With his extensive ART knowledge and skills, Dr. Jay Shephard is able to identify abnormalities in tissue texture, tension and movement. These soft tissue injuries can be caused by repetitive movement and/or acute type injuries.
Your Choice For Calgary Active Release Techniques (ART®)
Active Release Techniques (also known as ART®) is a medically patented soft tissue injury technique developed by Dr. Mike Leahy. Dr. Jay Shephard is an accredited ART Elite Provider taught by Dr. Leahy. He is also a member of the ART Elite Provider Network and has been an ART instructor for over 22 years.
With his extensive ART knowledge and skills, Dr. Jay Shephard is able to identify abnormalities in tissue texture, tension and movement. These soft tissue injuries can be caused by repetitive movement and/or acute type injuries. Scar tissue develops to surround the injured area; this can block nerves, put tension on tendons, and tighten tissues that need to move freely. When this happens, your body moves in abnormal ways to compensate and cause joint dysfunction.
Active Release Therapy in Calgary: How ART Heals Soft-Tissue Injuries
Once the injury has been identified, then specific ART protocols are used. These non-invasive protocols combine physical manipulations and movement of the injured tissue at the site. ART soft tissue release uses precise pressure combined with active stretching. It entails identifying, isolating and targeting the affected area to break up restricting scar tissue. This break-up of scar tissue promotes greater blood flow and faster healing of the injured area. On average, treatment will take merely 15 minutes.
Who Is Active Release Technique (ART) Best For?
Active Release Technique is the best treatment for injured individuals who want to get back on their feet as fast as possible. Instead of enduring countless medical visits with minimal improvement by taking on risky invasive procedures, or simply settling for enduring the pain and dysfunction with the aid of medication, ART is the best choice for rapid healing.
At Shephard Health, we treat patients ranging from high-level professional athletes, Weekend Warriors to anybody suffering from pain.
Conditions Best Treated With Active Release Technique (ART)
Soft tissue injuries or nerve conditions that would benefit from ART as a first option include:
- Headaches
- Neck pain
- TMJ pain (jaw pain)
- Shoulder pain
- Tennis elbow/golfers elbow
- Wrist and hand pain
- Carpal tunnel syndrome
- Pain between shoulders
- Rib pain
- Low back pain
- Sciatica
- Herniated discs injuries of the neck or low back
- Hip/groin pain
- Knee injuries
- Foot and ankle pain
- Plantar fasciitis
- Heel spurs
- Reduced range of motion
- Loss of strength
Active Release Therapy in Calgary is an uncommon, state-of-the-art treatment that can relieve tight muscles and trigger points with as few as just four to six treatments. Additionally, it can turn on muscles that have been turned off due to injury and eliminate muscular pain. This specific soft tissue treatment can be used on practically anyone who has suffered an injury to the musculoskeletal system.
Consequences of Leaving Soft-Tissue Injuries Untreated
Soft tissue injuries may seem mild and less concerning than visible wounds, but they can be equally dangerous if left untreated. Unfortunately, because these injuries are not as apparent as open wounds or broken bones, they are often overlooked and left alone to worsen gradually. This type of physical damage that does not involve the bones may impact structures that support the joints like ligaments, muscles or tendons. When left untreated, the body will create an increased amount of scar tissue, which can build up and block or impair its normal range of motion and function.
Untreated soft tissue injuries can change the way you move, forcing other tissue and bones to pick up the slack to compensate for a reduced range of motion or weakness. This compensation will affect proper and efficient joint and limb use, and the altered biomechanics can lead to wear and tear that can ultimately become tissue degeneration.
The Solution: Effective Soft-Tissue Treatment With Active Release Technique in Calgary
Active Release Technique provides over 500 soft tissue treatment protocols. Dr. Jayson Shephard and his team will specifically select the exact protocols to treat your unique injury to help restore proper function, increase mobility, and reduce pain. These protocols allow tissues to become more flexible and stronger. They can also provide a return to healthy blood flow so that efficient tissue repair is faster.
During your visit to Shephard Health, you will consult with Dr. Shephard and his team. They will perform a complete health history and examination of the injury in question. They will develop a specific and unique treatment plan to obtain the best and fastest possible results. In addition, Dr. Shepherd will provide you with possible rehabilitation exercises, diet recommendations and at-home practices for you to supplement your care.
The initial phase of care will typically consist of 4-6 treatments. On the last treatment of the initial phase, a reassessment will be performed, where a significant reduction of injury symptoms is typically experienced at this time.
The goal of Active Release Technique soft tissue therapy is to fully restore normal function and mobility of the injured area as fast as possible. The faster the recovery, the sooner you can Live, Work and Play, Painfree.
Frequently Asked Questions About ART
Active Release Technique (ART) is a hands-on soft tissue therapy designed to treat muscles, tendons, ligaments, fascia, and nerves. Practitioners apply precise pressure while guiding the patient through specific movements. This combination helps break down scar tissue, release adhesions, restore mobility, and reduce pain.
No. Chiropractic care focuses primarily on spinal and joint adjustments, while Active Release Technique targets soft tissues like muscles, fascia, and nerves. Some chiropractors incorporate ART into their treatment plans, but the two methods are different in their purpose and technique.
Massage therapy is generally aimed at relaxation, reducing tension, and improving circulation. ART is more targeted and corrective. The practitioner uses specific protocols and guided movement to break up scar tissue and adhesions. Massage provides general relief, while ART focuses on correcting movement dysfunction and long-term mobility issues.
Sessions are typically short—often around 15 minutes. Some people experience relief immediately, while others require several treatments. Many patients see noticeable improvement within 4–6 visits as soft tissue restrictions begin to release and mobility improves.
ART can address a wide range of conditions, including:
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Plantar fasciitis
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Foot and ankle issues
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Knee pain
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Elbow pain, including tennis elbow and golfer’s elbow
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Joint pain
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Neck and back pain
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Shoulder pain
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Headaches and migraines
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Nerve entrapments
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Soft tissue injuries from overuse or repetitive strain
Yes. ART is widely used for conditions involving tight or damaged soft tissue. By breaking down adhesions and restoring proper movement, ART can help reduce symptoms related to plantar fasciitis, joint pain, foot and ankle problems, knee and elbow pain, and even tension-related headaches or migraines. Many patients experience meaningful pain relief and improved mobility.
Areas We Offer Active Release Therapy
At Shephard Health, we proudly provide Active Release Technique (ART), chiropractic care, and soft-tissue therapy to patients throughout Calgary, with a special focus on the Kensington community.
Our clinic is conveniently located in the heart of Kensington, making it easy for residents of this vibrant Calgary neighbourhood—as well as patients from surrounding areas—to access effective pain relief, injury recovery, and performance care.
Whether you're seeking help for joint pain, headaches, plantar fasciitis, foot and ankle issues, knee pain, elbow pain, or general soft-tissue dysfunction, our team is here to support your health and mobility.
