Active Release Technique

Active Release Technique (ART) is a patented, movement-based manual therapy used by massage therapists and other clinicians to treat soft tissue dysfunction, pain, and mobility restrictions caused by scar tissue, adhesions, or overuse injuries. ART focuses on muscles, tendons, ligaments, fascia, and nerves, and is particularly effective for musculoskeletal problems linked to overuse, sports injuries, and post-surgical adhesions.

Key Features

  • ART involves locating abnormal or dysfunctional soft tissue (e.g., adhesions, scar tissue), applying precise tension with the therapist’s hands, and moving the affected area through its full range of motion.

  • The technique is distinctive because the practitioner maintains contact on the tissue while the client actively moves the structure, allowing targeted breakdown of restrictions as they slide under the therapist’s contact.

  • ART treatments are “dry” (used without lotion or oil), are highly specific (over 500 unique moves), and are customized based on the client’s individual symptoms and tissue examination.

Purposes and Benefits

  • ART breaks down adhesions and scar tissue formations, restoring normal tissue “slide and glide,” reducing pain, and improving movement quality and range of motion.

  • Benefits include relief from acute/chronic pain, muscle spasms, nerve entrapments (such as carpal tunnel or sciatica), sports injuries, and tension headaches.

  • ART’s targeted approach can often lead to rapid improvement over a few sessions and is used in athletic populations, rehabilitation, and general pain management settings.

Typical Use in Massage Sessions

  • Massage therapists integrate ART for clients with persistent pain, limited mobility, or dysfunction related to repetitive strain, traumatic injuries, or post-surgical adhesions.

  • The technique is performed with active client involvement in movement during the treatment, and therapists assess and adjust tension and direction for optimal results.

  • ART may be uncomfortable but is tailored for individual needs and is combined with other techniques to achieve long-term benefits.

In summary, Active Release Technique is a specialized manual therapy that combines precise tissue tension and active movement to break down adhesions, restore function, and quickly resolve soft tissue pain and restrictions for a wide variety of musculoskeletal conditions.