Active release technique (ART) claims to treat musculoskeletal issues by physically manipulating affected tissues. However, little high quality research supports these claims.

ART entails identifying, isolating, and targeting the affected area to break up scar tissue. This reportedly helps blood flow and fastens injury healing.

This article details the potential benefits of ART and what the science says about the practice.

ART practitioners may claim it is effective in treating issues in your:

  • muscles
  • ligaments
  • tendons
  • nerves

This alternative therapy was first promoted by Dr. P. Michael Leahy, a chiropractor, as a potential way to treat soft tissue disorders in elite athletes. Chiropractic therapy is itself an alternative, complementary therapy.

A number of medical and non-medical providers are trained in ART, including:

Advocates of ACT claim that it may help manage pain and other symptoms caused by injury or damage to:

  • Fascia: This is fibrous connective tissue that protects and supports muscles and organs throughout your body. Inflammation across a band of fascia tissue can cause extreme pain and stiffness. Plantar fasciitis is a common fascia tissue condition.
  • Major muscle groups: Strains and pulls from overuse or trauma can affect any of your major muscle groups. This includes muscles in your neck and shoulders, back, and hamstrings.
  • Tendons and ligaments: Tendons connect muscles to bone, and ligaments connect bone to bone. Injury to either can cause pain and decrease the range of motion.

A 2022 review found that ART may be beneficial in reducing pain symptoms and improving muscular range of motion in some instances. However, further study is necessary to assess its efficacy and fully assess its use within traditional therapy regimens.

As previously discussed, ART involves soft-tissue manipulation, meaning people primarily use it for conditions affecting muscular performance and joint health. these include:

During an ART session, a provider will feel the area and identify the location of the scar tissue. They will physically manipulate the area in an attempt to break up any scar tissue.

Practitioners of ART claim that it works by breaking up ‘adhesions.’ Adhesions are dense collections of scar tissue that form when muscles and connective tissues sustain damage, typically following surgical procedures. Many ART supporters claim that adhesions can occur due to muscular exertion–typically through exercise–and ‘releasing’ these adhesions promotes muscular recovery.

However, there is little evidence for these claims. In fact, recent studies, including a 2024 test tube investigation and a 2020 animal study, show that exercise can improve muscle healing and reduce the risk of adhesion and fibrosis development.

The goal of ART is to break up the adhesions, restore your range of motion, and improve your pain. By breaking up scar tissue, muscles and joints can glide and move freely again without pain and stiffness.

There are other alternative complementary treatments similar to ART. Many of these claim to help treat apparent muscular deficiencies through various forms of manipulation.

  • Rolfing: In this type of therapy, manipulation and deep stretching of the soft tissues are used to improve alignment and posture.
  • Instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization: This is similar to ART. It also targets adhesions and improves blood flow but uses handheld instruments to provide tissue mobilization. The Graston technique is a patented form of instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization.
  • NeuroKinetic Therapy: This corrective protocol uses a system of muscle tests to identify failures which are then corrected using adjustments. It does this by changing the programming of your motor control center, the part of your brain that’s responsible for coordinating your body’s movements.
  • Dry needling: Trigger points myofascial restrictions that can refer pain. In dry needling, a thin needle is pushed through your skin to stimulate a trigger point, which may release the tight muscle to improve pain and stiffness. It is performed by physical therapists certified in dry needling.

Many people claim that ART can treat a range of conditions and soft tissue injuries, such as overuse and sports injuries. However, there is little scientific backing for these claims.

Massage and soft tissue manipulations may help improve joint mobility and reduce soreness symptoms, and many people may find them effective. However, it is important to speak with a licensed medical professional before engaging in complementary therapies such as ART.