Active Release

Your Path to Elite Starts Here…At Zero Cost!

2026-02-20T16:04:19Z

What if your passion to help others could unlock one of the most transformative opportunities in your career, completely tuition-free?

We’re proud to announce the ART Elite Provider Training Academy Scholarship, a powerful opportunity to step into excellence, deepen your impact, and join a community committed to raising the standard of hands-on care.

This is more than a scholarship. It’s a commitment to investing in people who are ready to grow, not just for themselves, but for the patients, workplaces, and the communities they serve.

A Scholarship Designed to Empower

At Active Release Techniques, we believe excellence shouldn’t be limited by financial barriers. That belief is why we’re awarding five full scholarships to attend the Full Body Seminar at our headquarters in Colorado Springs this August.

No tuition. No hidden costs. Just opportunity.

This scholarship is intended for individuals who are:

Passionate about helping others
Committed to building a career with ART
Eligible to enroll in an ART seminar
Residents of the U.S. or Canada

If you’re driven to be at your best so those around you can benefit, apply today!

What the Experience Includes

The scholarship experience is intentionally designed to support recipients every step of the way.

Applications open February 19 and close May 15, 2026. Winners will be picked and notified by June 1. Recipients will travel to ART headquarters for a full schedule of fun and learning that will include:

Meet & Greet August 14
Fun outings around Colorado Springs with fellow recipients and ART personnel August 15
Full Body Seminar August 16–22
Post-seminar community gathering August 22

From the moment you apply, to long after the seminar concludes, the ART Team is there to guide, prepare, and support you. You’ll experience firsthand the culture that defines ART – collaboration, mentorship, and shared growth.

Scholarship recipients will also have the opportunity to connect directly with ART leadership, including founder Dr. Michael Leahy.

Investing in the Future of Our Community

This scholarship reflects our belief that when we invest in individuals committed to excellence, the impact multiplies. Patients receive better care. Clinics grow stronger. Workplaces thrive. Communities benefit.

We are leaning into the strength of our network and choosing to support the next generation of Elite Providers who are ready to elevate themselves, and everyone around them.

Apply today and take the first step toward becoming an ART Elite Provider.

The post Your Path to Elite Starts Here…At Zero Cost! appeared first on Active Release.

From Corporate to Care: How One Employee Found His Calling at ART

2025-09-29T17:26:50Z

Above: ARTCS team from left to right: Todd Prather, Sales Manager; Trey Davison, Corporate Solutions Specialist; Jeff Polk, Corporate Solutions Specialist

Every now and then, someone’s journey through their career leads them somewhere unexpected – somewhere that finally feels right. For one of our team members at ART, that destination is here. And while he prefers to operate in his day to day quietly, his story deserves the spotlight, because it mirrors so much of what makes ART different.

A Background as Broad as His Perspective

He’s not your typical salesman, and that’s exactly why he fits in so well at ART. Originally from Louisiana, with a BA in Finance and MBA in Entrepreneurship from Georgia State University, his career has spanned Fortune 500 brands, tech startups, and health care giants.

Trey started out in experiential marketing working with companies like Coca-Cola and Delta Airlines, and quickly proved to be one of those rare people who could walk into any business and immediately figure out what they actually do. His career path eventually led him into pharma, including a meaningful stint with Bristol Myers Squibb, where he promoted Reyataz, an HIV treatment. Trey was able to help facilitate a powerful campaign called “Fight HIV My Way”, which showcased real-life stories and impact, humanizing what the treatment was able to do. This left a lasting impression on him and helped create a drive to enable people better access to real care – a drive right in line with ART’s mission.

An eye opening experience that led to ART

Fast forward to 2013, while working in marketing for an imaging center in Pueblo, CO, he noticed something.

A consistent stream of patients with plantar fasciitis were being referred to a chiropractor, oddly enough, where their pain was being resolved in five minutes and a minimal number of treatments.

Naturally skeptical, especially given his pharmaceutical and corporate background, he dug deeper. He went to see the doctor in person and learned that what he was using was not your typical Chiropractic treatment but rather Active Release Techniques. The doctor, who was an Elite Provider for ART shared his story with Trey and what he heard was eye-opening. Across industrial groups like Evraz (a steel mill) and other manufacturing companies, this technique had fast results and was eliminating downtime, reducing workers’ comp cases, and actually helping people get better.

It was a moment of professional recalibration.

Trey Davison

Years went by, but finally, in January 2025, the timing was right. Trey joined ART, and something clicked.

The Other Side of Workers’ Comp

Coming from the corporate world, he had always viewed workers’ compensation from the outside. It was numbers, charts, and financial risk. Now, he’s learning the other side – how it feels from the inside out. From EHS (Environmental Health & Safety) practices to HR insights, he’s diving deep into how real recovery and support transform lives, not just balance sheets. A big step from his initial path into the financial world.

“This is the happiest I’ve ever been. My job is to fly around the country and watch people feel better. Who gets to say that?”

Learning directly from experts like Todd Prather, EHS Manager and Sales Manager at ART, he’s gaining new respect for how ART brings together science, care, and human-centered healing. It’s more than a job, it’s a mission.

Why Clients Should Care

This story isn’t just about one employee. It’s about the kind of people who find their way to ART.

People who’ve seen the inside of boardrooms and hospital rooms. People who’ve worked across industries and continents. People who have been skeptical, until they saw real results. People who’ve dedicated years to understanding why people hurt, and how they heal.

When you work with ART, you’re not just accessing a service. You’re working with people who’ve made it their life’s mission to champion recovery from every angle.

Because to us, five minutes of pain relief isn’t magic. It’s medicine done right.

The post From Corporate to Care: How One Employee Found His Calling at ART appeared first on Active Release.

Why Active Release Techniques Stands out for MSK Care – Especially for Industrial Workforces

2025-09-18T17:14:18Z

In the manufacturing space, where physical labor and repetitive motion are part of the daily requirements, musculoskeletal (MSK) injuries are more than just a nuisance, they are a serious threat to productivity, employee well-being, and cost-savings.

Operations and Enivronmental Health and Safety professionals are constantly balancing production demands with worker health. Many have explored virtual care platforms like Hinge Health or Sword Health, which offer digital physical therapy programs designed to improve access to care. These tools are valuable, but they are not the whole solution.

Let’s talk about Active Release Techniques® (ART) and why hands-on treatment still plays a critical role in keeping your workforce moving safely and efficiently.

Understanding the Landscape: Hinge Health and Sword Health

Both Hinge Health and Sword Health have made an entrance into the MSK care space, particularly by addressing common barriers like access, convenience, and cost. Their models rely heavily on virtual physical therapy and digital tools, often guided by wearable sensors, mobile apps, with assistance from Physical Therapists.

They offer a level of convenience for employees who may not seek out traditional care, and for mild to moderate discomfort, digital programs can provide help.

But when looking for a solution that more directly addresses the issue, hands-on treatment still delivers the highest impact. When it comes to real-world injuries—like those sustained on a factory floor, in a warehouse, or on a production line—nothing beats having an in-person, trained provider work on the tissue directly.

Why ART is Different – Especially in Industrial Settings

ART is a patented, hands-on approach to treating soft tissue injuries. It is practiced by trained providers who assess and treat overused muscles, fascia, tendons, ligaments, and nerves. It is particularly well-suited to the kinds of strain and repetitive use injuries that are common in manufacturing environments.

Here’s how:

Hands-On, Targeted Treatment

ART providers use their hands to evaluate the texture, tightness, and movement of soft tissues—something a wearable sensor or app cannot replicate. Treatment involves applying precise tension while the patient moves the affected area, helping to break up adhesions and restore range of motion.

Rapid Results

One of the most compelling aspects of ART is how quickly it can make an impact. Many patients report significant relief in just a few sessions. That’s crucial when you’re trying to avoid long-term disability claims or get a key team member back to work quickly and safely. On average, ART can resolve an issue in just 3.4 treatment sessions.

On-site Capability

ART providers are on site at your facility. This minimizes time away from the floor, eliminates travel barriers, and encourages early intervention—before minor aches turn into recordable injuries or lost time.

Proven Effectiveness in Industrial Environments

ART is being used in manufacturing and industrial settings nationwide, including at Fortune 500 companies. It’s tailored for workers who spend long hours lifting, twisting, reaching, and operating machinery.

All these tools serve a purpose, but choosing the correct tool will impact the outcome.

Digital MSK platforms like Hinge and Sword absolutely have a place in a modern workplace health strategy. They can be great for preventive care, remote teams, or mild discomfort.

But when it comes to real-world, repetitive-use, and acute strain injuries—the kind you see on your floor every week, hands-on care like ART provides a level of treatment and resolution that virtual tools simply cannot match.

Final Thoughts

As you evaluate injury prevention and treatment options for your team, consider integrating ART as a core part of your on-site care strategy. Not only can it reduce OSHA recordables and workers’ comp claims, but it shows your employees that their health and hands-on, personalized care matters.

If you are looking for a solution that meets your workers where they are, understands industrial demands, and gets people back to work quickly and pain free, ART deserves a serious look.

The post Why Active Release Techniques Stands out for MSK Care – Especially for Industrial Workforces appeared first on Active Release.

Reflecting on ART’s Presence at IRONMAN Kona: A 30 Year Journey

2025-09-18T17:31:17Z

Above: Can you spot Dr. Leahy? Credit Getty Images for IRONMAN

Over the past three decades, Active Release Techniques has quietly influenced the Ironman World Championship in Kona through empowering elite athletes to perform at their best, and in helping contribute to the event’s therapeutic, humancentered ethos. Here’s how ART has woven itself into the Kona narrative throughout the years.

ART’s Emergence at IRONMAN

Dr. Leahy, founder of ART, began his engagement in the IRONMAN world in Kona, HI, in 1988. Observing a gap in athlete care, he started working the race himself and eventually expanded to a team of sixty healthcare professionals. Despite challenges integrating ART into the medical team, ART’s presence at the Kona race has become an essential part of the support system allowing athletes to receive free treatment the week leading up to the race.

ART’s role is vital in helping athletes perform their best and complete the race. Many competitors arrive with strains and injuries that might otherwise prevent them from participating. However, with ART’s support, they frequently find themselves able to compete. The deep gratitude from these athletes—often expressed through heartfelt, enthusiastic hugs at the finish line—demonstrates the significant impact ART has on their performance and overall race experience.

ART’s Role in the Bigger Picture: Beyond Treatment

The presence of ART at Kona aligns beautifully with the race’s broader themes—resilience, community, and respect for the human body. Ironman’s own ethos encourages mindfulness, shared experience, and giving back to the land and people of Hawaiʻi. ART’s emphasis on holistic, hands-on care resonates with that ethos, reinforcing the power of human touch in elite athletic performance.

Still Present Today

ART’s evolution at Kona mirrors the Ironman journey itself—from raw endurance to refined excellence supported by science, compassion, and community. In the years to come, ART’s role will grow, healing more athletes, enhancing performance, and affirming the spirit of Aloha that defines Kona.

How To Get Treatment

If you are attending the World Championship IRONMAN in Kona this October, come see us at the Courtyard King Kamehameha’s Kona Beach Hotel, October 6-10.

Patti’s IRONMAN Story

Patti Vetter, ART’s Controller and a 15-time IRONMAN finisher, embodies resilience and passion—turning personal loss and injury into fuel for endurance success. With the help of ART treatments, she’s regaining strength and chasing bold goals, proving that true toughness comes from both body and spirit.

Top 5 Injuries Treated with ART

ART specializes in hands-on treatments for soft-tissue restrictions, commonly helping patients recover from conditions like frozen shoulder, carpal tunnel syndrome, plantar fasciitis, tennis/golfer’s elbow, and low back pain.

The post Reflecting on ART’s Presence at IRONMAN Kona: A 30 Year Journey appeared first on Active Release.

From Finish Lines to Finance: Patti Vetter Embodies the Spirit of ART and IRONMAN

2025-09-18T17:14:23Z

At Active Release Techniques® (ART), we’ve proudly supported IRONMAN Kona for 30 amazing years. For three decades, our providers have been there on the ground, helping athletes keep moving, recover faster, and push harder.

But every now and then, someone comes along who doesn’t just represent what we do—they live it.

Meet Patti Vetter: ART team Controller, 15-time full IRONMAN finisher, marathoner, endurance enthusiast, and living proof that mental toughness, physical resilience, and proper treatment go a very long way.

It all started with one goal

Patti’s entry into endurance sports started with a simple goal: check marathon off the bucket list. To do so, she signed up for the Cowtown Marathon in Fort Worth, Texas.

Unexpectedly, she did so well she qualified for Boston. And that did it. Known as the marathon for runners, the energy and race experience had Patti hooked.

So how did IRONMAN come into the picture? In Colorado, Patti met her friend Angel who was training for an IRONMAN herself. Patti went to support having very little detail on what the race entailed. However, the experience changed her forever – seeing the diversity of people, all ages and sizes, achieving such an incredible goal really inspired her and lead her to register herself.

A Detour to Boulder

Her first scheduled IRONMAN was in Texas, but due to severe rain, the bike course was washed out, and athletes were given a free transfer to another race.

“I picked Boulder,” Patti recalls. “It was the only year they offered a full IRONMAN there.”

With no experience at altitude, she was challenged from the very start of the swim but pushed through to finish strong. “I thought it would be a one-time accomplishment, but the energy at the finish line was the best natural high. That feeling is addicting.”

Since then, she’s chased that high 14 more times.

A challenging and pivotal journey

Patti’s path into endurance sports wasn’t just about checking off fitness goals, it was about healing.

“When I was 35, I couldn’t get pregnant,” she shares. “Then we moved to Texas, and I got pregnant naturally—but miscarried at 9 weeks.”

Devastated, she turned to running to cope. She had a group of friends that were planning to run a marathon and that gave her something to focus on. Something that helped her process things.

But grief would find its way into her story again.

Years later, Patti lost her husband very unexpectedly. He was her biggest supporter both on and off the course. Months after his passing she was dealt another blow when she was T-boned while riding her bike.

At the time, the full extent of her injuries wasn’t clear, however Patti had broken her neck and would feel the result of that injury years down the road. Lower back pain and loss of power on her left side, slowly led to increased pain. This made races more challenging and led to a noticeable decrease in her overall finish times.

“I’d never had issues before. Suddenly, I was getting slower. I could barely finish races.”

The combination of emotional and physical trauma could’ve sidelined her completely.

But not Patti.

Strength Beyond Muscle: The Mental Game

Ask any endurance athlete, and they’ll tell you the mental part is often tougher than the physical. For Patti, that strength comes from grit, grief, and love.

“My late husband was my biggest fan,” she says. “He was my soulmate.”

During the toughest parts of training, and every grueling mile on race day, his memory keeps her moving forward.

She puts in 20–25 hours of training a week, balanced with smart recovery, intentional training, and a determination to keep getting better.

“I just want to get the best out of myself. Keep pushing the limit.”

And she’s doing just that—on her own terms, in her own way.

The Current Chapter: Discovering ART

Patti’s path to ART ironically enough had nothing to do with her direct tie back to her participation in endurance sports but rather started simply as a job inquiry.

“I didn’t know ART had such strong ties to IRONMAN,” she says, “I found out more while interviewing and learning about Dr. Leahy’s experience at Kona which was impressive.”

During her time here, Patti has started to see Dr. Drew Cuiffo for treatment while she trains for her next IRONMAN in Wisconsin.

“He has magic hands,” she laughs.

What Drew uncovered was more than just back pain.

“My psoas was twisted. I had no strength on my left side, and my bike times were getting slower.”

Drew’s ART treatments have made a noticeable difference. Patti has started to regain strength in her left side and is now running closer to her previous speeds, as well as seeing improved biking times, getting back to the athlete she was before trauma and injury. It’ll be exciting to see ART’s impact on Pattis’s race!

What’s Next?

You didn’t think she was slowing down, did you?

Patti’s next big goals include:

Running a marathon in all 50 states (she’s already hit 31)
Qualifying for IRONMAN Kona
And becoming one of those legendary badass women in their 70s who are still out there crushing it
Shape

Patti = The Essence of ART

Patti’s story reminds us that athleticism isn’t just about what your body can do, it’s about what your spirit endures.

From deep personal loss to rediscovering strength through ART, she represents everything we stand for: resilience, recovery, and the drive to keep going, no matter what.

Whether she’s training, racing, or supporting others through their own recovery journeys, Patti Vetter is living proof that healing is possible, and greatness is always within reach.

The post From Finish Lines to Finance: Patti Vetter Embodies the Spirit of ART and IRONMAN appeared first on Active Release.

What’s Ahead for 2026: Simplified Certification & Smarter Seminar Planning

2025-08-28T18:15:29Z

We’re always looking for ways to support our ART providers with tools, timelines, and systems that make sense—and make life easier. That’s why we’re rolling out two key updates for 2026: a simplified certification model and an updated seminar pricing structure. Both are designed to help you plan smarter, reduce stress, and continue getting the most out of your ART education.

Certification Just Got Easier

We heard you loud and clear—keeping track of rolling expiration dates and planning travel around recertification can be challenging. So we’re making a big shift: Certification will now follow a calendar-based model.

Here’s what that means for you:

If your last seminar was before 2025
The current 12-month rolling model still applies.
Example: A seminar completed on October 1, 2024 = certification valid until October 1, 2025.
If you attend a seminar anytime in 2025
Your certification will be valid through December 31, 2026.
Example: A seminar on April 12, 2025 = certification valid until December 31, 2026.
Starting January 1, 2026
All certifications will expire on December 31 of the following year—no matter when your seminar takes place.
Example: A seminar on May 8, 2026 = certification valid through December 31, 2027.

Why This Update Matters:

No more calculating rolling deadlines
More time to plan around your schedule
Better access to seminars when we visit your area

In short, you’ll have more time, more choices, and less stress. It also helps us bring a wider variety of seminars to more regions, making it easier for you to stay certified without needing extra travel.

2026 Seminar Pricing Updates

Alongside this streamlined certification model, we’re updating our pricing for seminars starting in 2026. We’ve kept prices steady for years, but rising costs—like labor, travel, hotels, and venue rentals—mean it’s time to make a change to preserve the seminar quality and value you expect.

This pricing adjustment ensures we can continue offering:

Small student-to-instructor ratios for personal guidance
Expert-led instruction from seasoned educators
Comfortable, high-quality venues
On-site support to assist you every step of the way

Even with this change, 2026 prices will remain below pre-pandemic rates.

Lock in 2025 Pricing Until September 30

To ease the transition, we’re offering 2025 pricing on all 2026 seminars through September 30, 2025.

Don’t see your preferred 2026 seminar on the schedule yet? Reach out to our team directly—we’ll honor the 2025 rate.

Registration for 2026 Seminars is now open!

This gives you plenty of time to secure your courses and locations before pricing changes go into effect. Register for your next seminar here!

We’re committed to creating an experience that supports your continued success as a provider. Whether it’s simplifying certification or giving you more lead time for planning, these changes are all about making your ART journey smoother.

Have questions? We’re here for you.

— The ART Team

The post What’s Ahead for 2026: Simplified Certification & Smarter Seminar Planning appeared first on Active Release.

See how Parker Hannifin decreased workers’ comp costs to zero

2025-08-20T21:54:19Z

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Revolutionizing Rehabilitation: Active Release Techniques’ Partner, Kinetisense, is Empowering Clinicians with AI-Driven Precision

2025-08-19T20:48:12Z

In the fast-paced world of health and wellness, time and precision are paramount. At Active Release Techniques (ART), we are committed to equipping medical and healthcare professionals with every possible tool to enhance patient care and streamline workflows. That’s one of the core reasons we partnered with Kinetisense, a pioneer in 3D movement analysis. We’re excited to highlight their recent work in AI, which we believe is advancing healthcare and improving patient outcomes.

The Game-Changing Innovation: AI-Driven 3D Movement Analysis

Kinetisense has taken their app to the next level and achieved a seamless, efficient, and highly accurate way to assess and address joint dysfunction in less than 60 seconds. Here’s how it works:

3D Movement Screen: Using Kinetisense’s state-of-the-art motion capture technology, clinicians can perform a comprehensive 3D movement assessment.
Joint Mapping: The system analyzes over 250 joint dysfunctions, identifying critical issues that need immediate attention.
What’s New! AI-Generated Exercise List: Leveraging an expansive database of thousands of exercises, the AI prioritizes the most effective corrective actions tailored to each patient’s unique needs, expediting the process for both provider and patient.

This streamlined process empowers clinicians to save time, improve accuracy, and deliver personalized care without compromising quality.

What You Need to Know

Retain Full Control

Kinetisense’s AI is designed to assist, not replace. Clinicians retain full control over the final treatment, with the flexibility to add, remove, or modify exercises as needed. This collaborative approach ensures that your expertise remains at the forefront of patient care.

Improved Patient Engagement

With exercises delivered directly to a user-friendly patient app, compliance and engagement are elevated. Patients can easily follow their personalized plans, track progress, and stay motivated, ultimately leading to better outcomes.

A Vision for the Future of Healthcare

Our partnership with Kinetisense represents more than just technological integration; it’s a shared vision for the future of healthcare. Together, we are redefining what is possible in the fields of rehabilitation and performance optimization.

For clinicians already leveraging the power of Active Release Techniques, this new tool is a natural extension of your commitment to excellence. For those new to ART or Kinetisense, now is the perfect time to explore how these innovations can transform your practice.

Get Started Today

Ready to experience the future of rehabilitation? See it in action here or visit activerelease.com to learn more about our partnership with Kinetisense and how you can integrate this cutting-edge technology into your practice.

The post Revolutionizing Rehabilitation: Active Release Techniques’ Partner, Kinetisense, is Empowering Clinicians with AI-Driven Precision appeared first on Active Release.

Top 5 Injuries Commonly Treated with Active Release Techniques®

2025-08-19T20:48:12Z

Featuring a Frozen Shoulder Case from ART Elite Provider Dalyn Rhoades, OTD

Active Release Techniques (ART) is a hands-on, movement-based treatment system that focuses on resolving soft-tissue restrictions affecting muscles, tendons, fascia, ligaments, and nerves. It is used by a wide range of medical and health professionals to address pain, restore function, and improve performance in athletes and patients from all walks of life.

Among the many conditions ART Certified Providers encounter, five stand out as particularly common. Below, we’ll explore each injury, explain why ART is effective in treating it, and highlight a real case study involving Frozen Shoulder from ART Elite Provider, Dalyn Rhoades, OTD.

1. Frozen Shoulder (Adhesive Capsulitis)

Overview:
Frozen shoulder is characterized by progressive stiffness, pain, and loss of range of motion in the shoulder joint. It often develops gradually and can persist for months or even years without effective intervention.

Why ART Is Effective:
ART enables providers to identify and release soft-tissue adhesions and restrictions surrounding the shoulder capsule and associated musculature. By incorporating specific movements during treatment, ART improves mobility and decreases pain without relying solely on passive stretching or general manual therapy.

Provider Case Study: Dalyn Rhoades, OTD
One patient under Dalyn’s care had been suffering from frozen shoulder for over a year. After trying several other therapies without lasting success, the patient turned to ART. Through targeted treatment of the subscapularis, teres major, and anterior shoulder capsule, Dalyn significantly improved the patient’s range of motion and reduced their pain within just a few sessions.

“We saw the most improvement once we focused on the anterior capsule and surrounding tissues that were limiting functional overhead movement,” Dalyn shared. “It was a great example of how ART protocols allow us to get very specific with treatment.”

2. Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Overview:
Carpal tunnel syndrome involves compression of the median nerve as it passes through the carpal tunnel in the wrist. Common symptoms include numbness, tingling, and weakness in the hand.

Why ART Is Effective:
ART enables providers to differentiate between true nerve compression and soft-tissue entrapment syndromes that mimic carpal tunnel syndrome. Adhesions around the flexor retinaculum, forearm flexors, or pronator teres can often be the underlying issue. ART helps identify and treat these areas to relieve nerve irritation and restore function.

3. Plantar Fasciitis

Overview:
Plantar fasciitis presents as sharp heel pain, especially in the morning or after periods of inactivity. It is frequently seen in runners, workers who are on their feet all day, and individuals with poor foot mechanics.

Why ART Is Effective:
ART targets the plantar fascia, intrinsic foot muscles, and calf complex to address soft-tissue restrictions contributing to pain. Releasing these areas restores proper foot mechanics and often leads to faster recovery compared to generalized stretching or rest alone.

4. Tennis Elbow / Golfer’s Elbow (Epicondylitis)

Overview:
These conditions involve overuse of the forearm muscles that attach at the elbow – either on the lateral (tennis elbow) or medial (golfer’s elbow) side. They cause localized pain and reduced grip strength.

Why ART Is Effective:
ART allows for precise treatment of the muscle-tendon junctions and fascial adhesions that drive the inflammation and dysfunction. By addressing restrictions in the extensor or flexor muscle groups, providers can improve healing, reduce strain, and restore movement.

5. Low Back Pain

Overview:
Low back pain is one of the most common reasons people seek medical care and miss work. Causes can vary widely and often involve a combination of soft-tissue dysfunction, joint restrictions, and compensatory movement patterns.

Why ART Is Effective:
Rather than simply treating symptoms, ART enables providers to assess and treat the underlying restrictions, whether in the quadratus lumborum, psoas, glutes, or hip rotators. ART’s movement-based system helps restore proper mechanics and reduce chronic compensation that often leads to pain recurrence.

These five conditions represent just a portion of what ART Certified Providers successfully treat every day. Whether the injury is acute or chronic, ART offers a structured, anatomy-specific approach to identifying and resolving soft-tissue dysfunction.

For providers already practicing ART, these cases reinforce the importance of detailed assessment and precise treatment protocols. For healthcare professionals considering ART certification, this treatment system offers a valuable and effective addition to your clinical toolkit, enabling better outcomes for your patients and expanding the scope of your practice.

Interested in becoming an ART Certified Provider?
Visit activerelease.com to explore upcoming seminars, certification options, and learn more about the ART methodology.

The post Top 5 Injuries Commonly Treated with Active Release Techniques® appeared first on Active Release.

Taylor’s Triathlon Journey: Balancing Pregnancy and Fitness

2025-08-19T20:48:12Z

When ART’s Taylor Balady isn’t pregnant, she thrives on training for and competing in triathlons, a passion she shares with her husband. The trio of swimming, biking, and running offers a dynamic mix of challenges and variety, making it a fulfilling part of her life.

Now, at 29 weeks pregnant, Taylor has adjusted her routine to stay active. Although she continues to swim and run, she has had to set aside her bicycle because her growing belly made it challenging to maintain a comfortable position on her road bike. Instead, Taylor and her family make it a point to hike at least half of the Incline each week, often with her husband and their 3-year-old daughter.

Maintaining an active lifestyle during pregnancy, especially with a young child at home, is no small feat, but Taylor prioritizes it as an essential part of her life. It provides her with valuable time to herself, offering both a mental challenge and a much-needed outlet.

Taylor approaches her workouts with a new sense of grace, recognizing the importance of staying active throughout pregnancy. This experience has reinforced her understanding of her body’s capabilities and will undoubtedly make tackling a 70.3 triathlon afterward feel more achievable, both physically and mentally.

How Regular Exercise Boosts Health and Eases Pregnancy

Regular physical activity during pregnancy offers substantial health benefits, including:

A 25-40% lower risk of developing gestational diabetes for active pregnant women compared to those who are sedentary. (Source: American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists)
Significant reductions in back pain severity and frequency for the 50-70% of pregnant women who experience it. (Source: Journal of Physical Therapy Science)
A 30-40% decrease in the risk of prenatal depression. (Source: Journal of Affective Disorders)
Improved sleep quality for approximately 75% of women who engage in moderate exercise. (Source: Sleep Medicine Reviews)
A 20-30% faster postpartum recovery, including quicker return to pre-pregnancy fitness levels. (Source: British Journal of Sports Medicine)
Enhanced cardiovascular health, with a 10-15% lower incidence of preeclampsia. (Source: Hypertension in Pregnancy

Concluding Thoughts

Taylor’s journey through pregnancy while maintaining an active lifestyle highlights the remarkable benefits of staying fit during this transformative time. By adapting her triathlon training to her evolving needs, Taylor demonstrates that with creativity and determination, it’s possible to balance personal passions with the demands of pregnancy.

The post Taylor’s Triathlon Journey: Balancing Pregnancy and Fitness appeared first on Active Release.

Treehouse addressed and remedied high numbers of MSD challenges with ART

2025-08-20T21:55:49Z

The post Treehouse addressed and remedied high numbers of MSD challenges with ART appeared first on Active Release.

Active Release Techniques: Clearing the Fog on the “ART” of Soft-Tissue Treatment

2025-08-19T20:48:22Z

If you’re scratching your head wondering what Active Release Techniques (ART) is, you’re not alone. Many healthcare professionals are well-versed in soft-tissue treatments like Pin and Stretch, Dry Needling, and/or Cupping but might not fully understand what sets ART apart. That’s exactly why we’re here, to clear up any confusion and explore why ART deserves a spot in your clinical toolkit.

What Makes ART Unique?

Active Release Techniques was developed over 30 years ago by Dr. Michael Leahy, a chiropractor and aeronautical engineer who combined his deep understanding of biomechanics and anatomy to create a revolutionary approach to soft-tissue treatment. Recognizing that many musculoskeletal issues stem from adhesions and scar tissue that restrict movement and function, Dr. Leahy designed ART to address these issues in a systematic and effective way.

At its core, ART is a movement-based manual therapy that goes beyond merely alleviating pain. It uses palpation to identify and treat the root cause of dysfunction in muscles, tendons, ligaments, and nerves. Treatments are highly personalized, requiring precise application and dynamic involvement from both the practitioner and the patient.

ART’s methodology is grounded in detailed protocols designed to treat over 500 specific soft-tissue structures. This isn’t a one-size-fits-all technique but rather a highly adaptable and comprehensive system, tailored to the needs of each individual patient. This approach has made ART a trusted tool among healthcare professionals worldwide, from sports medicine practitioners treating elite athletes, to therapists addressing everyday overuse injuries.

So How Does ART Compare to Other Techniques?

When comparing Active Release Techniques to other soft-tissue therapies, the distinctions become clear, especially with techniques like Pin and Stretch. Let’s break it down:

ART vs. Pin and Stretch
While Pin and Stretch is a common approach in massage or manual therapy, it’s a broad, generalized technique. It involves pressing on a muscle and stretching the tissue underneath, which can offer temporary relief, but often fails to address underlying dysfunction. ART, on the other hand operates through:
- - Precision and Protocol: ART is anatomy-specific, relying on defined touchpoints and movement patterns to break down adhesions and restore function.
  - Active Engagement: ART incorporates motion, with the patient or provider actively engaging the affected area during treatment. Pin and Stretch often relies on static pressure with less dynamic involvement.
  - Training and Certification: ART Certified Providers undergo rigorous training and testing to master exact protocols for treating over 500 anatomical structures.

ART vs. Dry Needling
While dry needling effectively reduces trigger points and muscle tension, ART focuses on active treatment that engages the soft tissue during movement. This dynamic approach not only addresses adhesions but also helps retrain neuromuscular function for long-term improvement.
ART vs. Cupping
Cupping’s suction technique promotes blood flow and relaxation, but it lacks the specificity ART offers. ART uses direct, hands-on application at precise anatomical landmarks to break down adhesions and improve mobility where it’s needed most.
ART vs. Other Soft-Tissue Treatments
Unlike general soft-tissue approaches, ART combines anatomical precision with active movement. Each treatment is customized to the individual and evolves as the tissue responds, ensuring optimal outcomes for each patient.

By addressing the root cause of dysfunction rather than just alleviating symptoms, ART sets itself apart as a comprehensive, results-driven approach to soft tissue care.

It’s Not Mainstream yet…But it’s a Step Above the Rest

ART has been quietly revolutionizing soft tissue care for decades, yet it’s not as widely recognized as other therapies. Why? For one, ART certification requires extensive training and mastery, making it a specialized technique practiced by highly skilled professionals.

When integrated into practice, ART becomes an invaluable tool for resolving musculoskeletal issues at their source. Whether treating athletes striving for peak performance or individuals recovering from overuse injuries, ART provides a systematic, adaptable, and proven method for achieving measurable results.

If you’re curious or eager to expand your treatment options, ART offers a fresh perspective on manual therapy, combining anatomical precision with functional movement for real, lasting change

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