ART is the Gold Standard for soft tissue release

Dr Cohen is Full Body Certified

Overused muscle and other soft tissue injuries can result in scar tissue and restrictions in motion, and compression of nerves or blood vessels. These altered textures can be diagnosed and treated, often very efficiently by an ART provider.

Active Release Technique (ART) is a soft tissue therapy created by chiropractor and engineer Michael Leahy, used to treat issues with muscles, tendons, ligaments, fascia, and nerves. It involves a practitioner using their hands to apply specific tension and pressure while the patient actively moves through various motions. This technique aims to break up scar tissue, adhesions, and other restrictions in the soft tissues, promoting improved range of motion, decreased pain, and enhanced function.

The ART provider uses hands on treatment and specific patient motion to treat the problem. Many chronic problems clear up quickly with ART when the proper diagnosis and treatment are applied.

ART is very useful for athletes, work and auto injuries, anyone working at computers, gardeners, chefs…in short, just about everyone!

Dr Cohen studied directly under the tutelege of Dr Leahy through his ART Masters program. 

How an ART Session Works

Dr. Cohen first evaluates the texture, tightness, and movement of the affected muscles, tendons, or fascia to pinpoint exactly where restrictions have formed. He then applies hands-on tension to that tissue while you actively move the area through a specific motion. Many chronic problems respond quickly once the right tissue is identified and treated with proper technique — a big part of why accurate diagnosis matters as much as the hands-on work itself.

Who ART Helps

ART is useful for a wide range of people — not just athletes. Dr. Cohen regularly treats:

  • Athletes recovering from overuse or sports injuries
  • Desk and computer workers with repetitive strain patterns
  • Gardeners, chefs, and tradespeople with hands-on, repetitive-motion jobs
  • Anyone recovering from a work or auto injury

Symptoms directly helped by include ART:

  • Swimmer’s shoulder
  • Frozen shoulder
  • Tennis & Golfers elbow
  • Trigger finger
  • Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
  • Wrist & hand weakness & pain
  • Sciatica
  • Plantar Fascitis
  • Knee & ankle pain
  • Cumulative trauma disorders
  • Peripheral nerve entrapments
  • Muscle & ligament tears

How an ART Session Works

Dr. Cohen first evaluates the texture, tightness, and movement of the affected muscles, tendons, or fascia to pinpoint exactly where restrictions have formed. He then applies hands-on tension to that tissue while you actively move the area through a specific motion. Many chronic problems respond quickly once the right tissue is identified and treated with proper technique — a big part of why accurate diagnosis matters as much as the hands-on work itself.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does an ART session feel like? ART involves firm, targeted pressure on the affected tissue while you move through specific motions. It can feel intense in the moment, especially over an area with significant scar tissue, but most patients tolerate it well and feel noticeably looser afterward.

How is ART different from massage? Massage is generally passive and focuses on general relaxation or circulation. ART is an active, diagnostic technique — the practitioner applies precise tension to a specific tissue while the patient actively moves, which is what breaks up adhesions and restores motion more directly than passive soft tissue work.

How many ART sessions will I need? This depends on how long the issue has been present and how much scar tissue or restriction has built up. Some acute issues improve within a few sessions; longer-standing problems may take a series of visits.

Is ART only for athletes? No. While ART is popular with athletes, it's equally effective for desk workers, tradespeople, and anyone with repetitive strain, an old injury, or a chronic movement restriction.

Can ART help with nerve-related symptoms like numbness or tingling? Yes. ART is often used to treat nerve entrapments caused by surrounding soft tissue restrictions, which can relieve numbness, tingling, or weakness tied to compression.

Does ART hurt? Some discomfort during treatment is common, especially in areas with significant restriction, but it should not be sharp or unbearable. Dr. Cohen adjusts pressure based on what each patient can tolerate. Some patients report discomfort for 24-72 hours following an ART session. This is not common, but if it occurs, it will resolve and you will then most likely feel better!

Does insurance cover ART? Yes. ART is classified as myofascial release therapy and billed under the insurance code 97140. 

How do I get started with ART at Innate Chiropractic? Book a consultation with Dr. Cohen to have the affected area evaluated and discuss whether ART, PDTR, or another technique is the right fit for your specific issue.

 

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Dr Cohen working with an Ironman Athlete