Active Release Technique

Active Release Technique (ART) is a hands-on treatment that targets scar tissue to relieve pain and restore movement.

ART uses precise pressure and movement to break up adhesions in soft tissues, improving mobility and reducing pain. This movement-based myofascial release technique addresses a range of issues, including:

  • Muscles (e.g. hamstring, quadriceps, calf strains)

  • Tendonitis (e.g Achilles tendonitis, rotator cuff injuries)

  • Ligament Sprains (e.g ankle sprains)

  • Fascial Tightness (e.g plantar fasciitis, IT band syndrome)

  • Nerve Entrapment (e.g carpal tunnel syndrome, sciatica)

Benefits of ART

Active Release Therapy (ART) offers many benefits for those with musculoskeletal issues. It’s even more effective when paired with other treatments like dry needling. Benefits of ART include:

  • Improves Range of Motion: Releases tight muscles and restores full movement.

  • Reduces Pain: Effectively addresses pain from injuries and overuse.

  • Speeds Recovery: Accelerates healing for both acute and chronic conditions.

  • Prevents Future Injuries: Corrects imbalances to reduce the risk of injury.

  • Boosts Performance: Enhances flexibility and movement, improving athletic performance.

  • Non-invasive & Drug-Free: A safe, natural treatment option without the need for surgery or medication.

How It Works

Active Release Technique (ART) is a hands-on treatment that targets scar tissue caused by repetitive strain, injury, or overuse.

Scar tissue restricts movement, reduces muscle function, and increases the risk of injury. ART works by applying precise pressure and movement to break down scar tissue, allowing the body to reabsorb it and restore proper muscle function.

During treatment, a therapist uses their hands to assess and treat tight or abnormal tissues in muscles, tendons, ligaments, and nerves. This process improves mobility, reduces pain, and helps prevent future injuries.

What to ExpecT

At Elite HP, we use ART to relieve pain, improve movement, and get your muscles working properly again. It’s like a mix of a stretch and a massage — but with a purpose. Here’s what to expect when you come in:

  • Find the tight spot — We locate the tight, sore, or stiff area in your muscle that causing problems.

  • Guide the movement — We’ll ask you to move your body in a certain way, like reaching across your body or lifting your arm.

  • Apply pressure — We press on the tight spot and you perform the movement, releasing tension and breaking up tight tissue.

  • Feel the benefits — Most patients see improvement almost immediately, with more mobility and less pain.

Active Release Technique FAQ

  • Yes, chiropractors undergo extensive education and training to ensure your safety during chiropractic services.

    At Elite HP, our skilled chiropractors prioritise your well-being and use gentle techniques to minimise any potential risks. We always assess your individual health situation to provide safe and effective care.

  • The number of chiropractic sessions needed varies depending on your specific condition and health goals.

    At Elite HP in Brisbane, we create personalised treatment plans tailored to your needs. Some patients experience pain relief after just a few sessions, while others may require ongoing care for more chronic conditions.

    Our chiropractors will assess your progress regularly and work with you to determine the optimal number of sessions to achieve the best results.

  • Absolutely! Chiropractic care, along with massage therapy and dry needling, can help with chronic pain, neck pain, lower back pain and shoulder pain.

    We start by examining and assessing your condition to determine the underlying causes, like spinal misalignments, muscle tension, or joint dysfunction. Then, we create a personalised treatment plan for you.

    A chiropractic adjustment is used to restore proper spine alignment, reducing nerve irritation, muscle tension, and improving joint mobility. Soft tissue therapy involves techniques like massage and myofascial release to address muscle imbalances and tension. Dry needling uses thin needles to target trigger points and release muscle tightness.

    We may also recommend therapeutic exercises and lifestyle adjustments to enhance your overall well-being, posture, and muscle strength.

    Remember, the effectiveness of treatment varies for each person. While some experience significant relief after a few sessions, others with complex conditions may require ongoing care. We'll closely monitor your progress, make necessary adjustments to your treatment plan, and provide guidance on self-care techniques.

  • As a new patient, the timeframe for seeing results from chiropractic treatment can vary depending on factors such as the nature of your condition, its severity, and your individual response to care. Some patients experience immediate relief, while others may require several sessions for noticeable improvements.

    Our dedicated Brisbane chiropractor will monitor your progress closely and work with you to develop a personalised treatment plan that aims to provide optimal results in the shortest possible time.

  • Absolutely! We have HICAPS facilities. This means we can swipe your Private Health Care Fund card and claim on the spot. Then you can choose to pay cash or card to pay the gap. We also accept Medicare (EPC) plans which are provided to you by your family doctor or GP. We are also treatment providers under the Department of Veteran Affairs (DVA) Treatment programs and can treat those eligible under this scheme.

  • Our therapists are heavily trained in orthopaedic examination and functional anatomy as well as have masters degrees. Their experience means they very rarely require imaging. After your thorough history and examination, your practitioner will inform you if they think it is necessary to obtain imaging.

    If you already have them you are more than welcome to bring them to your appointment.

  • It is best, if possible, to wear clothing that allows your chiropractor to see the affected site of pain or injury. Clothing that you would normally wear during exercise or physical activity that is flexible and easy to move in is best.

  • We do accept referrals at Elite HP, but a referral is not necessary to see our Brisbane chiropractor. In some circumstances a GP referral will allow eligible patients to access Medicare rebates. We also accept DVA claims and Work cover upon consultation with your GP.

  • At Elite Health & Performance, our state-of-the-art chiropractic clinic is conveniently located in Bowen Hills, a mere stone's throw away from New Farm, Newstead, Teneriffe, Fortitude Valley, Albion, North Brisbane, South Brisbane and the bustling heart of Brisbane's CBD.