ART instructor demonstrating Level 2 technique to students

Advanced + Level 2 Seminars: Up Your Game

Male instructor discusses ART with attendees at a seminar.
Why Get Certified?

In ART Level 2 seminars, get the knowledge and skills to evaluate both the injured and adjacent structures, offering synergistic feedback to the practitioner and comprehensive treatment to the patient. In Nerve, learn to treat any nerve entrapment or damage, anywhere it occurs in the body. Take your ART skills to the top echelon of ART Certified Providers by enrolling in a Master’s or Active Diagnosis seminar after completing ART Nerve and Level 2 seminars.

Who is eligible?

For Nerve, providers must be ART Full Body Level 1 credentialed. For any ART Level 2 seminar, providers must have passed the corresponding ART Level 1 seminar. For example, to enroll in Spine Level 2, you must first be credentialed in ART Spine Level 1.

While it is not required to complete all ART Level 1 seminars and Nerve prior to enrolling in an ART Level 2 seminar, it is generally recommended.

What Can You Expect?

Nerve combines all ART nerve protocols, for the Upper Extremity, Lower Extremity, and Spine, into a single seminar. ART Level 2 seminars focus on differentiation between two adjacent structures and analyzing their movement in conjunction to one another. By the end of an ART Level 2 seminar, you’ll be able to palpate the seam between two adjacent structures/tissues and apply appropriate tension and movement to free the adhesion, treating two structures simultaneously.

Except for Master’s ART and Active Diagnosis seminars, ART advanced seminars feature eight hours of classroom instruction on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday, followed by testing Sunday morning. Like our Level 1 seminars, we intentionally dedicate the bulk of classroom time to hands-on practice of treatment protocols. You’ll receive immediate feedback and correction from instructors. We recommend at least 4-6 weeks of self-study of the seminar manual and instructional videos prior to the seminar. Expert understanding of human anatomy is critical to success in ART advanced seminars.

Please see registration pages for Master’s ART and Active Diagnosis seminars for detailed descriptions and objectives for those seminars.

Large group of attendees watch a demonstration by an ART instructor.

Pre-Seminar Checklist

  • Refresh your understanding of musculoskeletal anatomy.
  • Register at least 4-6 weeks in advance.
  • For Level 2 seminars, refresh your understanding of the corresponding ART Level 1 seminar.
ART provider performing hand treatment on patient

Elite means elite.

ART Elite Providers™ are among the finest soft-tissue care specialists in the world.

Frequently asked questions

  • May I purchase the instructional manual or other curriculum materials if I am not taking a seminar or if I am not eligible to take a seminar?

    No. Our curriculum materials are proprietary and only distributed to providers that have registered for a seminar.
    Active ART Certified Providers may purchase replacement materials for seminars they previously attended.

  • Can I transfer from one seminar to another seminar?

    Please refer to our cancellation and transfer policy.

  • Does ART offer a student discount?

    Yes. ART offers discounted student pricing for enrolled students, as well as professionals that graduated within the previous twelve (12) months. To be eligible for student pricing, you must be enrolled in or have recently graduated from a college or university program designed to result in licensure as a DC, PT, OT, PTA, OTA, ATC, RN, MD, OD, physiotherapist, MT, or acupuncturist.

  • Does ART offer a military discount?

    Yes. ART proudly offers a 10% discount on seminar registration fees to active military personnel and veterans. You will be asked to upload proof of your service during registration and prompted to enter a code to receive the discount.

  • May I use the ART logo in my practice?

    If you are an active ART Certified Provider, you may use the logo to indicate you are an ART Certified Provider. The logo must be used in a manner that does not indicate anything more than your active credentials from ART. For example, the logo cannot be used so prominently that it could cause confusion as to whether you are a representative or franchisee of ART, or as to whether ART sponsors your practice or services. The logo may never be used in connection with corporate or workplace services. Inactive providers may not use the logo in any form.

    If you have questions concerning whether your use of the logo is permitted, please contact info@activerelease.com.

  • What is the ART Certified Provider Directory Listing?

    Active ART Certified Providers are listed in our ART Certified Provider Directory. People searching for ART Certified Providers are met with our “Find a Provider” tool, which funnels potential patients to your directory listing and practice. Most providers find this feature more than pays for annual certification or recertification fees by itself. Directory listings are included in seminar registration fees and are activated upon confirmation of the successful completion of your first (or next if you’ve been inactive) ART Seminar. Providers are removed from the directory when their ART certification expires.

  • What is ARTMan?

    ARTMan is a digital application featuring ART’s most recent curriculum content. ARTMan provides convenient access to the manuals and instructional videos for seminars you’ve attended and future seminars in which you’ve enrolled. The app contains anatomy references that fully integrate with the Visible Body app, providing interaction with 3D graphics of the relevant anatomical structures for each protocol. The app also has a notes function and a favorites function, allowing you to easily refer to prior experiences or flag protocols for future reference.

    The full app functions on Apple and Android tablet devices. The full app is not available for cell phones, laptops, or desktop devices, though you can utilize the web-based version on your laptop or desktop device. The web-based version does not have the Visible Body integration capability. Minimum 32 GB storage space required for the app.

  • What do I do if I believe I am receiving inauthentic or “fake” ART treatment?

    Please let us know at info@activerelease.com.

  • How do I know if a provider offering ART treatment is certified/active?

    All ART Certified Providers authorized to use the ART® and ACTIVE RELEASE TECHNIQUES® trademarks can be found in our ART Certified Provider Directory. If a provider is not listed, they are inactive or have never taken an ART Seminar. In that case, they are offering counterfeit ART treatment, and we encourage you to report them by emailing info@activerelease.com.

  • Is it required to be certified in all ART seminars?

    No. For most ART Certified Providers, we recommend completing all seminars/certifications over time. You will gain comprehensive knowledge of ART and perfect your diagnostic and treatment skills, leading to the best clinical outcomes for your patients and more referrals to your practice. You will also set yourself apart from less experienced providers in your area. For a few providers, however, completing all seminars/certifications does not make sense. For example, a provider specializing in only foot and ankle injuries may not gain much from our Upper Extremity seminars.

  • Do I need to certify or recertify every year?

    Yes, if you want to continue using the ART® and ACTIVE RELEASE TECHNIQUES® trademarks and maintain your listing in the ART Certified Provider Directory. As the exclusive owner of the trademarks, ART has a duty to maintain quality control over the goods and services with which the ART and ACTIVE RELEASE TECHNIQUES marks are used. Certification and recertification, as well as the corresponding hands-on testing, operate as our quality control measures. By requiring annual certification/recertification, we ensure that each ART Certified Provider is capable of providing safe and effective ART treatment, thereby protecting consumers, the ART brand, and all ART Certified Providers.

    You will maintain your status as an active ART Certified Provider by successfully completing any hands-on seminar, whether completed as a recertification or new certification attendee. For ART Full Body Level 1 Certified Providers, online recertification seminars will maintain active certification for one year, but may only be used to maintain certification every other year, with a hands-on seminar and testing required every two years.

  • Once I attend a seminar, how do I become certified?

    Once you complete and pass an ART Seminar, you are an active ART Certified Provider. Congrats! You will begin to experience and understand the value of ART for your practice and patients. To maintain an active certification to offer and advertise ART treatment, providers must complete one ART Seminar every 12 months.

  • I do not see a seminar near me and prefer not to travel, what options do I have?

    You may occasionally need to travel to another city to maintain your ART certification. If you are an ART Full Body Level 1 Certified Provider, you have the option of recertifying through an online recertification seminar every other year. If you didn’t exercise that option last year, it is an option for you this year. Otherwise, you may submit an inquiry for a private or clinic-hosted seminar in your city. Please email privateseminars@activerelease.com for more information.

  • What is appropriate attire at a seminar?

    Athletic attire. Shorts, yoga pants, t-shirts, joggers, athletic polo shirts and tops are most appropriate. Most of the seminar will consist of hands-on practice on other attendees. Wear clothing which allows for ease of movement so that fellow attendees may easily palpate and practice protocols on you. Wear something you would normally work out in unless you wear a tie, speedo, jacket or coat, swimsuit, sports bra only, or biking shorts to work out.

  • Are hotel accommodations included in the cost of the seminar?

    No. Attendees are responsible for their own hotel accommodations.

  • Am I required to stay at the hotel where the seminar is held?

    No. Attendees for seminars held at a hotel can usually take advantage of a group rate negotiated by ART but may stay wherever they choose.

  • Am I required to test?

    No. But you will not be licensed to use the ART® and ACTIVE RELEASE TECHNIQUES® trademarks or listed in our ART Certified Provider Directory without successful completion of testing. We have found that some providers don’t feel ready to test at the conclusion of their seminar. In fact, some of our most successful providers have felt that way, especially in Level 2 seminars. If that’s where you find yourself, that’s totally okay. Let’s talk about it and determine how to get you credentialed.

  • Can I test if I don’t attend the entire seminar?

    No. Unless you are a recertification attendee, you must attend the entire seminar to test.

  • What should I expect at the seminar?

    ART Seminars consist of 80% or more hands-on practice and training, with attendees receiving immediate feedback from instructors and other attendees. Thus, preparing for the seminar in advance is critical. Regular snack and lunch breaks are provided. For detailed seminar agendas, please refer to the main webpage(s) for the seminar(s) that have your interest.

  • How should I prepare for an ART seminar?

    Within one week after your order is processed, you will receive the hardcopy manual and flash drive with instructional videos and access to the same materials in the ARTMan app. Aim for at least one extensive review of all curriculum materials prior to the seminar. We have found that many providers are not up to speed on their anatomy knowledge, which is critical to success in an ART seminar. If you think you might need to brush up on your anatomy skills, we recommend Thieme’s Atlas of Anatomy for self-study prior to your seminar.

  • I see that you request a portable table at seminars. Am I required to bring this?

    No. But we greatly appreciate it if you do! To incentivize you, when you bring a table, you’re entered into a raffle for a $300 credit toward your next ART Seminar.

  • The registration process requires my license. I have been credentialed by ART in the past. Do I need to upload my license?

    Yes. All registrants must upload their license each time they register for a seminar.

  • Are ART seminars different in Canada or other countries?

    Our rigorous quality control ensures the same high standards of instruction, training, and testing, regardless of the seminar location. Seminars in South Korea and Europe are offered under exclusive license by our trusted partners. All other seminars are operated directly by ART.

  • Can I take an online seminar if I have never taken an ART seminar previously?

    No… for now. Stay tuned for additional information. Though we will expand our online offerings, providers will continue to be credentialed as ART Certified Providers only upon successful completion of a hands-on seminar, which serves as our quality control mechanism.

  • Are Personal Trainers eligible to take ART seminars?

    No, because diagnosis and palpation are not in the scope of practice for Personal Trainers.

  • Can I take a Level 2 seminar before a Level 1 seminar?

    No. To be successful in a Level 2 seminar, providers must have a thorough understanding of the corresponding Level 1 material. Thus, successful completion of the corresponding Level 1 seminar is a prerequisite for any Level 2 seminar. For example, a provider must successfully complete Upper Extremity Level 1 prior to enrolling in Upper Extremity Level 2.

    Note, however, that providers are not required to complete all Level 1 seminars prior to enrolling in a Level 2 seminar. The prerequisite for a Level 2 seminar is only the corresponding Level 1 seminar.

  • What is the difference between Level 1 and Level 2 seminars?

    Level 1 seminars teach providers to assess, diagnose, and resolve pain, discomfort, and restriction by treating individual muscles and tendons. Instruction and training focus on essential palpation skills, with providers learning to differentiate between healthy and unhealthy tissues by utilizing correct touch, depth, tension, and movement.

    Level 2 seminars teach providers to assess and treat two structures simultaneously by applying synergistic techniques to adjacent tissues. Level 2 seminars are advanced. We recommend providers practice ART for at least one year before enrolling in a Level 2 seminar.

  • What is the ART Full Body Level 1 seminar?

    Our Full Body Level 1 seminar combines our Upper Extremity Level 1, Spine Level 1, and Lower Extremity Level 1 seminars into one seminar taught over nine days. The Full Body Level 1 seminar allows providers to become ART Full Body certified in just seven days, quickly fulfilling our advanced seminar prerequisites and fast-tracking pathways toward becoming an ART Elite Provider and/or ART Instructor. Additionally, the Full Body Level 1 registration fee is less expensive than separately enrolling in Upper Extremity Level 1, Spine Level 1, and Lower Extremity Level 1 seminars.

  • Do ART seminars offer continuing education units (CEUs)?

    Yes. ART seminars provide up to 24 hours of CEUs for live, hands-on seminars, and up to four hours for online recertification seminars. Please check eligibility and details on the registration webpage(s) for the seminar(s) you are interested in completing.

  • I have not taken an ART seminar in a while, do I need to register as a new certification attendee?

    No. While we have missed seeing you, we are delighted to have you back! Regardless of your period of lapsed certification, you may enroll in any seminar you previously completed and passed as a recertification attendee. Or you may take any seminar you have not previously completed and passed as a new certification attendee.

  • How often can I take an ART seminar?

    As often as you like.

  • How early should I sign up for an ART seminar?

    Right now! In all seriousness, we recommend leaving yourself four to six weeks for self-study of our curriculum materials in advance of a seminar. Having said that, you may enroll in a seminar up to just a few days prior, when registration closes. We ship curriculum materials as soon as your order is processed. The sooner you enroll in a seminar, the more time you’ll have to prepare.

  • Is there a specific progression of seminars?

    There is not a “one-size fits all” progression but a variety of pathways providers choose to take to fit their individual needs and professional goals. Review recommended provider pathways.

  • Which ART seminar should I take first?

    There is no one right seminar to start with. Some providers find it helpful to start with a seminar focused on the conditions they most frequently treat in practice. Providers must successfully complete a Level 1 seminar before proceeding to the corresponding Level 2 seminar and must be Full Body Level 1 certified prior to enrolling in Nerve or Advanced seminars.

  • Who are Active Release Techniques® Certified Providers™?

    ART Certified Providers™ are licensed healthcare professionals, including chiropractors (DCs), physical and occupational therapists (PTs and OTs), physical and occupational therapy assistants (PTAs and OTAs), athletic trainers (ATCs), registered nurses (RNs), medical and osteopathic doctors (MDs and ODs), physiotherapists, massage therapists (MTs), and acupuncturists. Providers also include students enrolled full-time in a program of study designed to result in state or national licensure to practice any of the foregoing professions.

    We have found that a significant majority of each of these professions can provide effective ART treatment after completing the requisite self-study, instruction, training, and hands-on practice inherent to each ART Seminar.