active release technique ("art")

ART is a specialized manual therapy technique that requires special training and certification. In ART, we use our hands to evaluate and treat the movement of soft tissue, muscles, fascia, tendons, ligaments and nerves during specific motions. When we find abnormal textures or restrictions, the therapist applies tension with her hands, while the client or therapist moves a body part in a specific pattern. This technique works well with overused tissue from acute trauma (tear or strain), accumulation of small tears (recurrent microtrauma), or from tissue not receiving enough oxygen (postural musculature held rigidly during a work day).