Introduction to Active Release Technique®

Introduction

Active Release Technique® (ART®) is a patented soft tissue technique that treats problems with muscles, tendons, ligaments, fascia (connective tissue), and nerves. A multitude of musculoskeletal conditions can benefit from ART®. These conditions all have one important similarity: they are frequently the result of overused muscles, causing muscle spasm, scar tissue and eventual loss of function within a region of the body.(1)

What makes Active Release Technique® (ART®) different from other techniques

The difference between ART® and other techniques is that during an ART® treatment, the patient actively moves the affected structure (muscle or ligament) while the practitioner presses or maintains contact on the injured area. This allows the practitioner to feel the structure as it moves under their contact, and to effectively treat those restricted muscles, tendons, or ligaments. 

Who might benefit from ART®

Over 500 specific moves make up the treatment protocols used in ART®, allowing the practitioner to tailor treatment to the unique needs of each patient.(1) Individuals who may benefit from ART® include:

• Members of the athletic community, both recreational and professional.
• Chronic pain patients with symptoms mimicking an overuse syndrome
• Anyone who has not been able to find relief through conventional therapies

How overuse affects your muscles

When muscles (and other soft tissues) are overused, three types of problems may result:

• Acute conditions such as pulls, tears, muscle spasm or contracture, etc.
• Small tears resulting from repetitive motion (also known as micro-trauma)
• Hypoxia or a lack of oxygen to the injured area

Your body responds to these occurrences by producing tough, dense scar tissue in the problem area. This scar tissue restricts healthy tissues, preventing them from moving freely. As more scar tissue builds, your muscles weaken and become shorter, nerves can become trapped, and the tension that is placed on the tendons might even cause tendon inflammation or tendonitis. Eventually, all of this leads to a reduced range of motion, loss of strength, and pain. In cases where a nerve is trapped, you might experience tingling, numbness, and weakness as well.(1)

What to expect during an ART® session

An ART® session is both an examination and a treatment. As the ART® website explains, “the provider uses his or her hands to evaluate the texture, tightness, and movement of muscles, fascia, tendons, ligaments, and nerves. Abnormal tissues are treated by combining precisely directed tension with very specific patient movements.”(1)

The specific techniques that are used vary according to the needs of the patient, but examples include:

Neck stretch while the patient is lying on their back

Hamstring stretch while patient is lying on their back

Side-lying stretch for patients with lower back pain

Seated mid-back stretch for people who spend a lot of
time on the computer

ART® is a specific, targeted treatment, and patients often see results within 2-4 weeks, or 3-6 visits.

Getting an appointment for an ART® session

Only health care providers with a license to treat soft-tissue injuries or conditions can become certified in ART® and treat patients using this technique, including chiropractors, physical therapists, massage therapists, certified athletic trainers, and medical doctors. However, you do not need a prescription in order to be treated using the ART®  technique. You only need to ensure that the health care professional you make an appointment with is properly ART® certified.

ART® at the HSS Integrative Care Center

Dr. Christopher Anselmi, a board certified chiropractor at Hospital for Special Surgery's Integrative Care Center, is Master Certified in Active Release Technique® (ART®). To find out more or to make an appointment, contact Dr. Anselmi’s office at 212.224.7915.