Active Release Technique

Active Release Technique (ART, also called Active Release Techniques) is a soft tissue system/movement-based massage technique developed and patented by P. Michael Leahy, DC, CCSP. It is used to treat problems with muscles, tendons, ligaments, fascia and nerves. ART is most commonly used to treat conditions related to adhesions or scar tissue in overused muscles. According to ART practitioners, as adhesions build up, muscles become shorter and weaker, the motion of muscles and joints are altered, and nerves can be compressed. As a result, tissues suffer from decreased blood supply, pain, and poor mobility. Specific conditions that can be treated with ART include headaches, back pain, carpal tunnel syndrome other peripheral nerve entrapments, shin splints, sciatica, TMJ, plantar fasciitis, tendonitis and other soft tissue inflammatory disorders of the joints. The goal of ART is to restore the smooth movement of tissues and to release any entrapped nerves or blood vessels.