Active Release Technique
Performance Chiropractic + Physiotherapy provides Active Release Technique near you in Edmonton, AB, for muscle tightness, restricted movement, and pain involving the body’s soft tissues. This hands-on treatment combines targeted pressure with specific movements to address restrictions affecting muscles, tendons, ligaments, fascia, and nerves. Performance tailors each session to your symptoms, activity level, and movement goals.
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What Is Active Release Technique?
Active Release Technique, commonly called ART, is a hands-on soft-tissue treatment that combines precisely directed tension with controlled patient movement.
During treatment, the provider assesses the texture, tightness, and movement of muscles and surrounding tissues before working on areas that feel restricted.
Injuries, overuse, and repetitive strain can contribute to dense scar tissue that prevents tissues from moving freely.
These restrictions can cause pain, weakness, reduced range of motion, numbness, or tingling.
What Does Active Release Technique Treat?
Active Release Technique can be used for several conditions involving restricted, irritated, or overworked soft tissues, including:
- Headaches
- Back and neck pain
- Carpal tunnel syndrome
- Shoulder pain
- Sciatica
- Plantar fasciitis
- Knee problems
- Shin splints
- Tennis elbow
- Achilles tendinitis
Benefits of Active Release Technique
Active Release Technique can help improve soft-tissue movement, reduce muscle tightness, and restore range of motion in areas affected by injury or overuse.
Releasing restricted tissue can also reduce strain on nearby tendons and nerves, making everyday movement and physical activity feel more comfortable.
ART can be helpful for athletes, active individuals, office workers, and people whose daily routines involve repetitive movements.
Our expert team can combine it with movement assessments, chiropractic care, physiotherapy, or rehabilitation exercises to support personal and athletic goals.
What Does an Active Release Treatment Plan Include?
- A review of your symptoms and health history
- Assessment of your movement and range of motion
- Hands-on examination of the affected tissues
- Identification of tight or restricted areas
- Precisely directed pressure
- Guided movements during treatment
- Treatment of muscles, fascia, tendons, ligaments, or nerves
- Functional movement assessment when appropriate
- Stretching and mobility recommendations
- Strengthening or rehabilitation exercises
- Activity and recovery guidance
- Ongoing progress assessments
Frequently Asked Questions
Your provider will discuss your symptoms, activities, previous injuries, and treatment goals. They’ll use their hands to assess the movement and texture of the affected tissues, then apply targeted pressure while guiding you through specific movements.
Active Release Technique and massage therapy both involve hands-on soft-tissue care, but ART uses specific pressure combined with active movement. The treatment focuses on finding and addressing individual areas of restriction rather than providing a general massage.
You can feel pressure or temporary discomfort when a sensitive or restricted area is treated. Your provider can adjust the technique based on your comfort level and response throughout the appointment.
The number of appointments depends on your condition, how long the restriction has been present, your activity level, and how you respond to treatment. Performance will recommend a plan after assessing your symptoms and movement.
Some people notice improved movement or reduced tightness after their first few sessions, while persistent or complex concerns can take longer. Your progress can also depend on your daily activities and how consistently you follow rehabilitation recommendations.
Coverage can depend on which regulated healthcare provider performs the treatment and the details of your extended health plan. Confirm your chiropractic or physiotherapy benefits, referral requirements, and direct-billing options with your insurer before booking.
You generally don’t need a physician’s referral to book an appointment. However, your insurance provider can require one before reimbursing treatment, so it’s important to review your plan.
ART can help address soft-tissue restrictions connected to sports injuries, repetitive training, and overworked muscles. Performance uses Active Release Techniques as part of its sports rehabilitation approach and can combine treatment with movement screening and personalized exercises.
Scar tissue and tight tissues can sometimes restrict or irritate a nerve, contributing to numbness, tingling, or weakness. An assessment can help determine whether a soft-tissue restriction is contributing to your symptoms and whether ART is appropriate.
Is Muscle Tightness Holding You Back?
Active Release Technique can help restore soft-tissue movement, relieve stubborn restrictions, and make work, exercise, and daily activities feel more comfortable. Book an appointment with Performance Chiropractic + Physiotherapy in Edmonton to find out whether ART fits your condition and movement goals.