Active Release Technique® in Spokane Valley.
Active Release Technique (ART) is a hands-on method that helps release tight, restricted soft tissue so you can move better and feel better. Combined with massage therapy, it goes after the specific tissue behind stubborn pain.
What is Active Release Technique?
Active Release Technique (ART) is a hands-on soft-tissue method used to treat muscles, tendons, fascia, and the tissue around nerves. The provider applies targeted pressure to a restricted area while you move the tissue through a specific motion, helping to release tightness, adhesions, and scar tissue that can limit movement and cause pain.
Soft tissue can become tight or restricted after an injury, from repetitive strain, or from long hours in the same position. Over time, that tissue can lose its glide and flexibility, which may show up as stiffness, aching, or pain that keeps coming back. ART is designed to find the specific tissue that is restricted and work it directly, rather than treating the whole area the same way.
Certified ART provider, Spine Level 1Reid Popp, LMT
Reid recently earned his ART Spine Level 1 certification and is the only ART-certified massage therapist in Spokane Valley. He has been practicing massage therapy for nearly 15 years, and his biggest goal is simple: help people get out of pain, feel better, and get back to enjoying the things they love.
His style is still massage therapy. ART techniques are a precise, evidence-based addition, so he can pair the broad relief of massage with targeted work on the exact tissue that needs it and fit each session to what your body actually needs.
Certifications
- Active Release Technique, Spine Level 1
- Craniosacral
- Osteopathic
- Intraoral/TMJ
Specialties
- Auto accident injuries
- Chronic conditions
- Traumatic brain injury
What can ART Spine Level 1 treat?
Spine Level 1 techniques can be used to treat a broad list of soft-tissue dysfunctions.
Chronic back pain
Ongoing tightness and restriction in the muscles and soft tissue around the spine, from the low back through the torso.
Headaches
Tension in the head, neck, and upper back can contribute to headaches. ART targets the soft tissue involved.
TMJ and jaw pain
Our therapists have advanced training in intraoral massage for jaw pain, so we can address the jaw and neck together.
Vertigo
Soft-tissue dysfunction of the head and neck is one of the areas ART Spine Level 1 is trained to evaluate and treat.
Concussion symptoms
Neck and head soft-tissue dysfunction can accompany concussion symptoms, and ART can be part of a care plan.
Other soft-tissue dysfunction
Neck pain, shoulder tension, and movement restrictions linked to injury, repetitive strain, or auto accidents.
How do ART and massage therapy work together?
ART and massage therapy both work on soft tissue, but they solve different parts of the problem. Massage is excellent for circulation, relaxation, and overall muscle tension. ART is precise: it goes after the specific restriction, adhesion, or scar tissue that keeps a problem from resolving. Because we offer both massage therapy and ART techniques, we can bring both to your care.
Broad relief
- Improves circulation to tired muscles
- Relaxes general tension and soreness
- Supports recovery and flexibility
- Helps you feel better overall
Targeted release
- Finds the specific restricted tissue
- Works on adhesions and scar tissue
- Restores movement through the tissue
- Suited to problems that keep returning
Relaxed and restored
- Muscles relax while problem spots are addressed directly
- Massage and ART techniques used together in one session
- A plan built around your goals, from pain relief to performance
What happens during an ART session?
Talk and assess
We listen to your history and goals, then check how you move to see where tissue is restricted.
Locate the restriction
Using the ART Diagnostic Algorithm, we identify the specific muscle or soft tissue involved.
Treat with pressure and motion
We apply targeted tension to that tissue while you move through a guided motion, using one of the 48 manual protocols. Some spots can feel intense as tight tissue releases, so tell us what you feel.
Plan your next steps
We recommend how often to come in and how to combine ART with massage therapy for your goals.
Active Release Technique FAQs
We do. Spinal and Sports Care offers ART techniques as part of massage therapy in Spokane Valley. Our team includes the only ART-certified massage therapist in Spokane Valley, who recently earned ART Spine Level 1 certification and has nearly 15 years of massage therapy experience.
Massage therapy relaxes muscles and improves circulation across a broad area. ART targets a specific restricted muscle, tendon, or fascia by applying pressure while you move through a set motion, helping release adhesions and scar tissue. Many people benefit from both.
ART Spine Level 1 teaches providers to detect and treat soft-tissue dysfunctions of the head, neck, back, torso, and the structures around the spinal column. Providers learn the ART Diagnostic Algorithm and 48 manual protocols for evaluating and treating these disorders. We hold this certification on our massage therapy team.
Spine Level 1 techniques can be used for a broad list of soft-tissue dysfunctions, including chronic back pain, headaches, TMJ, vertigo, and concussion symptoms. We can tell you at your visit whether ART is a good fit for what you are experiencing.
ART can feel intense at times, because pressure is applied to tight or restricted tissue while you move. Many people describe it as a “good hurt” that eases as the tissue releases. We work with you and adjust to your comfort level.
Use the online new patient scheduler at spinalandsportscare.com/new-patient-scheduling or call 509-922-0303 to book a massage. ART techniques are part of our massage therapy sessions, and our team can answer questions and help you get scheduled.
Massage therapy and ART are not a substitute for medical diagnosis or emergency care. Results vary from person to person.
Book a massage with us.
Have more questions? Our team is happy to answer them at 509-922-0303. Learn more about massage therapy at Spinal and Sports Care.