By Active Sports Therapy
If you're struggling with muscle tightness, chronic pain, repetitive strain injuries, or a sports injury that just won't heal, Active Release Techniques (ART) may be the solution.
At Active Sports Therapy, our certified chiropractors use Active Release Techniques (ART) to identify and treat scar tissue, muscle restrictions, and nerve entrapments that can limit movement and cause pain. ART is a proven hands-on therapy designed to restore healthy movement, improve flexibility, and help you recover faster.
What Is Active Release Techniques (ART)?
Active Release Techniques (ART) is a specialized manual therapy that treats problems affecting the body's muscles, tendons, ligaments, fascia, and nerves.
Over time, repetitive movements, sports injuries, poor posture, or trauma can cause scar tissue (adhesions) to develop within soft tissues. These adhesions reduce mobility, restrict blood flow, and may compress nearby nerves, leading to pain, stiffness, weakness, or decreased performance.
ART is specifically designed to locate and break down these adhesions, allowing tissues to move normally again.
How Does ART Work?
During an ART treatment, your practitioner shortens the affected muscle or soft tissue before applying precise tension with their hands. You'll then actively move the body through a specific range of motion while the practitioner maintains targeted pressure.
This unique combination of movement and manual therapy allows your chiropractor to:
Locate scar tissue and soft tissue restrictions
Break down adhesions
Restore normal tissue mobility
Improve flexibility and range of motion
Reduce pain and muscle tension
Improve movement throughout the entire kinetic chain
Because every treatment is also an assessment, your practitioner can identify exactly where restrictions exist and tailor treatment to your individual needs.
Why Is Treating the Entire Kinetic Chain Important?
Pain is not always caused by the area where you feel symptoms.
For example, knee pain may originate from tight hips or ankles, while shoulder pain may be influenced by restrictions in the neck or upper back.
ART allows practitioners to assess the entire kinetic chain—the interconnected muscles and joints that work together during movement. By treating both the painful area and contributing restrictions elsewhere in the body, ART helps address the root cause rather than simply masking symptoms.
Benefits of Active Release Techniques
Many patients choose ART because it offers:
Faster recovery from injuries
Reduced muscle tension and stiffness
Improved flexibility and mobilit
Better athletic performance
Reduced nerve irritation
Improved circulation
Restored healthy movement patterns
Drug-free, non-invasive pain relief
When combined with personalized stretching and strengthening exercises, many patients notice significant improvement within 4–6 treatments, although recovery varies depending on the injury and individual.
What Conditions Can ART Treat?
Active Release Techniques can be highly effective for a wide variety of musculoskeletal conditions, including:
Sports Injuries
Running injuries
Golf injuries
Tennis elbow
Golfer's elbow
Swimmer's shoulder
Throwing injuries
Weightlifting injuries
Muscle & Tendon Conditions
Muscle strains
Tendonitis
Achilles tendonitis
Rotator cuff injuries
Frozen shoulder
Iliotibial (IT) Band Syndrome
Shin splints
Plantar fasciitis
Joint & Nerve Conditions
Back pain
Neck pain
Sciatica
Carpal tunnel syndrome
Thoracic outlet syndrome
Nerve entrapment
TMJ dysfunction
Whiplash
Other Conditions
Headaches
Hip pain
Knee pain
Meniscus injuries
Foot and ankle injuries
Bursitis
Scar tissue restrictions
Post-surgical soft tissue dysfunction
Rib pain
Myofascial pain
Gait imbalances
Compartment syndrome
Is ART Right for You?
Whether you're recovering from a sports injury, dealing with repetitive strain from work, or experiencing chronic muscle tightness, ART may help restore normal movement and reduce pain.
At Active Sports Therapy, our ART-certified chiropractors develop individualized treatment plans designed to help you move better, recover faster, and get back to doing what you love.
Book an Active Release Techniques Appointment in Calgary
If you're looking for Active Release Techniques (ART) in Calgary, our experienced chiropractors are here to help.
Book your appointment today to learn whether ART is the right treatment for your injury or condition.
Disclaimer: This article is intended for educational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. It is not intended to establish a healthcare provider–patient relationship or replace assessment, diagnosis, or treatment by a qualified healthcare professional. If you have concerns about your health, please consult an appropriate healthcare provider.
