What Is Active Release Techniques (ART)? Benefits, Conditions Treated & How It Works

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:

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:

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

Muscle & Tendon Conditions

Joint & Nerve Conditions

Other Conditions

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.

 

What Is Intramuscular Stimulation (IMS)? A Physiotherapy Treatment for Chronic Pain

By: Active Sports Therapy

If you are living with chronic pain, recurring headaches, whiplash symptoms, or persistent muscle tightness, Intramuscular Stimulation (IMS) may be an effective treatment option. Used by trained physiotherapists, IMS is a specialized form of dry needling designed to address pain and dysfunction caused by irritated nerves and shortened muscles. At Active Sports Therapy, IMS is commonly used to help patients reduce pain, improve mobility, and return to the activities they enjoy.

Intramuscular Stimulation (IMS) is an effective treatment for chronic pain of neuropathic origin. This technique uses needles similar to the needles used in acupuncture to find and diagnose muscle shortening in deep muscles. This technique is great because it has very few side effects.

IMS was developed by Dr. Chan Gunn while he was a clinic physician at the Worker’s Compensation Board of British Columbia in the 1970’s. He is presently President of iSTOP and clinical professor at the University of Washington’s Multi Disciplinary Pain Center in Seattle. Dr. Gunn has been awarded The Order of British Columbia as well as The Order of Canada, the nation’s highest honor, for his contributions towards solving chronic pain. He has also been elected Honorary Fellow of Peterhouse Cambridge University. Although IMS uses implements adapted from traditional acupuncture, it is based on scientific, neurophysiological principles. The acupuncture needles used are very thin (much thinner that the hollow needle used to inject medicine or take blood samples). You may not even feel it penetrating the skin, and if your muscle is normal, the needle is painless. However, if your muscle is supersensitive and shortened, you’ll feel a peculiar sensation – like a muscle cramp or Charlie Horse. This is a distinctive type of discomfort caused by the muscle grasping the needles. Patients soon learn to recognize and welcome this sensation. They call it a “good” or positive pain because it soon disappears and is followed by a wonderful feeling of relief no longer tight, you no longer feel it. What has happened is that the needling has caused your abnormal muscle shortening to intensity and then release. It is important that you experience this sensation in order to gain lasting relief.

“Neuropathy”- or- what happens when nerves start to go wrong…

Doctors usually have no difficulty in treating pain caused by injury (a fracture, for example) or inflammation (such as rheumatoid arthritis). But they are perplexed by pain that shows no sign of tissue damage or inflammation, such as headaches, “whiplash”, backache, tennis elbow or frozen shoulder.

Dr. Gunn had introduced “neuropathic pain”, to describe this type of pain. Typically this occurs when nerves malfunction following minor irritation. Nerves and nerve-endings become extremely sensitive and cause innocent, harmless signals to be exaggerated and misperceived as painful ones. (This characteristic is known medically as supersensitivity). The result is pain, even when extensive medical tests show there is “nothing wrong”. Until recently, supersensitivity has received little attention in medical circles.

The Effects of IMS

The effects of IMS are cumulative – needling stimulates a certain amount of healing, until eventually, the condition is healed and the pain disappears. Some patients treated with IMS have remained pain-free for over 20 years.

Frequency of Treatments

Treatments are usually once a week (but can be spread out to two weeks) to allow time between treatments for the body to heal itself. The number of treatments you require will depend on several factors such as the duration and extent of your condition, how much scar tissue there is (usually increased after previous surgery) and how quickly your body can heal, the rate of healing depends on the condition of your nerves (young people usually heal more quickly, although older is not necessarily slower). If the pain is of recent origin, one treatment may be all that is necessary. In published studies of patients with low back pain, the average number of IMS treatments required was 8.2.

Treating Neuropathic Pain

Supersensitivity and muscle shortening cannot be operated on and “cut away”. “Pain killers” and other analgesic pills only masks the pain. The goal of treatment is to release muscle shortening which presses on and irritates the nerve. Supersensitive areas can be desensitized and the persistent pull of shortened muscles released.

If you're struggling with chronic pain, headaches, whiplash, TMJ dysfunction, or persistent muscle tightness, Intramuscular Stimulation (IMS) may help address the underlying cause of your symptoms rather than simply masking them.


The experienced physiotherapists at Active Sports Therapy can assess your condition and determine whether IMS is an appropriate treatment option as part of your personalized rehabilitation plan.


Book an assessment today to learn if IMS therapy can help you move better, feel stronger, and return to the activities you love.

*This blog is not intended to officially establish a physician-patient relationship, to replace the services of a trained physician, naturopathic doctor, physical therapist or chiropractor or otherwise to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.  

Race Day Preparation Tips for Calgary Runners | Active Sports Therapy

By Active Sports Therapy

Spring and summer mean one thing in Calgary: race season is here.

Whether you're lacing up for your first 5K, training for a marathon, or taking on a community triathlon, proper preparation can make all the difference in how you perform—and how you recover.

Training is essential, but race readiness goes beyond logging kilometres. From gait analysis and injury prevention to recovery strategies and performance optimization, here are seven ways to help you cross the finish line feeling your best.

1. Start with a Gait Analysis

Your running form matters.

A professional gait analysis can identify movement patterns and biomechanical issues that may be affecting your performance or increasing your risk of injury.

Custom orthotics can be especially beneficial if you experience:

Small adjustments can have a significant impact on your comfort, efficiency, and long-term running goals.

2. Connect with a Running Expert

Calgary is home to an incredible running community, with coaches, clinicians, and specialty stores dedicated to helping runners succeed.

Working with a running expert can help you refine your form, improve efficiency, and reduce your risk of injury before race day.

3. Listen to Your Body

One of the most important skills any runner can develop is knowing when to push—and when to pull back.

Pain is often an early warning sign that your body needs attention. Addressing minor aches and discomfort early can help prevent them from becoming more serious injuries that sideline your training.

If something doesn't feel right, don't ignore it.

4. Use the RICE Method Early

When an acute injury happens, early action matters.

Apply the RICE method—Rest, Ice, Compression, and Elevation—for 10 to 15 minutes at a time, several times throughout the day. Avoid activities that aggravate the injury and seek professional guidance if symptoms persist.

5. Don't Overlook the Mental Side of Recovery

Setbacks are frustrating, especially when they interfere with activities you love.

Staying positive and focusing on what you can control can make a meaningful difference in your recovery journey. Celebrate small wins, trust the process, and remember that recovery is part of training.

6. Support Your Body with Chiropractic Care and Active Release Therapy®

Proper movement starts with proper function.

Chiropractic care can help optimize mobility and alignment, while Active Release Therapy® targets soft tissue restrictions that may contribute to pain, tightness, and limited movement.

Together, these therapies can help you move more efficiently and recover more effectively.

Get Race-Ready with Active Sports Therapy

Race preparation isn't just about training harder—it's about training smarter.

Whether you're looking to prevent injuries, improve performance, or recover more effectively, our team is here to support you every step of the way.

Book an appointment to learn whether chiropractic care, Active Release Therapy®, gait analysis, or custom orthotics are right for you.

 

Natural Health Support for Teen Athletes: Building Strong Bodies, Resilient Minds, and Lifelong Wellness


By: Dr Gayle Maguire, BSc, ND.


While sports can build confidence, discipline, and resilience, intense training without proper recovery and support can also contribute to fatigue, injury, anxiety, sleep problems, digestive issues, and burnout.

Natural health approaches can play an important role in helping teen athletes stay healthy, recover properly, and perform at their best — while supporting long-term development rather than short-term performance alone.

Why Teen Athletes Need Specialized Support

Teenagers are not simply “smaller adults.” Their bodies are still developing, and their nutritional, hormonal, neurological, and emotional needs are unique.

During adolescence, athletes experience:

Supporting the whole athlete — not just their sport performance — is essential for sustainable health.


Common Health Concerns in Teen Athletes

Fatigue and Low Energy

Busy schedules, inadequate nutrition, poor sleep, and overtraining can leave athletes constantly exhausted.  Signs may include difficulty recovering after practices, low motivation, frequent illness, brain fog, reduced endurance.  As a naturopathic doctor, we look into iron status, nutrient deficienies, sleep quality, stress levels, and hydration/fueling habits.  For female athletes in particular, hormone investigations can also be helpful.

Sports Injuries and Recovery

Growth spurts can increase injury risk because bones, muscles, and tendons may develop at different rates.  Female athletes suffer certain injuries, like ACL injuries, more often than males.  Common concerns include knee and ankle pain, shin splints, muscle and overuse strains, and concussions.  Natural supports can help recovery & moblity, pain & inflammation management, and nervous system regulation.

Anxiety and Performance Stress

Teen athletes frequently experience pressure related to competition, scholarships, social media, in addition to their performance and intrinsic goals.  Stress may show up as trouble sleeping, digestive symptoms, irritability, panic before games, or difficulty concentrating.  Supporting mental wellness is just as important as physical training, and many nutritional and herbal treatments can support resiliency and sleep.


Foundations of Natural Teen Athlete Health

Nutrition First

Athletes need adequate fuel for growth & recovery, brain function, hormone production, and immune health.  Key focus areas include:

Restrictive eating or under-fueling can negatively affect both performance and long-term health.

Sleep and Recovery

Sleep is where the body repairs and adapts.  Teen athletes often need 8–10 hours of sleep nightly, yet many fall short due to early practices, homework, stress, and screen time.

Poor sleep can increase injury risk, illness frequency, mood changes, recovery time, reaction time deficits.  Recovery strategies may include:

Nervous System and Mental Health SupportAthletic success is not only physical.  Supporting the nervous system can improve focus, resiliency & regulation, confidence, and recovery.  Natural approaches may include:

Young athletes thrive when adults focus on sustainable growth rather than constant pressure to specialize or perform.

A Collaborative Approach Matters

Teen athletes benefit most when parents, coaches, healthcare providers, and athletes work together.  Naturopathic healthcare can complement medical care and rehabilitation plans, as well as mental health goals.  The goal is not simply better performance — it is healthier, happier, and more resilient young people.  Supporting teen athletes naturally means looking beyond the scoreboard.  When sleep, nutrition, recovery, mental wellness, and injury prevention are prioritized, athletes are better equipped to perform, recover, and enjoy their sport for years to come.

If your teen athlete is struggling with fatigue, stress, recovery, nutrition, or recurring injuries, natural healthcare approaches may help support their overall health and development in a safe and holistic way.

Dr. Gayle Maguire, BSc ND, AST Willow Park, Calgary,       

Naturopathic Doctor 

She/Her

I acknowledge and honour that I live,work, and play on the lands of the Treaty 7 Nations (Siksika, Kainai, Piikani, Nakoda and Tsuut'ina) of Southern Alberta, and the Metis Nation of Alberta, Region 3

Member of the CNDA (College of Naturopathic Doctors of Alberta), CAND (Canadian Association of Naturopathic Doctors), Pediatric Association of Naturopathic Physicians (PedANP)

* This information is for educational purposes only and does not replace medical assessment or care.  Please see your healthcare provider for advice that is right for you.*

Today’s teen athletes are training harder, competing longer seasons, and balancing more demands than ever before. Between school, sports, social pressures, and rapid physical growth, many young athletes are operating under significant stress — both physically and mentally.

Youth Athlete

The Common Link in All Sports Injuries: Scar Tissue

How to Recover Faster and Perform Better

If you are an athlete in Calgary, whether you’re a weekend warrior, competitive player, or student athlete there is one reality you can’t avoid: sports injuries happen.

At Active Sports Therapy, we regularly see athletes dealing with pain, reduced performance, and uncertainty around recovery.

You might be asking:

All of these questions become much easier to answer when you understand the common link in nearly all soft tissue injuries: scar tissue.

Understanding Soft Tissue Injuries in Athletes

Most sports injuries involve soft tissues, including:

These structures stabilize joints and produce movement. When damaged, injuries typically fall into two categories:

At a microscopic level, these injuries disrupt normal tissue structure, leading to:

The Hidden Problem: Scar Tissue Formation

Your body is incredibly efficient at healing, but it does not always heal optimally.

After an injury, your body lays down fibrotic scar tissue to repair the damaged area. While essential, scar tissue behaves very differently from healthy tissue:

Think of scar tissue as a glue-like binding that limits how your body moves. Over time, this can lead to:

Why Scar Tissue Is the Common Link in Sports Injuries

The real issue isn’t just the initial injury, it is what happens afterward.

Scar tissue can:

This is why many athletes in Calgary feel stuck in a cycle of recurring pain or lingering injuries.

How Scar Tissue Impacts Athletic Performance

Scar tissue doesn’t just cause discomfort, it directly affects performance:

In short, your body can’t perform at its best if it can’t move properly.

The Solution: Active Release Techniques (ART)

At Active Sports Therapy, we specialize in Active Release Techniques (ART), a highly effective, hands-on treatment designed to target and break down scar tissue.

What Is ART?

ART is an advanced soft tissue therapy that focuses on:

This combination helps to:

Conditions Treated with ART

ART is effective for a wide range of common sports injuries, including:

Many of these conditions are driven or prolonged by unresolved scar tissue.

Faster Recovery. Better Performance. Fewer Injuries.

For athletes in Calgary, the goal isn’t just to recover, it is to come back stronger and more resilient.

By addressing scar tissue directly, ART can:

Why Choose Active Sports Therapy in Calgary?

At Active Sports Therapy, our practitioners have extensive experience treating both acute injuries and chronic overuse conditions.

We take a hands-on, movement-based approach that goes beyond symptom relief to address the root cause of dysfunction.

Take Control of Your Recovery

Understanding the role of scar tissue is the first step toward smarter recovery and injury prevention.

If you’re dealing with a lingering injury, recurring pain, or reduced performance, it may not just be “tightness”, it could be scar tissue limiting your body’s potential.

Book an assessment today at Active Sports Therapy in Calgary and get back to doing what you love, pain-free, stronger, and performing at your best.

Chiropractor of Physiotherapist treating soft tissue injury in patients leg

What is Vestibular Physiotherapy?

Written by: Rachel Grant, MSc PT, BKin

Vestibular physiotherapy is a specialized form of physical therapy aimed at treating balance disorders caused by issues with the vestibular system, which controls your sense of balance and spatial orientation. The vestibular system is located in the inner ear and works closely with the brain to help you stay oriented and steady while moving.

When this system is disrupted, individuals can experience dizziness, vertigo, and difficulty with coordination, which can significantly impact daily activities. Vestibular physiotherapy uses specific exercises and techniques to help retrain the brain to compensate for these disruptions.

Therapists may employ a range of strategies, including canalith repositioning maneuvers to help alleviate symptoms of benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV), balance training exercises to improve stability, and gaze stabilization techniques for people who experience visual disturbances when moving their heads. Vestibular therapy can also help treat post-concussion syndrome and symptoms associated from mild traumatic brain injury.

By addressing the root causes of dizziness and imbalance, vestibular physiotherapy can restore normal function, enhance quality of life, and promote confidence in movement again. Whether it's recovering from an injury or managing an ongoing condition, vestibular therapy is a specialized option to get back to doing what you enjoy.

For lasting relief from dizziness, vertigo, and balance disorders, vestibular physiotherapy at Active Sports Therapy, Willow Park, Calgary, offers a proven, non-invasive solution to restore stability, improve coordination, and help you get back to living confidently.

Book an appointment with Rachel Grant AST Willow Park, Calgary, to learn if Vestibular Therapy is right for you!

Dizziness Treatment Calgary

Exomind Therapy at Active Sports Therapy for Chronic-Pain, Mental Wellness, and Recovery

Written by: Dr. David Westmacott and Active Sports Therapy

At Active Sports Therapy in Calgary, we often see patients who come in seeking relief from chronic pain or injury, what is often overlooked is the mental and neurological side of recovery.

Chronic pain doesn’t just affect your body. It impacts your brain, your sleep, your stress levels, and your overall sense of well-being.

This is why we offer Exomind therapy in Calgary—a non-invasive, drug-free solution designed to support mental health, emotional regulation, and cognitive function alongside physical recovery.

The Link Between Chronic Pain and Mental Health

If you’re dealing with a long-term injury or persistent pain, you may also be experiencing:

-Anxiety and chronic stress
-Poor sleep or insomnia
-Brain fog and lack of focus
-Low motivation and fatigue
-Difficulty with emotional regulation

These symptoms are not separate they are all connected through your nervous system.

Chronic pain can actually rewire the brain, affecting areas responsible for mood, focus, and self-control. This creates a cycle where pain worsens mental health, and mental stress amplifies pain.

What Is Exomind Therapy?

Exomind is an advanced form of Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) therapy that targets
key areas of the brain responsible for:

-Emotional regulation
-Motivation and drive
-Mental clarity and focus
-Stress and anxiety response

By delivering safe, targeted electromagnetic pulses, Exomind helps stimulate underactive areas of the brain and promote neuroplasticity—your brain’s ability to heal, adapt, and function more efficiently. For patients in Calgary looking for non-invasive mental health treatment, Exomind offers a cutting-edge alternative without medication or downtime.

How Exomind Helps with Chronic Pain and Injury Recovery

At Active Sports Therapy, we use Exomind as part of a comprehensive approach to chronic pain treatment and injury rehabilitation. Benefits of Exomind are:

Improve Emotional Regulation:
Help reduce emotional reactivity, making it easier to manage stress, frustration, and anxiety that often accompany chronic pain.

Reduce Brain Fog and Improve Focus:
Many patients report clearer thinking, improved concentration, and better cognitive performance after starting Exomind therapy.

Boost Motivation and Mental Energy:
Recovery can feel overwhelming. Exomind helps activate the brain’s motivation centers, making it easier to stay consistent with treatment and daily life.

Support Better Sleep:
Better brain regulation often leads to improved sleep quality—one of the most important factors in healing and recovery.

Enhance Overall Wellness and Self-Control:
Exomind supports a more balanced nervous system, helping you feel more in control of your thoughts, emotions, and actions.

Advantages of Exomind therapy is that it is:

Completely non-invasive, Drug-free, Safe and clinically supported, no downtime required.

Sessions are quick and comfortable, typically lasting 20–30 minutes, making it easy to fit into your schedule.

Whether you are dealing with chronic pain, post-injury stress, or mental fatigue, Exomind therapy in Calgary can help bridge the gap between physical and mental recovery.

Who Is Exomind For?

Exomind may benefit individuals experiencing:

-Chronic pain conditions

-Sports injuries and long-term recovery
 -Anxiety and stress
 -Brain fog and reduced focus
 -Low motivation or burnout
 -Difficulty with emotional regulation and self-control

If you hve been searching for chronic pain treatment in Calgary, mental wellness therapy, or non-invasive brain stimulation, Exomind may be the missing piece.

Reconnect Your Mind and Body

At Active Sports Therapy, we believe that true healing goes beyond physical treatment. By combining rehabilitation with advanced brain-based therapies like Exomind, we help patients improve not just how they move—but how they think, feel, and function.

Because recovery isn’t just about reducing pain—it’s about restoring your quality of life.

If you are ready to take the next step in your recovery, BOOK YOUR FREE CONSULTATION TODAY at Active Sports Therapy and discover how Exomind therapy in Calgary can support your mental wellness, improve sleep, and help you regain control over your health.

Disclaimer:  

**This blog is provided for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment recommendations. Exomind is a non-invasive neurostimulation therapy, and individual results may vary.

The information shared here does not create a provider-patient relationship, and any decisions about treatment should be made with a qualified healthcare professional based on your individual needs. References to services offered by our clinic are for awareness only and do not guarantee specific outcomes.

How the Core to Floor Program Helps You Eliminate Back Pain and Move with Confidence - Pain Free.

Written by: Dr. David Westmacott and AST

Lower back pain has a way of creeping into everyday life, whether you’re sitting at a desk, hitting the gym, or simply trying to enjoy your favourite activities. For many people in South Calgary, it becomes a frustrating cycle: temporary relief, followed by recurring discomfort.

But what if the solution isn’t just treating the pain—but rebuilding the foundation of how your body moves. That’s exactly where the BTL Core to Floor Program at Active Sports Therapy comes in.

Why Your Core Matters More Than You Think

When people hear “core,” they often think of abs. But your core is much more than that, the core is a complex system of muscles that includes your:

-Deep abdominal muscles
-Pelvic floor
-Lower back stabilizers
-Gluteal muscles
-Diaphragm

Together, these muscles act as your body’s central support system, controlling movement, stability, and posture. When your core isn’t functioning properly, your body compensates.

This often leads to:

-Chronic lower back pain
-Poor posture
-Decreased strength and performance
-Reduced balance and coordination

In short, a weak or poorly coordinated core doesn’t just affect your workouts a weak core impacts your everyday life.

What Makes the BTL Core to Floor Program Different?

The BTL Core to Floor Program stands apart because it combines two advanced technologies:
-Emsculpt Neo
-Emsella

Together, these devices create a powerful, non-invasive system that targets both your abdominal core and pelvic floor muscles simultaneously something traditional exercise alone cannot effectively achieve. This integrated approach ensures your entire core system is activated, retrained, and strengthened in a way that translates directly into real-life movement.

The Science: HFEM, RF, and Supra-Maximal Contractions


At the heart of the Core to Floor program is cutting-edge technology that goes far beyond voluntary exercise. High-Intensity Focused Electromagnetic Energy (HFEM) Both Emsculpt Neo and Emsella use HFEM technology to stimulate your muscles in a way your brain cannot replicate on its own. HFEM triggers supra-maximal muscle contractions, extremely powerful contractions that exceed what you can achieve during a typical workout.

To put it into perspective:

-A single session can produce thousands of contractions
-These contractions are deeper, more intense, and more targeted than voluntary movement
-They activate hard-to-reach stabilizing muscles critical for spinal support

These supra-maximal contractions retrain your neuromuscular system, improving motor control,
coordination, and strength at a foundational level.

Radiofrequency (RF) Technology Emsculpt Neo also incorporates radiofrequency (RF) energy, which gently heats the muscle tissue.

This has several key benefits:

-Improves blood flow and tissue elasticity
-Prepares muscles for stronger contractions
-Enhances muscle response and recovery
-Supports fat reduction in the abdominal region

The combination of HFEM + RF creates a synergistic effect—allowing muscles to contract more effectively while improving the overall health of the tissue.

Why This Matters for Lower Back Pain

Lower back pain is often caused by poor core activation and lack of support for the spine. Traditional exercises rely on your ability to properly engage these muscles, but if your brain isn’t activating them correctly, progress can be slow or ineffective. That’s where this technology changes everything.

By delivering supra-maximal contractions, the BTL Core to Floor Program:

-Activates weak or dormant muscles
-Restores proper firing patterns between your core and pelvic floor
-Reduces compensations that strain your lower back
-Builds strength in the deep stabilizers that protect your spine

This allows your body to relearn how to move safely and efficiently, leading to long-term pain relief, not just temporary fixes.

-Build Strength, Stability, and Motor Control
-One of the biggest advantages of this program is its focus on motor control—your body’s ability to coordinate movement efficiently.

With improved neuromuscular function, you’ll experience:

-Strength – deeper, more functional muscle activation
-Stability – better spinal support during movement
-Control – improved coordination and reduced injury risk

This translates into real-world benefits like:

-Lifting with confidence

-Exercising without pain
-Moving freely in daily life
-Returning to the activities you love

Who Is This Program For?
The BTL Core to Floor Program is ideal for individuals who:


-Struggle with persistent or recurring lower back pain
-Feel weak or unstable during movement
-Have tried traditional core exercises without success
-Are recovering from injury or postpartum changes
-Want to improve performance and prevent future issues


Whether you’re an athlete, a busy professional, or simply someone who wants to feel better in your body, this program is designed to meet you where you are—and take you further.

Get Back to Doing What You Love—Pain Free

Imagine moving through your day without constantly thinking about your back. Imagine exercising, working, or playing with your kids without discomfort holding you back. With the combined power of Emsculpt Neo, Emsella, HFEM, RF, and supra-maximal contractions, the BTL Core to Floor Program helps you rebuild your foundation from the inside out.

Start Your Core Transformation Today


If you’re tired of temporary fixes and ready for a long-term solution, it’s time to focus on what truly matters—your core. By kick-starting your core, you’re not just addressing pain—you’re creating a stronger, more stable, and more confident version of yourself.


Book your free consultation at Active Sports Therapy in Calgary today and take the first step toward a pain-free, confident life.

Emculpt Neo

Understanding Shoulder Impingement


By: Dr. Evan Steinke, D.C., B.Sc — Active Sports Therapy Westman Village

Shoulder pain is very common, and most people experience it at some point whether from working out, playing sports, or simply reaching overhead for something on a shelf. One frequent cause is shoulder impingement, which often couples shoulder pain with a decreased or painful range of motion.

This limited mobility can make everyday tasks difficult and frustrating. The good news is shoulder impingement is very treatable, especially when addressed early.

What Is Shoulder Impingement?

Shoulder impingement occurs when the muscles and tendons in your shoulder become compressed or irritated within the narrow space between your upper arm bone and the top of your shoulder blade.

When you lift your arm overhead, this space naturally narrows. In a healthy shoulder, there’s still enough room for tendons to move freely. However, in the case of an injury, such as a fall or muscle strain, this already narrow space can be reduced even further. This leads to the tendon being “pinched” during movement.

That pinching triggers inflammation and swelling, which further decreases the available space. Over time, this creates a cycle of increasing pain and decreasing mobility, making early treatment important.

Common Causes

● Repetitive overhead movements (e.g., throwing, swimming, weightlifting)
● Poor posture or improper exercise form
● Muscle imbalances or weakness in the rotator cuff and shoulder stabilizers
● Trauma, such as falls or sports-related impacts

Common Symptoms

● Pain when reaching overhead or behind your back
● Discomfort when lying on the affected shoulder
● Limited range of motion or stiffness
● Weakness or fatigue in the arm
● Reduced pain when the arm is at rest

Treatment Options

At Active Sports Therapy Westman Village, a movement-based approach is used to treat shoulder impingement and restore function.

Treatment plans are tailored to each individual and may include:

● Chiropractic care to address joint and soft tissue restrictions
● Postural correction to avoid exacerbation and inflammation
● Rehabilitation exercises and stretching to improve strength and stability
● Active Release Techniques (ART) to support muscle and tendon recovery
● Therapeutic modalities such as laser therapy or IFC to aid healing

Together, these methods help reduce inflammation, restore mobility, and improve long-term shoulder function.

Take the Next Step

If shoulder pain is limiting your daily activities or workouts, early treatment can make a big difference.

Book an appointment with Dr. Evan Steinke, at Active Sports Therapy Westman Village, Mahogany, Calgary to start your recovery and get back to moving comfortably.

Frozen Shoulder

Tennis Injuries and How Active Release Techniques (ART) Can Help

Written by: Dr. David Westmacott, DC

Tennis is an exciting and physically demanding sport that requires powerful strokes, quick changes in direction, and repetitive overhead movements. While these motions are essential for performance, they can also place significant stress on muscles, tendons, and joints. Over time, this repetitive strain often leads to pain, stiffness, and injury.

For tennis players dealing with nagging discomfort or recovering from injury, Active Release Techniques (ART) has become one of the most effective soft tissue treatments available. This specialized manual therapy is widely used by sports medicine practitioners to help athletes recover faster, move better, and prevent recurring injuries. At Active Sports Therapy in Calgary, many tennis players rely on ART to stay healthy and competitive on the court.

What Are Active Release Techniques?

Active Release Techniques is a hands-on soft tissue treatment designed to identify and treat problems in muscles, tendons, ligaments, fascia, and nerves.

Over time, repetitive movements—like serving, backhands, and sprinting across the court, can cause tiny tears in soft tissues. As these tissues heal, scar tissue can form.

This scar tissue can:

ART works by breaking down scar tissue and restoring normal tissue movement, allowing the body to function properly again. During treatment, a practitioner applies precise pressure to a muscle while guiding the patient through specific movements. This combination helps release adhesions and restore healthy mobility.

Why Tennis Players Are Prone to Soft Tissue Injuries

Tennis involves thousands of repetitive motions during training and matches. These movements commonly lead to overuse injuries.

Common causes include:

Without proper treatment, these stresses can lead to chronic pain and reduced performance.

Common Tennis Injuries Treated with ART

Active Release Techniques is extremely effective at treating many injuries commonly seen in tennis players.

Tennis Elbow

Tennis elbow occurs when the forearm muscles become overloaded from repetitive racquet swings. This leads to irritation and micro-tears in the tendons around the elbow.

Symptoms often include:

ART helps release tight forearm muscles and improve blood flow to the injured area, allowing the tendon to heal more effectively.

Rotator Cuff Injuries

The shoulder takes a significant amount of stress during serves and overhead shots. Over time, this can lead to rotator cuff strains.

Common symptoms include:

ART treatments help release tight shoulder muscles, restore mobility, and reduce inflammation.

Wrist Tendonitis

The wrist absorbs a great deal of impact during topspin strokes and volleys. Repetitive motion can cause irritation in the wrist tendons.

Symptoms may include:

ART helps restore proper movement between the forearm muscles and wrist tendons, improving both comfort and performance.

Achilles Tendonitis

Tennis requires quick acceleration, deceleration, and directional changes. These movements place significant stress on the Achilles tendon.

Players may experience:

ART can release tight calf muscles and improve tendon mobility, reducing strain on the Achilles.

Lower Back Pain

The powerful rotational movements used in serving and groundstrokes can overload the muscles of the lower back.

Common symptoms include:

ART treatments focus on the lumbar muscles, hip flexors, and glutes, helping restore normal movement and reduce tension.

Performance Benefits of Active Release Techniques

ART is not only for injury recovery, it also helps improve athletic performance.

Many tennis players experience:

✔ Increased flexibility
✔ Improved range of motion
✔ Faster muscle recovery
✔ Reduced injury risk
✔ Better movement mechanics

When muscles move freely without restriction, athletes can generate more power and move more efficiently around the court.

Preventing Future Tennis Injuries

One of the biggest advantages of Active Release Techniques is its role in injury prevention.

Regular treatment can help:

For athletes who play frequently, proactive treatment can make a major difference in long-term performance and durability.

Get Back on the Court Pain-Free

Tennis injuries often begin as minor discomfort but can quickly become chronic problems if left untreated. Early care with targeted soft tissue therapy can help prevent long recovery periods.

Many of our Chiroprators and Physiotherapist are trained in Active Release Technique the powerful treatment option for tennis players dealing with repetitive strain injuries or acute muscle problems.

With the right care, most players can recover quickly and safely return to the sport they love.

If you are experiencing any of the conditions listed above book an appointment at either locations requesting Active Release Techniques and you will be guided to one of our many expert practitioiners.

Tennis Injuries and Active Release Techniques