Active Release Techniques (ART) is a soft tissue method that focuses on stretching tissue which has been habitually overloaded. The overloading of the tissue can result in tissue tension adhesions and tissue discomfort as well as chronic tissue dysfunction.

The treatment itself involves the application of pressure and or shear forces whilst the muscle is firstly contracted (actively shortened) then whilst maintaining muscular pressure the muscle is actively moved from the shortened to the lengthened position. The pressure applied, whilst the muscle actively moves between the shortened to the lengthened position increases the tissue circulation, breaking tissue adhesions and increases tissue repair.