ART Blog
Discover how Active Release Technique (ART) helps relieve muscle tension, improve mobility, and support recovery from overuse injuries with targeted, hands-on treatment.
Active Release Technique 101: How It Helps You Move Better
If you have ever pushed through a nagging shoulder ache or a stubborn case of tennis elbow that just will not settle down, you already know how frustrating overuse injuries can be. Active Release Technique, often called ART, is one of the manual therapies used at Pro-Action Health and Performance in Kanata to help address exactly this kind of tightness and restricted movement.
What Is Active Release Technique?
Active Release Technique is a patented, hands-on soft tissue system that targets muscles, tendons, ligaments, fascia, and nerves. Overused muscles can build up scar tissue over time, and that scar tissue can restrict how soft tissue structures move and function. ART combines precise tension with directed patient movement to help release these restrictions and support better mobility.
Conditions It May Help Address
Headaches
Back pain
Carpal tunnel syndrome
Shin splints
Shoulder pain
Sciatica
Plantar fasciitis
Knee discomfort
Tennis elbow
What a Session Looks Like
A hands-on assessment to locate areas of restriction
- Targeted tension applied to the affected tissue
- Guided movement paired with that tension
- Reassessment to track your progress over time
Many patients notice a difference in mobility from their very first visit, which lines up with Pro-Action’s test, treat, re-test approach: progress is something you can see and feel, not just something you are told about.
Is Active Release Technique Right for You?
ART tends to be a strong option if:
- You have had the same tightness for weeks or months
- Rest alone has not resolved it
- You are an athlete or active adult managing an overuse injury
It is often used alongside physiotherapy and chiropractic care to build a complete treatment plan.
Final Thoughts
Active Release Technique is one tool among several that Pro-Action uses to help patients move better and recover from overuse injuries. If shoulder pain, sciatica, or another nagging issue has been holding you back, a proper assessment is the best place to start.
Book an Appointment
If you are dealing with a sports injury or chronic tightness that has not improved, our team in Kanata is here to help.
Frequently Asked Questions.
What conditions can Active Release Technique help with?
ART is used to help address soft tissue conditions such as headaches, back pain, sciatica, plantar fasciitis, shoulder pain, and tennis elbow. A practitioner will assess your specific injury to confirm if ART is appropriate.
Is Active Release Technique painful?
Some tenderness during treatment is common, particularly over areas of tension or scar tissue, but sessions are adjusted to your comfort level. Most patients find the sensation manageable and short-lived.
How many ART sessions will I need?
This depends on the injury, how long it has been present, and your individual response to treatment. Some patients notice improved mobility after their first session, while others require a series of visits.
Is Active Release Technique covered by insurance in Ontario?
Coverage varies by provider and plan. Pro-Action offers direct billing for many insurers, which can help simplify the process. Check with your provider to confirm your specific coverage.
What is the difference between Active Release Technique and a regular massage?
While massage generally focuses on relaxation and general muscle tension, ART is a targeted technique that combines precise tension with directed movement to help address specific restrictions in muscles, tendons, and nerves.