At Atlanta Health and Chiropractic, Dr. Jennifer Good and the staff at Atlanta Health and Chiropractic is proud to offer Active Release Technique (ART), a highly effective, hands-on treatment designed to address soft tissue injuries, restore mobility, and alleviate pain. As a certified ART provider, Dr. Jennifer Good uses this advanced technique to help patients recover from injuries, improve performance, and feel their best. Whether you’re dealing with chronic pain, a sports injury, or repetitive strain, ART can help you move better and live pain-free.
What is Active Release Technique (ART)?
ART is a hands-on treatment that helps “unstick” tight or injured muscles, tendons, and other soft tissues in your body. When you overuse a muscle, get injured, or repeat the same motions over and over, scar tissue or tightness can build up, causing pain and limiting how well you move. ART works by applying targeted pressure while you move the affected area, helping to release tension, improve flexibility, and get your body working properly again.
Active Release Technique (ART) is a patented, state-of-the-art soft tissue management system that targets myofascial restrictions, adhesions, and scar tissue within muscles, tendons, ligaments, fascia, and nerves. These restrictions often develop due to overuse, trauma, or repetitive stress, leading to impaired tissue extensibility, biomechanical dysfunction, and pain. ART uses precise, manual tension combined with patient-directed active motion to break down adhesions, restore tissue glide, and optimize neuromuscular function.
How does ART work?
ART is grounded in biomechanical and neurological principles. During treatment, the practitioner identifies areas of restricted tissue mobility through palpation and functional assessment. By applying specific manual tension to the affected tissue and guiding the patient through active range-of-motion exercises, ART elongates and separates adhered tissues, reducing fibrosis and restoring normal tissue texture and function. This process also enhances blood flow, reduces inflammation, and promotes neural re-education, leading to improved proprioception and pain relief.
During an ART session, Dr. Jennifer Good at Atlanta Health and Chiropractic will feel for tight or “stuck” areas in your muscles, tendons, or ligaments. They’ll then use their hands to apply precise pressure while asking you to move the affected body part in specific ways. This combination helps break up scar tissue, loosen tight spots, and improve how your tissues move. It’s like giving your muscles a targeted massage with movement to help them heal and work better.
Benefits of Active Release Technique
ART is a versatile treatment that offers numerous benefits for patients of all activity levels, from office workers to athletes.
Here’s how ART can help you:
- Pain Relief: Reduces discomfort caused by tight muscles, scar tissue, or nerve irritation.
- Improved Mobility: Restores flexibility and range of motion in joints and soft tissues.
- Faster Recovery: Speeds up healing from injuries by improving blood flow and tissue repair.
- Enhanced Performance: Helps athletes and active individuals move more efficiently, reducing the risk of future injuries.
- Non-Invasive: Offers a drug-free, surgery-free solution to many soft tissue problems.
- Customized Care: Each ART session is tailored to your specific condition and needs.
Conditions Treated with ART
ART is highly effective for a wide range of musculoskeletal conditions, including:
- Muscle Strains and Sprains: Relieves pain and restores function in overworked or injured muscles and ligaments.
- Tendinitis/Tendinosis: Addresses inflammation or degeneration in tendons (e.g., Achilles tendinitis, tennis elbow).
- Carpal Tunnel Syndrome: Reduces nerve compression in the wrist for improved hand and arm function.
- Plantar Fasciitis: Eases heel and foot pain by releasing tight fascia and improving foot mechanics.
- Sciatica: Alleviates leg pain caused by nerve irritation or tight muscles in the lower back or hips.
- Shoulder Impingement: Improves shoulder mobility and reduces pain from rotator cuff issues.
- Repetitive Strain Injuries: Treats conditions caused by repetitive motions, such as typing or sports activities.
- Post-Surgical Scar Tissue: Breaks down adhesions to restore mobility after surgery.
What to Expect During an ART Session
An ART session begins with a thorough evaluation, including a patient history, physical examination, and functional movement assessment to identify areas of tissue restriction or dysfunction. The practitioner then applies specific ART protocols, which involve manual tension and patient-directed active motion. Each treatment targets a specific tissue or structure, with sessions typically lasting 30-60 minutes, depending on the complexity of the condition. Patients may experience mild discomfort during treatment due to the release of adhesions, but this is typically brief and followed by significant relief.
Can all chiropractors do ART?
No. Active Release Technique (ART) is a highly specialized skill that sets certified practitioners like Dr. Jennifer Good apart from other chiropractors. Unlike general chiropractic care, ART is not a standard technique that all chiropractors can perform. It requires extensive training, a rigorous certification process, and ongoing commitment to maintain expertise.
The Rigorous Training Process:
Becoming an ART provider involves completing a comprehensive training program that goes beyond traditional chiropractic education. This includes in-depth study of soft tissue anatomy, biomechanics, and over 500 specific protocols designed to address muscles, tendons, ligaments, fascia, and nerves. Practitioners must attend hands-on workshops and master the precise manual techniques that define ART, ensuring they can effectively identify and treat a wide range of conditions, from carpal tunnel syndrome to shoulder impingement.
Certification Requirements:
Certification is not automatically granted—it’s earned through a challenging evaluation process. After training, candidates must pass a practical exam where they demonstrate their ability to apply ART protocols accurately and safely. This ensures that only those with a thorough understanding of the technique can offer it to patients, providing a level of care that meets the highest standards.
Annual Testing to Maintain Certification:
To keep their ART certification active, providers like Dr. Jennifer Good must undergo annual testing and continuing education. This ongoing requirement ensures that our skills remain sharp, that we stay updated on the latest advancements in the technique, and that we continue to deliver the most effective treatments. This commitment to annual recertification reflects the dedication to providing you with safe, cutting-edge care tailored to your specific needs.
Why This Matters to You:
The exclusivity of ART certification means you’re receiving care from a chiropractor who has invested significant time and effort to master this advanced technique. At DAtlanta Health and Chiropractic, you can trust that Dr. Jennifer Good’s expertise in ART, backed by rigorous training and yearly testing, will help you achieve optimal results, whether you’re recovering from an injury or seeking to enhance your physical performance.
Why Choose ART at Atlanta Health and Chiropractic?
As a certified ART provider, Dr. Jennifer Good has undergone rigorous training to deliver this specialized technique with precision and care. Combined with our comprehensive chiropractic approach, ART allows us to address the root cause of your pain and dysfunction, not just the symptoms. Whether you’re recovering from an injury, managing chronic pain, or looking to improve your athletic performance, we’re here to help you achieve your goals.
Is ART Right for You?
If you’re experiencing pain, stiffness, or limited mobility due to an injury, overuse, or chronic condition, ART may be the solution you need. To learn more or schedule an appointment, contact us at 470-495-3709 or book online now. Let us help you move better, feel better, and live better with Active Release Technique!
Dr. Jennifer Good has one mission: to provide ideal preventative healthcare to patients of all ages throughout Atlanta, GA.
If you’re looking for an Atlanta chiropractor, call to schedule your appointment today!