If you’re a fitness-oriented or recovery-focused individual living in or around Newport Beach and you’ve been dealing with lingering muscle, tendon, fascia, or nerve pain, you may be wondering about Active Release Technique (ART). This specialized manual therapy is designed to identify and break down scar tissue and adhesions that restrict movement, cause pain, and limit performance. Whether you’re an athlete, weekend warrior, or someone recovering from repetitive strain, ART can help restore normal tissue function and mobility.
At Performance Health and Wellness, certified practitioners use the Active Release Technique as part of a comprehensive approach that blends chiropractic care, rehabilitation exercises, and movement correction to support faster recovery, improved flexibility, and long-term performance.
This guide explains what ART is, how it works, the conditions it treats, its benefits, and how to choose a qualified provider—especially if you’re searching for active release therapy Newport Beach, active release technique chiropractic, chiropractor active release technique, or ART treatment Newport Beach.
What is Active Release Therapy?
ART is a hands-on, movement-based soft-tissue treatment system developed to identify and treat adhesions (scar-tissue or tissue binding) in muscles, tendons, ligaments, fascia, and nerves.
During an ART session, the practitioner uses their hands to trace the affected tissue and apply specific pressure while the patient moves the tissue or limb through a defined range of motion.
This technique differs from general massage because it focuses on the exact location of the adhesion, the texture of the tissue, and the restricted movement—using precise protocols to target the source of pain or dysfunction.
Why the name “Active Release”
- “Active” refers to the patient’s participation in movement during treatment.
- “Release” refers to freeing adhesions and restoring normal tissue texture and mobility.
How Active Release Therapy Works
Here’s a practical breakdown of what happens in an ART session:
| Step | What Happens | Purpose |
| 1. Assessment | The provider palpates (feels) the soft tissue to identify thickened, restricted, or painful segments. | Pinpoint the exact site of adhesions or restricted tissue. |
| 2. Tension + Movement | The practitioner applies pressure on the tissue while the patient moves through a specific range of motion. | The combined force and motion help remodel adhesions. |
| 3. Restoration & Reintegration | After release, the patient is guided back to normal motion with exercises or stretches. | Maintains mobility and prevents re-adhesion. |
Many soft-tissue issues may be resolved in five or fewer treatments when ART is properly applied. However, results vary depending on the severity and duration of the injury, as well as patient compliance with aftercare.
Conditions Commonly Treated with ART
For those seeking muscle release therapy Newport Beach or a chiropractor active release technique, ART is often used for conditions such as:
- Neck and back pain caused by soft-tissue dysfunction
- Shoulder impingement or rotator cuff strains
- Tennis elbow or golfer’s elbow
- Carpal tunnel syndrome or wrist/hand entrapments
- Shin splints, plantar fasciitis, or Achilles tendinosis
- Sciatica or piriformis syndrome
These conditions often affect athletes, runners, surfers, and other active Newport Beach residents who experience repetitive strain or overuse injuries. ART can help restore motion, relieve pain, and allow faster return to activity.
Benefits of Active Release Therapy
Compared to general soft-tissue treatments, ART offers several advantages:
- Targeted treatment that focuses on the root of the problem, not just symptoms.
- Non-invasive approach requiring no surgery or injections.
- Faster recovery with improved range of motion and pain reduction.
- Performance enhancement, especially for athletes returning to training.
- Versatility in treating multiple types of soft-tissue injuries.
Results depend on the provider’s skill, the nature of the condition, and the patient’s dedication to corrective exercises and recovery practices.
Why Certification Matters
When searching for active release technique chiropractic or ART treatment Newport Beach, look for certified practitioners.
Certified ART providers are licensed healthcare professionals—such as chiropractors, physical therapists, or athletic trainers—who have completed specialized ART training and passed both written and practical exams.
When evaluating a provider, consider the following:
- They clearly list ART certification and ongoing education.
- They explain their diagnostic process and create individualized treatment plans.
- They integrate exercise and movement correction into recovery.
- They work with active or athletic patients familiar with overuse injuries.
- They provide realistic expectations about the number of sessions and outcomes.
What to Expect During a Session
- Initial Consultation – The practitioner reviews your health history, symptoms, and movement patterns.
- Treatment – Manual pressure is applied to specific soft-tissue areas while you actively move. Sessions typically last 15-30 minutes.
- Post-Session – Mild soreness may occur; follow-up stretches or mobility drills are usually prescribed.
- Follow-Up Care – Multiple visits may be recommended for chronic or complex cases.
- Maintenance – For active individuals, periodic sessions can help prevent recurrence.
Possible Risks and Limitations
ART is safe for most people, but some considerations include:
- Temporary soreness or mild discomfort during treatment.
- Limited effectiveness for structural damage (e.g., bone fractures or major tears).
- Insurance coverage may vary by provider.
- Sustainable results require pairing ART with corrective exercise and load management.
ART for Newport Beach’s Active Lifestyle
Newport Beach’s fitness-driven community—surfers, runners, cyclists, and gym-goers—can benefit from ART as part of an integrated recovery program.
Before scheduling, ask yourself:
- Do you have recurring soft-tissue pain or tightness affecting your training?
- Are you open to movement evaluation and targeted therapy?
- Will you commit to the recommended corrective exercises?
- Does your provider understand your sport or activity demands?
If these apply, incorporating active release therapy Newport Beach into your recovery plan can be an effective step toward improved performance and pain-free movement.
Summary
Active Release Therapy offers a focused, movement-based approach to resolving soft-tissue adhesions and overuse injuries. For Newport Beach residents, especially those engaged in regular training or sport, ART provides a path to restoring mobility, relieving pain, and enhancing overall performance. Working with a certified provider ensures safe, effective, and lasting results.
For more information or to schedule an appointment with a certified Active Release Technique provider at Performance Health and Wellness, contact us today to begin your personalized recovery and performance plan.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. What makes Active Release Therapy different from massage?
ART targets specific adhesions through manual tension combined with patient movement, whereas massage generally focuses on overall muscle relaxation.
Q2. How many sessions will I need?
Many individuals experience results in 2-6 sessions, depending on the condition and adherence to post-care exercises.
Q3. Does it hurt?
You may feel mild discomfort as restricted tissue is worked, but pain should remain tolerable. Post-session soreness is temporary.
Q4. Can ART help prevent injuries?
Yes. Regular ART sessions can maintain tissue mobility, reduce strain accumulation, and enhance performance.
Q5. How do I confirm my provider is certified?
Check that they hold official ART certification, verify their training credentials, and ask how they integrate ART with movement-based rehabilitation.