue massage is broader and generally used for relaxation or general tension relief.
How many Active Release Technique sessions will I need?
Some people feel better after 1–2 sessions, while long-term or complex issues may need a few more. Your chiropractor will tailor a plan to suit your condition.
Is ART safe for elderly patients?
Yes, ART is gentle and doesn’t involve forceful adjustments or cause bruising, making it a great option for older adults with sensitive or fragile tissues.