Active Release Technique (ART) in Brookfield, WI

Muscle tightness, scar tissue, and restricted soft tissues can contribute to pain, stiffness, weakness, and reduced mobility. At Resolve Chiropractic in Brookfield, WI, we utilize Active Release Technique (ART) as part of a comprehensive treatment approach to help patients move better and recover from musculoskeletal injuries.

ART is a hands-on soft tissue treatment designed to address adhesions, muscle tension, fascial restrictions, and movement dysfunction. Whether you're dealing with chronic neck pain, low back pain, shoulder discomfort, headaches, or a sports-related injury, ART may help improve tissue mobility and function.

What Is Active Release Technique?

Active Release Technique is a manual therapy system that combines precise pressure applied by the provider with specific patient movements. The goal is to identify and treat soft tissue restrictions that may develop from:

  • Repetitive motion

  • Poor posture

  • Sports injuries

  • Acute injuries

  • Prolonged sitting

  • Overuse conditions

  • Scar tissue formation

When muscles, tendons, ligaments, fascia, or nerves become restricted, they may contribute to pain, stiffness, reduced range of motion, and altered movement patterns.

ART aims to restore normal tissue mobility by addressing these restrictions directly.

Conditions That May Benefit From ART

At Resolve Chiropractic, ART is commonly incorporated into treatment plans for:

  • Neck pain

  • Low back pain

  • Sciatica

  • Herniated discs

  • Shoulder pain

  • Rotator cuff injuries

  • Tennis elbow

  • Golfer's elbow

  • Carpal tunnel syndrome

  • Hip pain

  • Piriformis syndrome

  • Knee pain

  • Plantar fasciitis

  • Headaches

  • Muscle strains

  • Sports injuries

  • Repetitive stress injuries

Every patient receives an individualized examination to determine whether ART is appropriate for their condition.

How ART Works

During treatment, the provider places tension on the affected tissue while guiding the patient through a specific movement pattern.

This combination of pressure and movement may help:

  • Reduce soft tissue restrictions

  • Improve mobility

  • Decrease muscle tension

  • Improve circulation

  • Restore normal movement patterns

  • Enhance recovery from injury

  • Improve flexibility

Treatment is customized based on the patient's symptoms, examination findings, and functional limitations.

ART for Athletes and Active Individuals

Athletes frequently place repetitive stress on muscles, tendons, and fascia. Over time, this can lead to tissue restrictions that affect performance and increase injury risk.

ART is commonly used to address:

  • Running injuries

  • Shoulder dysfunction

  • Hip tightness

  • IT band irritation

  • Hamstring strains

  • Calf tightness

  • Overuse injuries

  • Training-related soreness

By improving tissue mobility and movement quality, ART may help athletes return to activity more comfortably and efficiently.

ART Combined With Chiropractic Care

At Resolve Chiropractic, ART is often combined with chiropractic adjustments and therapeutic exercise.

While chiropractic adjustments focus on restoring joint motion, ART addresses restrictions within muscles and surrounding soft tissues.

Combining these approaches allows treatment to address both joint dysfunction and soft tissue limitations that may contribute to pain and movement problems.

Your treatment plan may also include:

  • Chiropractic adjustments

  • Flexion-distraction therapy

  • Therapeutic exercises

  • Stretching recommendations

  • Postural education

  • Activity modification strategies

What to Expect During Treatment

A typical ART session begins with a thorough evaluation to identify the tissues contributing to your symptoms.

Treatment may involve:

  1. Identifying restricted muscles or soft tissues

  2. Applying precise tension to the affected area

  3. Moving the tissue through a specific range of motion

  4. Reassessing movement and symptoms

Some patients experience mild soreness following treatment, similar to what may occur after exercise or deep tissue work. This typically resolves quickly.

Why Choose Resolve Chiropractic?

At Resolve Chiropractic, treatment is individualized based on your specific condition, goals, and examination findings.

Patients appreciate our focus on:

  • One-on-one care

  • Evidence-informed treatment

  • Thorough examinations

  • Personalized treatment plans

  • Hands-on therapy

  • Functional movement restoration

We strive to identify the source of your symptoms and develop a treatment plan designed to help you move and feel better.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Active Release Technique painful?

Some patients experience mild discomfort during treatment when restricted tissues are being addressed. Treatment is adjusted based on your comfort level and tolerance.

How many ART treatments will I need?

The number of treatments depends on your condition, severity of symptoms, activity level, and response to care.

Can ART help with sciatica?

ART may be used to address soft tissue restrictions that contribute to sciatic nerve irritation and movement dysfunction. A thorough examination is necessary to determine the underlying cause.

Is ART good for athletes?

Yes. ART is commonly used for sports injuries, overuse conditions, mobility restrictions, and performance-related concerns.

Can ART be combined with chiropractic adjustments?

Absolutely. ART and chiropractic adjustments often complement one another by addressing both soft tissue restrictions and joint dysfunction.

Do I need a referral for ART?

No referral is required to receive an evaluation at Resolve Chiropractic.

Active Release Technique in Brookfield, WI

If you're experiencing muscle tightness, restricted mobility, sports injuries, neck pain, back pain, or other musculoskeletal conditions, Active Release Technique may be an effective part of your treatment plan.

Resolve Chiropractic proudly serves Brookfield, Elm Grove, New Berlin, Wauwatosa, West Allis, Muskego, and the surrounding communities.

Contact Resolve Chiropractic today to schedule an appointment and learn whether Active Release Technique is right for you.

Resolve Chiropractic


Chiropractic care in Brookfield, WI focused on pain relief, mobility, and long-term spinal health.

405 N. Calhoun Rd. Suite 105, Brookfield, WI
(262) 710-0628
Online scheduling available