What Is Active Release Technique?
Active Release Technique, commonly known as ART, is a patented soft tissue therapy used to treat problems with muscles, tendons, ligaments, fascia, and nerves. It was developed specifically for athletes and active individuals dealing with overuse injuries, movement restrictions, and performance limitations caused by scar tissue and adhesions.
During normal activity and training, muscles and connective tissue can develop dense scar tissue in response to repeated strain, acute injury, or sustained pressure. Over time, this scar tissue shortens and tightens the affected area, reducing range of motion, causing pain, and altering how surrounding structures move and function. ART works by applying precise tension to the tissue while the patient moves through a specific range of motion, breaking down the adhesion and restoring normal tissue texture and mobility.
ART is used across a wide range of conditions, including shoulder impingement, tennis elbow, golfer's elbow, plantar fasciitis, IT band syndrome, carpal tunnel, and hip flexor tightness. It is particularly effective for overuse injuries that do not respond well to rest or general stretching alone.
How Dr. Ward Applies ART at The Sports Chiro
Dr. Chris Ward is an ART-certified provider with advanced training in upper and lower extremity protocols. As an active PGA Tour Medical Team Chiropractor, Dr. Ward applies ART as part of a performance-based treatment model, addressing not just the site of pain but the movement pattern driving it.
At The Sports Chiro, ART is rarely used in isolation. It is combined with chiropractic adjustments, the Fascial Distortion Model (FDM), and targeted rehab exercise to address the full picture: the soft tissue restriction, the joint mobility deficit, and the corrective pattern needed to prevent recurrence. Every session is one-on-one with Dr. Ward, with no assistants and no time limits imposed by insurance.
What to Expect from an ART Session
Your first visit begins with a movement and injury assessment. Dr. Ward evaluates tissue texture, tension, and movement quality in the affected area before applying any treatment.
During the ART portion of the session, Dr. Ward applies precise manual tension to the affected tissue while guiding your limb through a specific range of motion. Most patients describe a "good hurt" sensation during treatment, with immediate improvements in movement and reduction in tightness after the session.
Most acute soft tissue issues respond within 3 to 6 sessions. Chronic or complex cases may require more. Dr. Ward will give you a clear timeline expectation at your first visit.
What ART Can Help You Achieve
Restored Range of Motion
Reduced Pain at the Source
Faster Return to Activity
Frequently Asked Questions About Active Release Technique
Book Your ART Evaluation in Plano
Dr. Chris Ward is a certified Active Release Technique provider accepting new patients at The Sports Chiro in Plano, TX. The practice serves athletes and active adults across Plano, Frisco, McKinney, and the greater DFW area. Cash-based, one-on-one care, 30 seconds off the Dallas North Tollway.
