What it is
Active Release Technique (ART) is a manual therapy that combines specific hand pressure over a muscle, tendon, or area of scar tissue with active movement from the patient. The combination is designed to release adhesions and restore normal tissue glide.
What to expect
You'll be guided through specific movements while pressure is applied to the affected tissue. It can feel intense in the moment, particularly over a genuinely restricted area, but sessions are brief and targeted rather than a full-body treatment.
Who it's for
ART tends to help with repetitive strain injuries, tight or "stuck" muscles that haven't responded to stretching alone, and soft-tissue restrictions following an old injury.
How it fits into your plan
ART often pairs well with chiropractic adjustment — the adjustment addresses joint mechanics, while ART works on the surrounding soft tissue that may be limiting your movement.