What Is Active Release Techniques (ART)?
Active Release Techniques® is a specialized hands-on treatment system designed to address problems involving:
- Muscles
- Tendons
- Ligaments
- Fascia
- Nerves
- acute conditions (pulls, tears, collisions, etc)
- accumulation of small tears (micro-trauma)
- not getting enough oxygen (hypoxia)
Unlike traditional massage therapy, ART combines precise manual pressure with specific patient movement to identify and treat adhesions, scar tissue, and tissue restrictions that may be limiting mobility and causing pain. ART was developed specifically to treat overuse injuries and movement dysfunctions that often develop from repetitive activities, sports participation, work demands, and everyday life.
How Does ART Work?
When tissues become injured or repeatedly stressed, the body creates scar tissue as part of the healing process. Over time, these adhesions can:
- Reduce flexibility
- Limit joint motion
- Create muscle tightness
- Irritate nerves
- Cause pain during movement
- Decrease athletic performance
During an ART treatment, Dr. Brett Classen applies precise tension to the affected tissue while guiding you through specific movements. This combination helps restore normal tissue mobility and improve overall function.
Conditions Commonly Treated With ART
ART can be highly effective for a variety of musculoskeletal conditions, including:
Neck Pain
Persistent muscle tension, restricted motion, and postural stress.
Back Pain
Muscle tightness and soft tissue dysfunction contributing to discomfort.
Sciatica
Soft tissue restrictions that may irritate the sciatic nerve.
Shoulder Pain
Rotator cuff injuries, impingement, and movement limitations.
Tennis Elbow & Golfer's Elbow
Repetitive-use injuries affecting the forearm and elbow.
Carpal Tunnel Symptoms
Nerve irritation associated with repetitive hand and wrist activities.
Plantar Fasciitis
Foot and calf restrictions contributing to heel pain.
Shin Splints
Overuse injuries common among runners and active individuals.
Running Injuries
IT band syndrome, calf strains, Achilles issues, and hip dysfunction.
Headaches
Muscle tension and movement restrictions affecting the neck and upper back.
Who Can Benefit From ART?
Athletes
ART is widely used by professional and amateur athletes because it helps address movement restrictions that can limit performance and recovery.
Common patients include:
- Runners
- Cyclists
- Swimmers
- Golfers
- CrossFit athletes
- Weightlifters
- Pickleball players
Desk Workers
Hours of sitting, typing, and poor posture can create muscle imbalances and nerve irritation. ART helps address many of the soft tissue restrictions associated with modern work environments.
Active Adults
You don't need to be an athlete to benefit from ART. Many patients simply want to:
- Move without pain
- Keep up with their kids
- Stay active
- Exercise comfortably
- Improve flexibility
What Makes ART Different?
Many treatments focus only on the location of pain.
ART focuses on identifying and treating the specific tissues contributing to the problem.
At One80 Chiropractic, ART is often combined with:
- Chiropractic adjustments
- Corrective exercise
- Movement assessment
- Soft tissue therapy
- Rehabilitation strategies
This comprehensive approach helps address both symptoms and underlying movement dysfunctions rather than providing only temporary relief.
What To Expect During Your ART Appointment
Step 1: Evaluation
We begin by understanding your symptoms, activity level, injury history, and movement patterns.
Step 2: Movement Assessment
We'll identify restrictions, compensations, and areas of dysfunction contributing to your symptoms.
Step 3: ART Treatment
Specific ART protocols are performed to address the affected muscles, fascia, tendons, ligaments, or nerves.
Step 4: Recovery Plan
You'll receive recommendations that may include mobility work, exercises, activity modification, or additional treatment strategies.
Most appointments take approximately 20-30 minutes depending on the condition being treated.
Why Choose One80 Chiropractic For ART In Omaha?
Certified ART Provider
Dr. Brett Classen is:
- Active Release Techniques Full Body Certified
- Active Release Techniques Nerve Certified
Movement-Focused Care
We don't just chase symptoms. We evaluate how your body moves to identify the underlying causes of dysfunction.
Active Lifestyle Expertise
Whether you're training for a race, working long hours at a desk, or simply trying to stay active, our goal is to help you move and perform at your best.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is ART painful?
Some areas may be tender during treatment, especially when restrictions are present. Most patients describe ART as a "good hurt" and experience improved movement afterward.
How many treatments will I need?
Every condition is different. Some patients notice improvement after a single visit, while others benefit from a series of treatments depending on the severity and duration of the problem.
Is ART the same as massage therapy?
No. While both involve hands-on treatment, ART uses specific diagnostic and treatment protocols combined with movement to address soft tissue dysfunction.
Can ART help chronic pain?
In many cases, chronic pain is associated with long-standing movement restrictions and soft tissue dysfunction. ART may be a valuable part of a comprehensive treatment plan.
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Ready To Move Better?
If pain, stiffness, or movement limitations are keeping you from doing what you love, Active Release Techniques may help.
