Active Release Techniques (ART)
Active Release Techniques (ART) combines targeted hands-on pressure with guided movement. People may choose ART when muscle or soft-tissue tightness, soreness or restricted movement is affecting work, exercise or everyday activity.
Active Release Techniques is more specific and movement-based than many general massage approaches. Instead of working broadly across an area, the therapist usually targets a particular muscle or soft-tissue region while asking you to move.
If you are comparing massage options, start with our massage services guide. You can also read about remedial massage, deep tissue massage and myofascial release massage.
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What Is Active Release Techniques?
Active Release Techniques is a hands-on soft-tissue approach that combines specific therapist contact with active movement. The therapist identifies an area that feels tight, sensitive or restricted, applies controlled pressure and then guides you through a relevant movement.
The technique may be used around muscles, tendons and other soft tissues. However, ART should not be described as physically breaking up scar tissue or permanently correcting tissue structure. Its effects are better considered in terms of short-term comfort, movement and how you tolerate activity.
Why Do People Choose ART?
People often choose ART when they have a particular area of muscle tightness or soreness rather than wanting a general whole-body massage. It may also appeal to people who prefer an active treatment style because movement forms part of the technique.
Common reasons for booking may include:
- muscle tightness after sport or exercise;
- localised soft-tissue soreness;
- restricted or uncomfortable movement;
- repetitive work or training loads;
- persistent areas of muscular tension; and
- a preference for focused treatment rather than general massage.
Symptoms that feel like muscle tightness can have several causes. Therefore, a massage therapist will discuss your presentation before deciding whether ART is appropriate.
What Happens During an ART Session?
Your massage therapist will first ask about your symptoms, activities and goals. They may then look at the movements that reproduce your discomfort or restriction.
During ART, the therapist applies controlled pressure to a specific soft-tissue area while you actively move the nearby body part. For example, treatment around the hamstring may involve pressure over a targeted region while you bend or straighten your knee.
The pressure can feel firm and focused, but treatment should remain tolerable. You can ask your therapist to reduce the pressure, change position, avoid an area or stop treatment at any time.
What Does the Research Say About ART?
Research into Active Release Techniques is still limited. A systematic review reported improvements in measures such as pain, movement and disability across some published studies. However, the available studies were relatively small and varied in quality, populations and treatment methods.
More recent research has continued to examine short-term changes after ART, including muscle stiffness and movement-related measures. These findings are useful, but they do not establish ART as superior to other appropriate massage, exercise or rehabilitation approaches.
For that reason, ART is best considered one possible part of a broader management plan rather than a stand-alone solution for every soft-tissue problem.
How Is ART Different From Other Massage Techniques?
Remedial Massage
Remedial massage may use several hands-on techniques across one or more areas, depending on your symptoms and goals.
Deep Tissue Massage
Deep tissue massage generally uses slower, firmer pressure through deeper muscle layers rather than combining each contact with active movement.
Myofascial Release Massage
Myofascial techniques usually use broader or sustained contact. ART more commonly combines focused pressure with active movement.
How Does ART Fit With Exercise and Load Management?
Hands-on treatment may provide short-term relief or make movement feel easier for some people. However, treatment alone does not address every reason that symptoms develop or return.
Your longer-term plan may also involve changing training loads, taking movement breaks, gradually rebuilding strength or improving tolerance to work, sport or exercise. A massage therapist may provide simple advice or recommend physiotherapy assessment when a more detailed rehabilitation plan is appropriate.
For example, persistent symptoms associated with hamstring injury, ITB syndrome or plantar heel pain may require more than hands-on treatment alone.
When Might ART Not Be Appropriate?
ART may need to be modified or avoided if the area has recently been injured, is significantly swollen or is medically restricted. Massage may also be inappropriate over an active infection, recent fracture or certain skin conditions.
Tell your therapist about relevant medical conditions, pregnancy, recent surgery, fractures, cancer treatment, skin problems or medicines such as anticoagulants before treatment. Your therapist can modify the pressure, position or treatment area where appropriate.
ART for Work and Sport
ART may suit people whose symptoms occur with repetitive work, prolonged positions or regular training. Athletes sometimes use targeted soft-tissue treatment as part of a broader recovery or training plan.
However, ART does not guarantee faster recovery or prevent future injury. Appropriate workload, recovery, strength and movement capacity remain important. If your main goal is sports recovery, you may also want to compare sports massage and trigger point therapy.
What to Do Next
If a specific area of muscle tightness, soreness or restricted movement is affecting your work, exercise or everyday activities, a massage therapist can discuss whether ART suits your needs.
If your symptoms followed a significant injury, are worsening, include neurological symptoms or remain unexplained, physiotherapy or medical assessment may be a more appropriate first step.
References
- Barnes P, Rivera M. The Effect of Active Release Technique® on Clinician and Patient-Reported Outcomes: A Systematic Review. Journal of Sport Rehabilitation. 2022;31(3):331–336.
- Dane AB, Fenech M, Carmody D, et al. Active Release Techniques® reduces stiffness in the medial gastrocnemius measured using elastography. 2025.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Active Release Techniques painful?
ART often feels firm and targeted because the therapist works on a specific area while you move. Treatment should remain controlled and tolerable. Tell your therapist if you want the pressure or position changed.
How is ART different from remedial massage?
ART is a specific technique that combines targeted pressure with active movement. Remedial massage is a broader service and may include several techniques chosen according to your symptoms, goals and treatment preferences.
How many ART sessions might I need?
There is no standard number of sessions. It depends on your symptoms, how long they have been present, your activities and how you respond. Your therapist should review progress rather than recommend a fixed treatment course for everyone.
Can ART be combined with exercise or physiotherapy?
Yes. ART may form one part of a broader plan that includes exercise, load management or physiotherapy. This can be particularly useful when strength, movement capacity or return to activity also needs attention.
When should I seek assessment rather than massage?
Consider physiotherapy or medical assessment if symptoms followed significant trauma, are worsening, involve new numbness or weakness, include unexplained swelling or severe pain, or if you are unsure what is causing the problem.
