Active Release
Active Release Techniques at Sterling Spinal Wellness
Hands-on treatment for stubborn muscle, tendon and nerve-related pain
Active Release Techniques (ART) is a specialised, hands-on therapy used to treat problems with muscles, tendons, ligaments, fascia and nerves. It focuses on breaking down tight, fibrotic tissue that can build up after injury, overuse or poor posture.
During ART, your clinician uses precise tension and movement to free up restricted soft tissues and improve how they glide over one another. This can reduce pain, restore normal movement and help you get back to the activities you enjoy.
At Sterling Spinal Wellness, ART is delivered by clinicians with advanced training in soft tissue techniques. It is always used as part of a personalised treatment plan, based on a full assessment of your spine, joints, muscles and movement patterns.
What to Expect from an ART Session
At your first visit, your clinician will take a detailed history and assess how you move. They will look for areas of tightness, weakness and altered movement that may be contributing to your pain.
During treatment, specific muscles, tendons or nerves are placed in a shortened position. Your clinician then applies focused tension with their hands while guiding the area through a controlled movement. This helps break down adhesions and restore normal tissue glide.
You may feel a firm, targeted pressure and a “good ache” as the tight tissue is treated. Some areas can be briefly tender, but treatment is always kept within your comfort levels, and you can ask to pause at any time. Mild post-treatment soreness for 24–48 hours is common and usually settles quickly.
Most people need a short course of sessions, often combined with chiropractic or osteopathic care, physiotherapy, and specific rehab exercises. Your clinician will explain how many sessions are likely to be helpful and how ART fits into your overall recovery plan.
Muscle Tightness & Knots
Effective for chronic muscle tension and myofascial trigger points that haven't responded to traditional stretching or massage.
Hip & Gluteal Pain
Helps resolve discomfort in the hip and gluteal region, including piriformis syndrome and restricted hip mobility.
Conditions Active Release Techniques Can Help With
ART is a specialised hands-on therapy designed to address issues within muscles, tendons, ligaments, and nerves by releasing restrictive scar tissue and adhesions.
Suitability for ART is always assessed individually by your clinician. Treatment is typically integrated with other manual therapies and structured rehabilitation for long-term clinical benefit.
Nerve Entrapment
Addresses symptoms like sciatica or carpal tunnel where nerves may be restricted by surrounding soft tissue adhesions.
Repetitive Strain
Focuses on forearm and wrist issues caused by repetitive motion, common in desk-based work or specific manual tasks.
Shoulder Issues
Commonly used for rotator cuff strains and shoulder impingement by restoring proper movement patterns in the joint.
Overuse & Overload
Ideal for runners, cyclists, and athletes dealing with postural strain or overuse injuries from intense activity.
How Active Release Techniques May Help You
Muscle Stiffness Relief
Releases tight, overworked muscles and fascia to reduce stiffness and “knots”.
Nerve Mobility
Improves nerve mobility where soft tissues are contributing to irritation or entrapment-type symptoms.
Better Movement Range
Restores smoother, more efficient movement in problem areas like the neck, shoulders, hips and lower back.
Faster Recovery
Supports faster recovery from overuse and sports injuries when combined with load management and rehab.
Long-Term Health
Helps maintain long-term spinal and joint health as part of a structured treatment and exercise plan.
Book an Active Release Techniques Assessment
Active Release Techniques at Sterling Spinal Wellness is always provided as part of a personalised care plan. Before starting treatment, your clinician will carry out a full assessment to understand your symptoms, medical history and goals.
ART is not suitable for every condition. If it is not the right option for you, we will explain why and discuss alternative treatments that may be more appropriate. You will always have time to ask questions and decide what feels right for you.
To find out whether Active Release Techniques could help your pain or injury, you can book an appointment online or contact the clinic by phone or email. Our team will be happy to guide you through the next steps and arrange a time that works for you.
Active Release Techniques FAQs
Is Active Release Techniques (ART) safe?
Yes, ART is a very safe, non-invasive therapy used by medical professionals worldwide to treat soft tissue injuries safely and effectively.
Does the treatment hurt?
You may feel some pressure or a 'good ache' as we release tight areas, but the intensity is always controlled to ensure you remain comfortable throughout.
How does Active Release Techniques work?
Your clinician uses manual tension and specific movements to break down scar tissue and adhesions, restoring normal glide and mobility to your muscles and nerves.
How many sessions will I need?
Most patients in West London see results within 4–6 sessions, though we will provide a specific plan based on your individual assessment and goals.
Who is ART suitable for?
ART is suitable for anyone dealing with chronic muscle tightness, repetitive strain, or sports injuries, from office workers to professional athletes.