How Does Active Release Technique (ART) Help Sports Injuries?
Sports injuries are an unfortunate reality for athletes, whether you’re competing at a high level or simply staying active for fun and fitness. Muscle strains, sprains, and repetitive overuse injuries can slow you down and keep you off the field or away from your training routine. Fortunately, there are advanced therapies available that not only speed recovery but also help prevent injuries from coming back.
At Precision Chiropractic & Rehab, Dr. Kurt Barnhill is one of the few local chiropractors certified in Active Release Technique (ART) — a specialized, hands-on therapy that has become a game changer for athletes in Stuart, Jensen Beach, and Palm City, FL.
What Is Active Release Technique (ART)?
Active Release Technique is a manual therapy designed to break up scar tissue, release adhesions, and restore normal movement to muscles, fascia, ligaments, and tendons. Unlike general massage or stretching, ART involves precise tension and movement applied by a trained provider.
When the body experiences repetitive strain or an injury, scar tissue and adhesions can form in soft tissues. These adhesions restrict blood flow, limit range of motion, and often cause pain or numbness. Over time, they can also lead to weakness, poor biomechanics, and a greater risk of recurring injuries.
ART works by targeting those areas of tightness or restriction, breaking up scar tissue, and freeing up the muscles and surrounding tissues. The result is better movement, improved circulation, and reduced pain.
How ART Helps Athletes
Athletes rely on healthy, resilient muscles to perform at their best. When overuse injuries or strains occur, ART provides several unique benefits:
- Speeds Up Recovery
ART improves circulation and helps the body clear out waste products from injured tissue. This allows muscles and fascia to heal more quickly, getting athletes back to training and competition faster. - Restores Flexibility and Range of Motion
Adhesions in the muscles and fascia can make athletes feel “tight” and limit their ability to move freely. By breaking down those adhesions, ART restores natural flexibility and motion, which is critical for both performance and injury prevention. - Reduces Scar Tissue Buildup
After an injury, scar tissue can form and reduce the smooth glide of muscles, tendons, and ligaments. ART helps minimize this buildup, leading to healthier tissue and better long-term outcomes. - Prevents Recurring Injuries
Many athletes deal with the same injuries over and over again — hamstring pulls, IT band pain, shoulder impingement, or plantar fasciitis. ART addresses the root cause by eliminating restrictions, so the same injury doesn’t keep coming back.
Common Sports Injuries Treated with ART
Active Release Technique is effective for a wide variety of athletic injuries, including:
Runner’s knee and IT band syndrome
Shin splints and calf strains
Hamstring or quadriceps pulls
Plantar fasciitis and foot pain
Shoulder impingement and rotator cuff injuries
Tennis elbow and golfer’s elbow
Hip flexor strains and low back pain
Whether you’re training for a marathon, playing high school sports, or staying active at the gym, ART can help you recover from injuries that come with repetitive movement and overuse.
Why Choose Precision Chiropractic & Rehab?
Dr. Kurt Barnhill has advanced certification in ART, making him one of the few providers in the Treasure Coast area offering this specialized therapy. Combined with chiropractic adjustments, physical therapy, and individualized rehab programs, patients at Precision Chiropractic & Rehab receive a comprehensive approach to healing and injury prevention.
Our team works with athletes from local high schools like South Fork, Martin County, and Jensen Beach, as well as recreational and competitive athletes throughout Stuart, Jensen Beach, and Palm City. Whether you’re recovering from an injury or trying to prevent one, you’ll receive care tailored to your goals and activity level.
Book Your ART Session Today
Don’t let sports injuries keep you on the sidelines. Active Release Technique can help restore your performance, improve recovery time, and keep you moving at your best.
📞 Call (772) 223-0447 today to schedule your appointment with Precision Chiropractic & Rehab in Stuart, Jensen Beach, or Palm City, FL.