What Is Active Release Technique?
Active Release Technique (ART) is a hands-on soft tissue therapy designed to release tension in muscles, tendons, ligaments, and nerves. It works by addressing adhesions, or areas of scar tissue buildup, that develop after injury, overuse, or repetitive strain. These adhesions restrict movement, compress nerves, and create the chronic tightness and pain that many patients have difficulty resolving with rest alone.
ART is commonly used to treat conditions including shoulder impingement, rotator cuff injuries, hip flexor tightness, IT band syndrome, plantar fasciitis, carpal tunnel syndrome, and lower back and neck pain. It is especially effective for athletes and active individuals who need to return to full function quickly, as well as anyone dealing with persistent soft tissue pain that has not responded to other treatments.
The ART provider applies precise tension to a shortened muscle or soft tissue structure, then guides the area through a specific movement pattern. This combination of compression and motion breaks down adhesions and restores normal tissue function.
ART-Certified Chiropractic Care at Essential Motion
Essential Motion is one of the few clinics in Elkhorn offering ART delivered by a Full Body Certified provider. Dr. Geoffrey Buchta holds ART certification across the upper extremity, lower extremity, and spine, a credential that requires extensive training and practical examination across all major body regions. Dr. Jake Anderson is also ART certified and brings additional training in Mechanical Diagnosis and Therapy (MDT) and Selective Functional Movement Assessment (SFMA).
Our approach begins with a thorough assessment of the affected tissue, looking at texture, tightness, and movement quality before treatment begins. ART is always integrated with the broader clinical picture at Essential Motion, where chiropractic care, dry needling, Graston Technique, and sports rehabilitation are available under the same roof. This means your treatment plan can address the soft tissue component alongside the structural and neurological factors contributing to your symptoms.
Learn more about our team on the About page.
What to Expect at Your ART Appointment
Step 1: Assessment
Step 2: Treatment
Step 3: Home Care and Follow-Up
What ART Can Help You Achieve
Reduced pain and tissue tension. By breaking down adhesions and restoring normal soft tissue movement, ART addresses the underlying cause of many chronic pain presentations rather than managing symptoms alone.
Improved range of motion. Patients commonly report increased flexibility and easier movement in the treated area, particularly in the shoulder, hip, and lower back.
Faster return to activity. ART is widely used in sports medicine settings because it supports a quicker return to training and competition after soft tissue injury, without requiring extended rest.
Frequently Asked Questions About Active Release Technique
ART can involve mild discomfort during the treatment, particularly when working through areas of significant adhesion. Most patients describe it as a productive tension rather than sharp pain. The sensation typically decreases as the tissue releases, and discomfort between sessions is usually minimal.
The number of sessions depends on the severity and duration of the issue. Many patients see meaningful improvement within three to six visits. Acute injuries or recent onset problems tend to resolve more quickly than long-standing or complex conditions. Your provider will give you a clearer timeline after your initial assessment.
ART and massage therapy both work with soft tissue, but they are distinct approaches. ART uses a specific combination of provider-applied tension and patient movement to target adhesions in precise tissue structures. It is a patented clinical protocol, and providers must complete specialized training and pass a certification examination to be certified practitioners.
No. In Nebraska, you do not need a physician referral to see a chiropractor. You can book directly.
ART is used for a broad range of soft tissue conditions including rotator cuff injuries, tennis elbow, carpal tunnel syndrome, IT band syndrome, plantar fasciitis, shin splints, and neck and lower back pain from overuse or injury.
Book Your ART Appointment in Elkhorn
Dr. Buchta and Dr. Anderson are accepting new patients at Essential Motion Spine & Sport in Elkhorn, NE.
If you have questions about whether ART is appropriate for your situation, your provider will assess this at your first visit.
