Active Release Techniques (ART) is a hands-on therapy designed to alleviate pain and restore mobility by targeting soft tissue tension, adhesions, and nerve entrapments. Through precise pressure and movement, ART helps treat muscles, tendons, ligaments, and nerves, offering relief from repetitive strain injuries and improving overall tissue function.
At FIX Medical Group, we take a personalized approach to Active Release Technique. Our experts will assess your specific needs and develop a customized treatment plan to maximize your results. We combine cutting-edge technology with our deep understanding of human physiology to help you achieve optimal health and performance. We partner with you on your journey as coaches, providing support and guidance every step of the way.
Shawn at Fix Medical Group made my first chiropractic experience absolutely incredible. His approach completely put me at ease. During his analysis and information gathering portion of the appointment, his attention to detail was incredible. He listened, asked great questions and was able to draw some crucial additional pieces of information out of me that I didn’t think pertained (but they did). He made sure I understood what he thought the problem was and we are in the process of creating a game plan to fix it. I’m a 30yr old avid CrossFitter and hiker and have had chronic low back pain for years. After the first appointment, I felt the best I have felt in 10 years. I can’t wait to continue to work with Shawn and his team. I would give Shawn and Fix Medical 6 stars if I could. Great experience!! Definitely will go back.
- MK
I first learned about Dr. Shawn Robek, from Sue Falsone at a Perform Better Seminar. She highly recommended Dr Shawn and said he would be able to help. I had a total knee reconstruction of my left knee, all new ligaments. I was about a year out when we first met and I was in constant pain, with every step I took. I wasn’t able to flex my quad due to severe muscle atrophy and I thought I would never squat again. I just finished my 12th session with him and I’m squatting, lunging, jumping and walking with no pain! I worked really hard inside his gym and did the homework as he requested. We built a friendship that will last forever ! Thank you, Dr Shawn, for being you! May God continue to bless you and your business!
- Scarlett
Everybody that I have met that works here is great! I’ve been to several doctors over the last few months, and I am actually scheduled to have eight-disc fusion surgery in June, but I have had 3 sessions with Shawn and he really knows the human body. He is aggressive in his treatment, but he knows what he’s doing, and I am so glad that I started seeing him. Before I couldn’t even walk my dog to the mailbox without my sciatica really killing me, but today after my appointment with Shawn, I could walk to the mailbox without my leg bothering me at all. So, then I walked another mile, which is big for me. Normally I can’t walk more than a couple hundred feet without my sciatica killing me because of the curve in my back. I’m glad I found these guys and I will continue my treatment with them.
- Char
Active Release Technique (ART) works by applying targeted pressure and tension to soft tissues (muscles, tendons, ligaments, fascia, and nerves) while the patient actively moves the affected area. This combination of pressure and movement helps break down adhesions and scar tissue, restoring normal tissue function, reducing pain, and improving mobility.
Massage therapy primarily involves kneading and stroking muscles to promote relaxation and improve circulation. In contrast, Active Release Therapy focus on specific soft tissue adhesions and nerve entrapments, using precise pressure and active patient movement to address dysfunction. ART is more diagnostic and targeted, while massage is generally broader and more relaxation-focused.
While ART is typically performed by a trained clinician, you can use self-myofascial release tools like foam rollers, massage balls, or your hands to mimic the technique. Apply pressure to a tender area and slowly move the affected muscle or joint through its range of motion to help release tension and adhesions.
ART can be uncomfortable, especially when pressure is applied to tight or damaged tissues. However, the discomfort is usually brief and should not be unbearable. Patients often report immediate relief and improved mobility after the treatment, making the temporary discomfort worthwhile.
Yes, ART is considered a legitimate treatment by many healthcare professionals, particularly for soft tissue injuries and repetitive strain conditions. While more research is needed, anecdotal evidence and clinical experience suggest it can effectively reduce pain, improve mobility, and restore tissue function.
No, ART is not quackery. It is a recognized soft tissue therapy used by chiropractors, physical therapists, and athletic trainers. While scientific evidence is still growing, many patients and practitioners report positive outcomes, particularly for conditions like tendonitis, nerve entrapment, and muscle tightness.
Hip ART involves applying targeted pressure to the muscles, tendons, and ligaments around the hip joint while the patient moves their leg through specific ranges of motion. This helps release adhesions, improve mobility, and alleviate pain caused by conditions like hip flexor strain, IT band syndrome, or sciatica.
No, PNF (Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation) and ART are different. PNF is a stretching technique that uses muscle contractions to improve flexibility, while ART focuses on breaking down soft tissue adhesions through pressure and movement. Both aim to improve function but use distinct methods.
The principles of release techniques involve identifying adhesions or tight areas in soft tissues, applying targeted pressure, and incorporating movement to restore normal tissue function. The goal is to reduce pain, improve mobility, and enhance tissue resilience by addressing scar tissue, fibrosis, and nerve entrapments.
ART for nerves involves applying pressure to areas where nerves may be compressed or entrapped by surrounding tissues. The clinician uses precise movements to glide the nerve through its pathway, reducing tension and alleviating symptoms like numbness, tingling, or burning caused by nerve irritation.