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What is Active Release Technique (ART)?
By Dr. Terresa Hwang, 2011 Kona Ironman Championship treatment team, certified ART provider, Choice Chiropractic
ART ® is a soft tissue management system developed by P. Michael Leahy, D.C., CCSP. Dr. Leahy is a chiropractor in Colorado Springs, Colorado. He utilized his background in aeronautical engineering and anatomy to effectively treat soft tissue problems, which were not responding to other traditional treatments.
The goal of ART® is to restore optimal texture, motion, and function of the soft tissue and release any entrapped nerves or blood vessels. This is accomplished through the removal of adhesions or fibrosis in the soft tissues via the application of specific protocols. Adhesions can occur as a result of acute injury, repetitive motion, and constant pressure or tension. ART® eliminates the pain and dysfunction associated with these adhesions.
Dr. Leahy first began teaching his innovative technique in 1991 using the name myofascial release. Later in 1995, he trademarked the name Active Release Techniques® . This was done for several reasons —
- this technique was dealing with more than just muscle and fascia;
- there are many other techniques which utilize the name myofascial release and many practitioners that utilize myofascial release techniques which are not similar in any way or form to ART®
- to standardize the treatment a patient receives and duplicate the high rate of success achieved with ART® , a proficiency level was developed for ART® providers.
The types of conditions successfully treated with ART® is very diverse. Some of the more common conditions are:
- Carpal tunnel and other peripheral nerve entrapments
- Spinal pain and dysfunction
- Tendonitis and other soft tissue inflammatory disorders of the hand, wrist, elbow, shoulder, hip, knee, ankle, and foot
- Sciatica, TMJ, recurrent sprains and strains
Only a credentialed ART® provider can ascertain whether ART® might prove beneficial for your condition. Providers must attend annual update seminars to maintain their credentialed status and keep current of any new protocols and research. To verify a provider’s credentials, refer to the providers list at www.activerelease.com.
All BC4C participants receive a 10% discount on ART® treatments by Dr. Hwang.
Here is a video of some typical ART® treatment:
ARTICLE REFERENCE: www.activereleasetechnique.com















Everyone must be worn out from today’s 12 because the blog is so quiet.
Thank you for a great workout Susan. The weather was perfect and the damp ground was actually refreshing.
The most impressive number was at least 36 burpees completed by most of the folks. Then Bahar, Brandon, Sarah, Robin, Jeff and others did an additional 12 at the end of the workout as part of the burpee challenge.
Got to love the dedication of this group.
Looking forward for more fun this week.
I am super worn out today. Yeah for Wednesday’s off! I can’t believe you guys did more burpee’s after a 12 workout. That’s dedication!
Thanks for the info on ADT, Dr. Hwang. We were just talking about this technique on Sunday at Shazia’s. I’ll be by to see you soon. Gwinnett is great!
Thank you Susan for an awesome morning!! Looking forward to Kathleen’s workout in the am.
Ugh, Park Rash Attacks! Of course it’s great timing…in 4 days, I have to be in a wedding party with exposed arms.
On the positive side, 12 is one of my favorite workouts! But today was the first time I’ve been able to do jump-ups for all the rounds…yeah, progress!
I guess I’ll spend my lunch break finding some anti-itch cream
Twelve is one favorites, too (except the burpees). Great job to CP, Rina, Christie, and Tabitha.
Definitely check out ART with Dr. T if you are feeling sore.
I hope to see some of you tomorrow. If you have any questions, please email me at kathleen@bc4c.com.
Dr. T has been working on me for about a month and the results have been amazing.
Thanks for a great 12 today Susan and for a great warm up Robyn!
Thanks for the shout-outs! Means alot especially from you dedicated campers and instructors. I’ve really enjoyed working with everyone, and am looking forward to being able to help as many people as I can!
Fun one today at the park. See everyone thursday!
Thanks Susan for 12 and a nice cool morning. I do not think I started sweating until min 1 of the WO.
Dr T, I will definitely be calling you, even the video was for my exact issue. Ever since I tried out that damn weight vest and 200 lunge day at bc4c, my IT/Right butt cheek/hip joint have messed me up big time on run day. My gate is all over the place. I need some ART and I think I heard your in Hot Lanta a couple of days a week now, correct?
Yoga will help stretch me out tomorrow for the mean time.
I am in Gwinnett for Wes and Mad Dog Cromer on M, W, and TH. For the ITPers, I am on 10th street near Zocalo on Tues, F, and Sat by apptmt (and if you bring me breakfast and coffee).
And, I agree–Kathleen’s yoga session is a great way to balance out the running and higher impact activities. I will definitely be joining when the pollen count gets a little lower.