Fast, Effective Relief for Soft Tissue Pain
If you are dealing with chronic pain, restricted mobility, or a lingering sports injury that just won't heal, standard massages and rest may not be enough. Muscle knots, scar tissue, and trapped nerves require a specialized, clinical approach. At Shephard Health in Calgary, we offer the Active Release Technique (ART) a state-of-the-art, patented soft tissue system designed to treat problems with muscles, tendons, ligaments, fascia, and nerves quickly and permanently.
Whether you are a Calgary marathon runner looking to resolve plantar fasciitis, or a downtown desk worker suffering from chronic neck tension, our certified ART practitioners are here to help you get back to your active, pain-free lifestyle.
You might be wondering: exactly what is Active Release Technique? ART is a patented, non-invasive soft tissue treatment system developed by Dr. P. Michael Leahy. It is specifically designed to locate and break down scar tissue and fascial adhesions that form due to injury, repetitive strain, or chronic poor posture.
When muscles and connective tissues are overused or injured, your body naturally produces tough, dense scar tissue in the affected area. This scar tissue binds up and ties down tissues that need to move freely. As scar tissue builds up, muscles become shorter and weaker, tension on tendons causes tendonitis, and nerves can become trapped. This results in reduced range of motion, loss of strength, and pain. ART is the clinical gold standard for resolving these exact issues.
To understand why this treatment is so effective, we have to look at the mechanics of the body. So, how does Active Release Technique work?
Unlike a traditional massage that primarily focuses on generalized muscle relaxation, ART is a highly targeted, interactive process. Every ART session is a combination of an examination and a treatment. The certified provider uses their hands to evaluate the texture, tightness, and movement of your muscles, fascia, tendons, ligaments, and nerves.
Once the specific adhesions or scar tissue are identified, the practitioner applies precise, deep tension to the affected tissue. You will then be instructed to actively move the specific body part from a shortened position to a lengthened position. This combination of directed practitioner tension and patient movement effectively "tears" or releases the microscopic scar tissue adhesions, freeing up the trapped nerves or restricted muscles. It is often described as a highly specific "pin and stretch" technique.
Because Active Release Technique focuses on the entire soft tissue system, it is highly effective for a wide variety of conditions, including:
ART is highly specific and involves deep tension. While it is not typically described as deeply painful, it can be uncomfortable. Many patients describe it as a "good hurt"—the sensation of a deeply tight muscle finally letting go. The discomfort is temporary and usually subsides immediately after the release occurs.
One of the greatest benefits of ART is its rapid efficacy. While every patient is different, many people experience significant improvement in their symptoms within just 4 to 6 visits.