What Is Active Release Technique?
Active Release Technique (ART) is a patented, hands-on soft tissue treatment system used to address injuries and dysfunction in muscles, tendons, ligaments, fascia, and nerves. It was developed in the early 1980s by Dr. P. Michael Leahy and is widely used by physical therapists, sports medicine physicians, and performance clinicians working with athletes at all levels.
ART is built on a key principle: when soft tissues are overloaded — through acute injury, repetitive strain, or sustained pressure — they develop adhesions. These dense areas of scar-like tissue restrict normal movement between structures, alter muscle mechanics, and produce pain, weakness, reduced range of motion, and sometimes numbness or tingling.
ART systematically identifies and releases these adhesions by combining precise manual pressure with active patient movement — restoring normal tissue glide and function.
How ART Works
Every ART session follows a three-step process:
Examination: Dr. Don uses touch to identify areas of abnormal tissue texture, tightness, and movement restriction across muscles, tendons, and nerves.
Tension: A specific contact is applied to the restricted area, maintaining pressure on the adhesion.
Movement: You are guided to actively move the affected limb or body part from a shortened to a lengthened position, creating a longitudinal sliding force that breaks down the adhesion beneath the contact point.
This combination of targeted compression and active elongation is what separates ART from general massage. Rather than broadly pressing on tissue, ART pinpoints specific structural lesions and uses biomechanical movement to remodel them.
What Does the Research Show?
While ART research continues to grow, available evidence is promising — particularly for soft tissue conditions common in active populations.
Research Highlight: A 2022 systematic review found that ART positively impacted patient outcomes across multiple studies, with six studies reporting significant improvements in pain, six showing significant improvements in range of motion, and two demonstrating reductions in disability.
Research Highlight: ART has demonstrated effectiveness for conditions including carpal tunnel syndrome, lateral epicondylalgia (tennis elbow), Achilles tendinopathy, plantar fasciitis, adductor strains, and chronic neck pain.
It is worth noting that, like many manual therapy techniques, ART's evidence base is still developing and study quality varies. Dr. Don uses ART as one tool within a comprehensive, evidence-informed treatment approach — always combined with therapeutic exercise and movement education for the best long-term outcomes.
Conditions ART Can Address
ART is especially well-suited for athletes and active adults dealing with overuse injuries and cumulative soft tissue damage:
Carpal tunnel syndrome and wrist pain
Tennis elbow (lateral epicondylalgia) and golfer's elbow
Rotator cuff tendinopathy and shoulder impingement
Hamstring strains and hip flexor tightness
IT band syndrome
Plantar fasciitis and Achilles tendinopathy
Sciatic nerve pain and piriformis syndrome
Neck pain and cervicogenic headaches
Shin splints and posterior tibialis tendinopathy
Post-surgical scar tissue buildup
Performance limitations due to chronic soft tissue restriction
ART for Athletic Performance
ART isn't just for injuries — it's also used proactively to maintain soft tissue health and maximize performance. Many competitive athletes use regular ART sessions to prevent the buildup of adhesions that come with high training loads, maintain full range of motion in key joints, and reduce recovery time between hard training sessions.
For the weightlifter, climber, runner, or weekend warrior, keeping your soft tissue healthy means fewer setbacks, better movement quality, and more years doing what you love.
What to Expect at Your First ART Session
Dr. Don will begin with a thorough assessment of your movement patterns, strength, and the specific area of complaint. He will then palpate the affected tissues to locate restrictions before applying targeted ART contacts. Most sessions include 10–20 specific movement cycles per tissue, and the technique should not cause sharp pain — mild to moderate pressure is typical.
Most patients report that improvements are noticeable within 1–6 sessions, depending on the chronicity and complexity of the condition. ART is always integrated with exercise prescription and movement coaching to ensure lasting change.
Mobile ART Therapy in San Diego
Dr. Don Hoang brings Active Release Technique directly to your home, gym, or workplace anywhere in San Diego. As a cash-pay, concierge physical therapy practice, MoveWell With Don offers the flexibility, personal attention, and expertise that traditional clinic-based PT can't match.
Every session is one-on-one with Dr. Don — never delegated to an aide or rushed through a group gym setting. Your time and your recovery deserve that.
Book a free 10-minute phone consultation today to discuss whether ART is the right approach for your soft tissue condition.