Active Release Techniques

Active Release Technique (ART) is a patented soft tissue treatment system invented by Colorado Springs, CO Chiropractor Mike Leahy.

It is a form of deep tissue work involving muscles, tendons, fascia (covers muscle), ligaments, and nerves.

It is used to treat acute or chronic injuries, repetitive strain injuries, and nerve entrapments like carpal tunnel syndrome and sciatica. ART is also used before and after surgery to reduce scar tissue formation and build-up.

What conditions can ART help?

ART can alleviate headaches, TMJ pain, back pain, neck pain, shoulder pain, elbow pain, wrist pain, hand pain, thumb pain, hip pain, knee pain, calf pain, ankle pain, and foot pain.

ART also works on common injuries like; ITB Syndrome, Runners Knee, Shin Splints, Plantar Fasciitis, Rotator Cuff Injuries, Golfer’s and Tennis Elbow, Piriformis Syndrome, Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, and Sciatica. ART also can remove scar tissue buildup after surgery and scar tissue build-up from joint replacements instead of going through painful and risky Manipulations under Anesthesia.

A photo of a patient receiving Active Release Technique.

How does ART work?

ART works to break up and remove scar tissue deep within and between muscles, tendons, ligaments, and nerves.

ART treatment is a hands-on treatment where the doctor contacts the injured muscle, joint, ligament, or nerves with his thumb or fingers. The tissue is then shortened and moved through a range of motion while tension is held over the injured structure.

This breaks up the scar tissue while reducing pain and improving the range of motion.

How long will it take?

The average number of ART treatments for all conditions ranges between 6-15 visits per condition, depending on the severity and duration of symptoms. Typically treatments are 10-15 minutes long, and patients should bring shorts for lower back, hip, knee, ankle, or foot injuries. For neck, shoulder, elbow, wrist, and hand injuries, a tank top is recommended.

To learn more, please use the request appointment tab on the right side of this page or call for an appointment: 845-255-1200.