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.

 

Knee pain and Chondromalacia

Written by: Dr Evan Steinke, BSc, DC

Pain in and around the knee is a common occurrence but the causes can be broad and varied. Chondromalacia patella, sometimes known as a runner’s knee, is one potential cause of knee pain. It is characterized by pain to the front of the knee over and around the patella, or knee cap. It may increase with prolonged sitting with knees bent such as while watching a movie. It may also increase with running and other sports that apply pressure to the knee.

Chondromalacia might sound like a mouthful but very accurately describes the condition itself. The word is derived from the word chondros, meaning cartilage, and malakia, meaning softening, hence the softening and erosion of the cartilage on the kneecap is the source of pain in this condition. As the cartilage breaks down the kneecap no longer glides as easily over the knee and may even rub against the opposing joint surface. This can result in painful irritation and irregular movement of the kneecap overtop of the femur.

Treatment of chondromalacia patella often includes trying to reduce inflammation which may be done through rest and ice. If there is a specific cause of the condition, such as running, it should also be addressed with your clinician. This could include analyzing gait, correcting muscle imbalances, using orthotics or different types of shoes, and adjusting any misalignments in the joint.

If you are having knee pain and think you may have chondromalacia it is best to see a chiropractor or physio to have it evaluated. This way an individualized treatment and management plan that addresses your needs and concerns can be created.

If you would like an assessment book in at Active Sports Therapy, for a personal assessment and treatment plan. Dr. Evan Steinke, BSc. DC works at AST Westman

*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.

Knee Pain