At River City Sport and Spine in New Braunfels, TX, our goal is simple — to help you move better, feel better, and live pain-free. One of the most effective techniques we use to achieve that is the Active Release Technique (ART) — a highly specialized, hands-on soft tissue therapy designed to address restrictions and dysfunction in muscles, fascia, and connective tissue.
Whether you’re an athlete recovering from sports injuries or someone struggling with chronic pain and tight muscles, ART can be a powerful tool in your recovery and long-term wellness.
WHA IS ACTIVE RELEASE TECHNIQUE (ART)?
Active Release Technique (ART) is a patented, movement-based soft tissue treatment developed to target issues involving muscles, tendons, ligaments, fascia, and nerves. It’s a form of manual therapy that goes beyond traditional massage therapy or stretching by addressing the root cause of musculoskeletal conditions.
Unlike general soft tissue work, ART is precise and systematic. Each session involves an in-depth assessment and specific patient movements combined with targeted pressure applied by trained ART practitioners. This combination allows your provider to identify and release adhesions or restrictions within the affected area, restoring normal mobility and improving overall function.
At River City Sport and Spine, our health care providers integrate ART into comprehensive treatment plans that may also include chiropractic adjustments, dry needling, Graston Technique, and other modalities for a holistic approach to recovery.
HOW DOES ART WORK?
THE PROBLEM
When soft tissues — such as muscles, tendons, and fascia — are overused or injured, the body produces scar tissue to repair the damage. While part of the normal healing process, excessive scar tissue can create adhesions that limit mobility and cause pain. These adhesions often bind layers of muscle and fascia together, leading to reduced range of motion, nerve entrapment, and even chronic muscle pain.
Over time, these restrictions can alter movement mechanics and cause compensations in other parts of the body. For example, tight hamstrings can lead to lower back discomfort or joint pain in the hips and knees. Left untreated, these imbalances can contribute to long-term musculoskeletal conditions and recurring soft tissue injuries.
The effectiveness of ART comes from its focus on the underlying soft tissue injuries and how they alter your body’s normal movement patterns. ART directly influences the structure and function of your connective tissue, helping it return to its natural, flexible state.
A DIVE INTO THE PHYSIOLOGY
SCAR TISSUE & ADHESION
THE SOLUTION
Active Release Technique works by combining precise, hands-on soft tissue mobilization with guided patient movements. The provider applies manual tension to the affected area while the patient performs specific movements through specific ranges of motion. This dynamic interaction breaks down adhesions, stretches shortened tissue, and stimulates blood flow to promote natural healing.
The technique is especially effective for restoring elasticity and mobility to connective tissue layers and improving the glide between muscles and fascia. This makes ART an excellent complement to myofascial release, joint mobilization, and other forms of manual therapy.
In many case studies, ART has shown significant improvements in patients with chronic tendonitis, trigger points, and soft tissue dysfunction — making it a powerful, evidence-based approach for both rehabilitation and performance enhancement.
TARGETED RELEASE & MOVEMENT
ART is designed to treat a wide variety of soft tissue injuries and musculoskeletal conditions that limit mobility and cause pain. Because it targets the root of the dysfunction within the connective tissue, it’s effective for both acute injuries and chronic issues that have failed to respond to other forms of soft tissue treatment or physical therapy.
What Kind of Conditions Can ART Treat?
COMMON AILMENTS ART ADDRESSES:
- Neck pain and shoulder pain caused by postural stress or soft tissue adhesions
- Low back pain due to restricted fascia or tight hamstrings
- Tennis elbow, golfer’s elbow, and chronic tendonitis
- Carpal tunnel syndrome and other nerve entrapment syndromes
- Sciatica and piriformis syndrome
- Plantar fasciitis, shin splints, and Achilles tendinopathy
- Hip pain, groin strain, and knee pain associated with muscle imbalances
- Trigger points and myofascial pain in the neck, back, or shoulders
At River City Sport and Spine, our chiropractors use ART treatment to complement other advanced techniques like dry needling and myofascial release to ensure complete care for the musculoskeletal system.
BEYOND PAIN: ENHANCING PERFORMANCE
- Flexibility and joint range of motion
- Strength, balance, and coordination
- Muscle activation and recovery after training or competition
- Overall athletic performance and longevity
Regular ART sessions can also help maintain healthy connective tissue, reduce muscle fatigue, and decrease the risk of soft tissue injuries related to overuse or improper movement.
WHAT TO EXPECT DURING YOUR FIRST ART SESSION
AT RIVER CITY SPORT & SPINE IN NEW BRAUNFELS, TX
1
THE ASSESMENT
Your provider will assess your range of motion, soft tissue tone, and areas of restriction. By palpating specific muscles and observing patient movements, they can pinpoint where adhesions or dysfunction are occurring. This detailed analysis helps develop a targeted treatment plan that addresses the true source of your discomfort, not just the symptoms.
PINPOINTING THE PROBLEM
Your ART session at River City Sport and Spine begins with a comprehensive evaluation of your movement, posture, and pain patterns. Our providers take time to understand your specific concerns, whether it’s joint pain, stiffness, or recurring muscle pain.
2
THE TREATMENT
During an ART session, your provider will apply specific pressure to the affected area while guiding you through a series of controlled patient movements. This process of tension and movement allows the tissue to elongate and release adhesions naturally.
Each treatment is customized to the individual and may be combined with other modalities such as joint mobilization, dry needling, or Graston Technique for deeper, complementary results. The active component of ART — your movement during treatment — makes it distinct from passive massage therapy or general soft tissue mobilization techniques.
HANDS-ON & ACTIVE
3
THE SENSATION
During treatment, you may feel mild pressure or a stretching sensation in the affected area. Some patients describe it as a “hurts so good” feeling, similar to deep myofascial release. While there may be brief discomfort as adhesions break apart, most patients experience immediate relief from tight muscles and improved flexibility afterward. Over time, sessions lead to significant improvements in mobility, comfort, and daily function.
WHAT IT FEELS LIKE
THE PROVEN BENEFITS OF ACTIVE RELEASE TECHNIQUE
RAPID PAIN RELIEF
By addressing the root cause of muscle pain and tension, ART offers rapid pain relief and improved comfort, often after just a few sessions. It’s especially beneficial for patients with trigger points or tendonitis where adhesions are the source of discomfort.
ART has been shown in numerous studies to deliver lasting results for patients with chronic musculoskeletal conditions. When performed by skilled health care providers, ART provides both short-term relief and long-term functional gains.
IMPROVED RANGE OF MOTION & FLEXIBILITY
Releasing scar tissue and restoring connective tissue glide leads to better range of motion and flexibility. Many patients report noticeable improvements in their ability to move without stiffness or restriction, particularly in the shoulders, hips, and hamstrings.
ENHANCED ATHLETIC PERFORMANCE
By normalizing tissue function and improving soft tissue mobility, ART helps athletes recover faster, train harder, and move more efficiently. It’s a key component of sports injury prevention and recovery programs at River City Sport and Spine.
PREVENTING FUTURE INJURIES
When combined with strengthening and movement retraining, ART helps correct compensatory movement patterns that lead to re-injury. This proactive approach supports overall musculoskeletal health and enhances long-term performance and resilience.
If you’re dealing with chronic pain, limited mobility, or recurring soft tissue injuries, ART may be exactly what you need. It’s safe, evidence-based, and effective for people of all ages and activity levels — from professional athletes to weekend warriors to those seeking relief from everyday joint pain or tight muscles.
IS ART RIGHT FOR YOU?
WHEN TO CONSIDER ART
- Persistent muscle tightness or soreness after activity
- Reduced range of motion in your neck, shoulders, or hips
- Pain or weakness linked to overuse or repetitive strain
- Numbness or tingling from nerve compression
- Recurring tendonitis or soft tissue pain that hasn’t improved with stretching
FINDING A QUALIFIED ART PROVIDER
Our chiropractors are experienced health care professionals who understand the complexity of musculoskeletal conditions and are committed to helping each patient achieve lasting, meaningful results.
WHY ACTIVE RELEASE TECHNIQUE STANDS OUT
At River City Sport and Spine, we believe that your recovery deserves a personalized, hands-on approach. Through ART and other advanced manual therapy modalities, our New Braunfels team helps patients experience significant improvements in pain relief, mobility, and overall well-being.
Ready to experience the benefits of Active Release Technique for yourself?
Contact River City Sport and Spine today to schedule your appointment and take the first step toward better movement, faster recovery, and lasting relief.
