Active Release Technique (ART)

What Is Active Release Technique?

Active Release Technique, commonly known as ART, is a patented, state-of-the-art soft tissue management system developed to treat problems with muscles, tendons, ligaments, fascia, and nerves. Unlike passive massage or general stretching, ART involves the patient actively moving the affected tissue through a specific range of motion while the practitioner applies precise manual pressure to the area. This combination of movement and targeted contact breaks apart fibrous adhesions that form between tissue layers due to injury, overuse, or chronic inflammation.

At Chiropractic First, Dr. Townsend is trained and certified in Active Release Technique, bringing this specialized skill set to patients dealing with soft tissue dysfunction that contributes to pain, weakness, numbness, and restricted movement. ART is one of the most effective treatments available for resolving problems caused by scar tissue buildup in muscles and connective tissue.

How Adhesions Form and Why They Matter

When soft tissue is injured, whether from a sudden trauma, repetitive strain, or sustained postural stress, the body lays down scar tissue as part of the healing process. While this scar tissue serves an important short-term purpose, it often binds adjacent structures together, creating adhesions that restrict normal sliding and gliding between tissue layers. These adhesions can trap nerves, limit blood flow, reduce range of motion, and cause muscles to become shorter and weaker over time.

Common signs that adhesions may be contributing to your symptoms include persistent tightness that does not respond to stretching, pain that worsens with specific movements, tingling or numbness in the hands or feet, and weakness in muscles that should be strong. Left untreated, adhesions can lead to compensatory movement patterns that create secondary problems elsewhere in the body.

How ART Treatment Works

During an ART session at Chiropractic First, Dr. Townsend begins by using his hands to evaluate the texture, tightness, and movement quality of the affected tissues. He can feel the difference between healthy tissue and tissue that is bound by adhesions. Once he identifies the problematic area, he applies a specific contact with his thumb or fingers while directing you to move the affected body part through a prescribed range of motion.

This process creates tension on the adhesion while the tissue is lengthening, effectively separating the stuck layers and restoring normal glide. Each ART protocol is specific to the muscle, tendon, ligament, or nerve being treated. There are over 500 specific ART treatment protocols, each designed for a particular anatomical structure and direction of fiber.

Sessions typically last 15 to 20 minutes, and most patients notice meaningful improvement within four to six visits. The treatment can be intense but should not be unbearable. Dr. Townsend communicates throughout each session to ensure your comfort.

Conditions Treated with Active Release Technique

ART is highly effective for a broad spectrum of soft tissue conditions:

• Carpal tunnel syndrome
• Tennis elbow and golfer’s elbow
• Plantar fasciitis
• IT band syndrome
• Rotator cuff injuries
• Shin splints
• Chronic neck and shoulder tension
• Hip flexor tightness and pain
• Post-surgical scar tissue restriction
• Repetitive strain injuries from computer work

Athletes in particular benefit from ART because it addresses the overuse injuries that are common in training and competition. However, anyone with chronic soft tissue pain or movement limitations can benefit from this approach.

ART and Chiropractic Care Together

At Chiropractic First, Dr. Townsend frequently combines ART with chiropractic adjustments to deliver comprehensive results. While adjustments correct joint alignment, ART addresses the surrounding soft tissue dysfunction that can pull joints back out of alignment if left untreated. This combined approach resolves problems faster and produces longer-lasting outcomes than either therapy alone.

Why Choose Chiropractic First for Active Release Technique

Dr. Townsend’s ART certification represents advanced training beyond standard chiropractic education. His ability to accurately assess and treat soft tissue conditions gives patients at Chiropractic First access to a level of care typically found only in sports medicine clinics or specialty rehabilitation centers. Located in South Burlington, the practice welcomes patients from across Vermont seeking expert soft tissue treatment.

Schedule Your Appointment

Ready to find out if Active Release Technique is right for you? Call (802) 474-4258 or request an appointment to get started.