Overview
Active Release Technique (ART) is a patented, movement-based manual therapy developed by Dr. P. Michael Leahy that treats problems with muscles, tendons, ligaments, fascia, and nerves. ART practitioners use their hands to evaluate the texture, tightness, and movement of soft tissues, then apply precisely directed tension while the patient moves the affected structure through its full range of motion. This combination of applied tension and active movement breaks down adhesions, restores tissue glide, and releases entrapped nerves — often producing immediate improvements in range of motion and pain reduction. Dr. Migdale has been ART certified since 2006.
The ART Approach
ART is based on the premise that soft tissue conditions result from the accumulation of adhesions — internal scarring that forms in response to acute injury, overuse, or repetitive strain. These adhesions alter tissue texture, create tension, and can entrap nerves. ART uses a combination of clinician-applied compression and patient-active movement to shear these adhesions and restore normal tissue function. The technique requires detailed knowledge of over 500 specific treatment protocols for different muscles and tissues.
Conditions Treated
ART is highly effective for: nerve entrapment syndromes (carpal tunnel syndrome, cubital tunnel syndrome, thoracic outlet syndrome); repetitive strain injuries; sports injuries; back, neck, and shoulder pain from chronic soft tissue dysfunction; IT band syndrome; plantar fasciitis; and post-surgical adhesions. It is widely used by sports medicine practitioners and is the official soft tissue technique of the Ironman Triathlon — an event Dr. Migdale volunteered at as a provider in 2006 in Kona, Hawaii.
ART vs. Other Manual Therapies
Unlike massage (which primarily addresses muscle tension through pressure) or Graston (which uses instruments to detect and treat fascial restrictions), ART is distinguished by the active movement component. The patient actively moves the treated structure through its range of motion while the clinician applies tension — creating a shearing force that is uniquely effective at releasing adhesions that would be difficult to treat with passive techniques alone.