Active Release Techniques (ART) is a patented, state of the art soft tissue system/movement based massage technique that treats problems with muscles, tendons, ligaments, fascia and nerves. Headaches, back pain, carpal tunnel syndrome, shin splints, shoulder pain, sciatica, plantar fasciitis, knee problems, and tennis elbow are just a few of the many conditions that can be resolved quickly and permanently with ART. These conditions all have one important thing in common: they are often a result of overused muscles.

Hear what Phillies pitcher and World Series MVP has to say about Active Release Technique and Tancredi Chiropracitic Center:

How do overuse conditions occur?

Over-used muscles (and other soft tissues) change in three important ways:

• acute conditions (pulls, tears, collisions, etc)
• accumulation of small tears (micro-trauma)
• not getting enough oxygen (hypoxia).

Each of these factors can cause your body to produce tough, dense scar tissue in the affected area. This scar tissue binds up and ties down tissues that need to move freely. As scar tissue builds up, muscles become shorter and weaker, tension on tendons causes tendonitis, and nerves can become trapped. This can cause reduced range of motion, loss of strength, and pain. If a nerve is trapped you may also feel tingling, numbness, and weakness.

What is an ART treatment like?

Every ART session is actually a combination of examination and treatment. The ART provider uses his or her hands to evaluate the texture, tightness and movement of muscles, fascia, tendons, ligaments and nerves. Abnormal tissues are treated by combining precisely directed tension with very specific patient movements.

These treatment protocols - over 500 specific moves - are unique to ART. They allow providers to identify and correct the specific problems that are affecting each individual patient. ART is not a cookie-cutter approach.

What is the history of Active Release Techniques?

ART has been developed, refined, and patented by P. Michael Leahy, DC, CCSP. Dr. Leahy noticed that his patients' symptoms seemed to be related to changes in their soft tissue that could be felt by hand. By observing how muscles, fascia, tendons, ligaments and nerves responded to different types of work, Dr. Leahy was able to consistently resolve over 90% of his patients' problems. He now teaches and certifies health care providers all over the world to use ART.

Elite Provider Network:

Active Release Techniques currently has over 3000 full body certified providers. Throughout the years the word has spread that ART is an extremely effective soft tissue management system and many individuals, groups, and business entities have come to rely on ART care. In the past, there have been several instances where corporations, insurance companies and professional sporting teams have contacted ART for lists of providers. Obviously, when such situations arose we referred them to the most accomplished provider in the area. We realized that we could help more individuals and ART providers by handling these situations differently. So, we formed the ART Elite Provider Network (EPN) and ART Corporate Solutions, Inc. The EPN is a clinically integrated network of the most experienced ART providers in each state and province. The EPN was formed so that ART can guarantee the highest quality of soft tissue care to private industries, insurance companies, and sporting organizations

Here is a list of the requirements to become and maintain EPN status:

Members to the Elite Provider Network (EPN) are recruited from the most qualified doctors and therapists who have demonstrated a commitment to resolving soft tissue conditions as quickly as possible, and, by making ART a primary focus of their private practices. These providers must meet a number of specific requirements, including:

Full body ART certification (More than 500 ART protocols encompassing the entire body: Upper Extremity, Lower Extremity, and Body Core (Spine) Coursework.

1. Practical and clinical experience utilizing ART for a minimum of one year prior to being eligible for testing.
2. Annual re-certification to ensure that EPN providers continually perfect their knowledge and skills.
3. A Written Examination covering their knowledge of OSHA and Workers' Compensation regulations governing on site care.
4. A 'hands-on' practical examination with Dr. Michael Leahy (the developer of ART and company founder).

In addition, ART Corporate Solutions continuously manages the performance and results of all providers to ensure that their licensure and insurance status are maintained, and most importantly, to ensure that all on site corporate care programs deliver the same rapid, cost effective results.  This ensures that our ultimate goal of improving employee health and wellness is acheived with each and every corporate location utilizing the ART On Site Care Program.