Active Release Technique: Is This Manual Therapy Method the Answer to Muscle Pain?

Active Release Technique (ART) is a type of myofascial release technique. This treatment method involves manual (hands-on) soft tissue therapy and movement. The aim is to break up scar tissue to promote healing. It may lessen pain and restore range of motion for people with acute or chronic injuries. Learning the potential benefits of ART and what to expect during a session can help you decide if this approach is right for you. 

How does active release technique work? 

During ART sessions, a practitioner applies deep pressure to soft tissue while stretching the affected area. The goal is to break up the adhesions and scar tissue that form when soft tissues –– such as muscles, tendons, and ligaments –– are injured. By doing so, ART is thought to help muscles heal, relieve pain and stiffness, and increase range of motion.

A systematic review of nine studies found that ART decreases pain and improves motion and function. But researchers noted a need for more studies to determine the technique’s long-term effects and the proper dosage, including how long to apply pressure, the length of an ART session, and more.

What are the benefits of active release technique? 

Although there's a need for more research on best practices and long-term effects of ART, the approach may provide several benefits. 

• Decreases pain: According to the systematic review, ART can reduce pain from various musculoskeletal injuries.  

• Restores flexibility and range of motion: ART breaks up adhesions and scar tissue that cause joint and muscle stiffness. Treatment may result in better flexibility and range of motion for those with neck pain or other chronic conditions. 

• Improves functional mobility: Less pain and better range of motion can lead to improved functional mobility. Functional mobility makes it easier to do daily tasks like reaching overhead, walking up stairs, or lifting things.

• Promotes healing: ART can promote healing by increasing blood flow to the injured area. 

• Releases entrapped nerves: Scar tissue can trap nerves, resulting in numbness, tingling, and muscle weakness. The combination of deep pressure and movement used in ART helps break up adhesions so the nerves can move freely. 

• Provides non-invasive treatment: ART is a conservative treatment that doesn't require medication, has minimal side effects, and is safe for most people. 

What health issues can manual therapy help treat? 

ART may help with a variety of soft tissue injuries or conditions, such as muscle strains or sprains. It can also treat muscle spasms, muscle knots, overuse injuries, and chronic pain conditions. Studies show that ART can be especially beneficial for the following injuries (but note that many of these are case studies, so more research is needed):

• Chronic neck pain

• Muscle strains

• Shoulder pain

• Carpal tunnel syndrome

• Tennis elbow

• Low back pain

• Iliotibial band syndrome

• Shin splints 

• Plantar fasciitis

• Trigger thumb

If you are having pain, talk to a medical professional first to make sure ART is right for you. You should not try it if you have active inflammation or blunt trauma. You should also avoid myofascial release techniques like ART if you have conditions such as: 

• Rheumatoid arthritis

• Severe osteoporosis

• Advanced diabetes

• A fracture that is still healing

Where can you undergo active release therapy?

Various providers offer ART, including: 

• Physical therapists

• Occupational therapists

• Chiropractors

• Physicians 

• Nurses

• Massage therapists

Make sure that your practitioner is ART-certified. Certification ensures that providers have been properly trained. You can search the ART website to verify their credentials. 

There are also other myofascial release techniques that you might try. Physical therapists offer treatments such as dry needling and trigger point release. Some myofascial release techniques can be tried at home, like using an acupressure mat or a foam roller. 

What can you expect during an ART session?  

A certified ART practitioner will evaluate your condition or injury. They do this by feeling the affected area and assessing your movement. During the evaluation, they look for changes in skin texture, adhesions, muscle knots, reduced range of motion, and swelling. 

After assessing the issue and confirming the need for ART, your practitioner will begin treatment. Practitioners apply deep pressure to tender spots while stretching the affected body part. They might do passive stretches and ask you to move as they maintain deep pressure on the adhesion. 

ART involves more than 500 specific moves used to release scar tissue and adhesions. The severity of your condition will determine how many sessions you will need. You might need only one treatment. But most people find relief after three to six visits over the course of 2 to 4 weeks.

Keep in mind that you might feel some tenderness during treatment. But speak up if it becomes too painful. You shouldn’t feel intense or sharp pain. After treatment, you may also feel aches and pains similar to post-workout muscle soreness. 

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Written by:

Kim Grundy, PT

Kim Grundy, PT, is a licensed physical therapist and an experienced writer and editor. She worked at an outpatient orthopedic facility, where she treated patients with chronic conditions and post-surgical athletes working towards recovery.

Edited by:

Lauren Savage, MA

Lauren Savage, MA, is a health editor at GoodRx, where she focuses on movement, exercise, and healthy aging. She aims to provide readers with the information they need to live healthier, more active lifestyles.

Reviewed by:

Sanjai Sinha, MD

Sanjai Sinha, MD, is a board-certified physician with over 20 years of experience. He specializes in internal medicine.

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