What is Active Release Technique (ART)?

Active Release Technique (ART) is a hands-on, movement-based soft tissue treatment designed to break apart scar tissue and adhesions, which can accumulate in the body after trauma or repetitive overuse. Instead of just working on a joint, ART targets the muscles, tendons, ligaments, fascia, and nerves that are often the actual source of pain and restricted movement. The provider uses precise pressure combined and tissue tension with the patient’s own active movement to break up these adhesions and scar tissue that build up from injury, overuse, or repetitive strain.

How is ART different from a regular chiropractic adjustment?

A traditional adjustment focuses on joint alignment and mobility. ART focuses on the soft tissue — the muscles and connective tissue surrounding the joint. Many patients benefit from both, but ART is especially effective when the underlying problem is tissue restriction rather than joint misalignment alone, which is common with repetitive strain, old injuries, and chronic tightness.

Why do you focus on root cause instead of just relieving pain??

Pain is usually a symptom, not the source. Two people can have identical back pain for completely different underlying reasons — one from a joint restriction, another from years of compensatory movement patterns after an old injury. Treating only the pain point can bring short-term relief but often means the same issue resurfaces. Root-cause care means identifying why the pain developed so the treatment plan addresses that, not just the symptom.

Will you just crack my back, or is there more to your approach?

There’s more to it. An adjustment may be part of a visit, but the broader approach involves assessing movement patterns, muscle and tissue restrictions, and contributing factors (posture, repetitive activity, past injury) to build a plan aimed at resolving the underlying issue — not just providing momentary relief.

Do you offer long-term maintenance plans, or is treatment meant to end?

The goal of root-cause care is to work toward resolution, not indefinite treatment. That said, some patients choose periodic maintenance visits once their primary issue is resolved, particularly if they’re returning to demanding physical activity or sport. This is discussed on a case-by-case basis rather than assumed as the default.

Do you combine ART with other treatments?

Yes. ART is often most effective alongside chiropractic adjustments, corrective exercise, and movement/rehab guidance. The combination depends on what’s actually driving each patient’s symptoms.

Can ART help with a pinched nerve?

ART can be effective when nerve symptoms are related to soft tissue compressing or irritating a nerve — for example, tight muscles or scar tissue around a nerve pathway. An evaluation is needed to determine whether soft tissue is a contributing factor in a specific case.

Does ART help with chronic pain or old injuries?

ART is often particularly useful for chronic issues and old injuries, since scar tissue and adhesions that build up over time — sometimes years — are exactly what the technique is designed to address.

Can ART help with sports injuries or repetitive strain?

Yes, ART is widely used for repetitive strain injuries and sports-related overuse issues (like tennis elbow, runner’s knee, or shoulder impingement) because these often involve soft tissue restriction from repeated movement patterns.

What should I expect at my first visit?

The first visit typically includes a discussion of your history and symptoms, a movement and soft-tissue assessment to identify likely contributing factors, and the start of a treatment plan tailored to what’s found. Treatment including ART will be administered on your first visit. Only rarely will imaging be ordered to help with the diagnosis because soft-tissue injuries are not visible on x-ray and MRI is typically only ordered after a period of conservative care first. At home recommendations will be given and likely accompanied by some rehab suggestions. A return visit follow-up session will be scheduled at the end of your initial visit.

Is Dr. Michelle Clark, DC certified in Active Release Technique?

Dr. Clark has been continuously certified in Active Release Technique since 2005 when she took her first ART seminar for upper extremity. She now holds certifications in all Level I and Level II protocols for the entire body. She is also certified in Biomechanics, Active palpation, Active diagnosis, Complex protocols, Nerve, Long-tract nerve, and Masters. She was an ART Elite provider from 2010-2020 and she was an assistant instructor for Active Release Technique from 2015-2020. She graduated from Western States Chiropractic College (now University of Western States) in Portland, OR in 2004 and has been licensed to practice chiropractic in Colorado since 2005.