Active Release Therapy

Active Release Therapy (ART) is a hands-on soft tissue treatment that can relieve pain, improve mobility, and restore proper muscle function. This therapy targets scar tissue and tension that develop in muscles, tendons, ligaments, and nerves due to injury or repetitive movements.

Active Release Therapy in Calgary

Daily activities such as typing, sitting, lifting, or repetitive movements can place stress on the body’s soft tissues. Over time, this stress can lead to small tears, reduced oxygen to tissues, and the buildup of scar tissue. This can limit movement, cause stiffness, and lead to pain. Active Release Therapy is designed to break down this scar tissue and restore normal movement and function.

Active Release Technique® (ART) focuses on soft tissues that have developed scar tissue due to injury, overuse, or repetitive strain. During treatment, the practitioner uses their hands to evaluate the texture, tightness, and mobility of the muscles and surrounding tissues. Once the affected area is identified, targeted pressure and stretching movements are applied to break down scar tissue and restore proper tissue movement.

active release therapy calgary

Why Choose Riverside Sports Therapy?

Proudly serving Calgary and Cochrane, we combine modern treatment techniques with a personalized, patient-focused approach. At Riverside Sports Therapy, we prioritize:

  • Personalized Treatment Plans – Every active release therapy Calgary or Cochrane session is tailored to your injury, symptoms, and recovery goals.
  • Evidence-Based Care – Active release therapy is a proven method for treating soft tissue injuries, scar tissue, and repetitive strain conditions.
  • Integrated Care Approach – Active release therapy can be combined with chiropractic care, physiotherapy, osteopathy, or rehabilitation exercises for a more comprehensive recovery plan.
  • Performance & Recovery Focused – Whether you are an athlete, active individual, or dealing with chronic pain, our team focuses on helping you move better and return to your normal activities.
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Conditions Active Release Therapy Can Help Treat

Active Release Therapy is commonly used to treat a wide range of musculoskeletal conditions that can develop from sports injuries, repetitive workplace movements, poor posture, or everyday physical stress, including:

  • Headaches
  • Back pain
  • Neck pain
  • Shoulder pain
  • Hip pain
  • Sciatica
  • Carpal tunnel syndrome
  • Tennis elbow
  • Golfer’s elbow
  • Tendonitis
  • Shin splints
  • Plantar fasciitis
  • Knee problems
  • Wrist pain
  • TMJ disorders
  • Leg pain
Our Services

Other Treatment Services

Chiropractic

Restore alignment, relieve pain, and improve mobility. Chiropractic care focuses on precise spinal adjustments, hands-on techniques, and corrective movement to support proper function.

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Physiotherapy

Restore movement, reduce pain, and rebuild strength. Physiotherapy uses customized exercise programs, hands-on techniques, and structured rehabilitation.


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Osteopathy

Using gentle, hands-on techniques, osteopathy improves mobility, relieves tension, and supports the body’s natural healing process by addressing structural imbalances.

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Athletic Therapy

Designed to prevent, assess, and rehabilitate sports and activity-related injuries, this service helps individuals return to peak performance safely and efficiently.

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Massage Therapy

Hands-on treatment designed to reduce muscle tension, improve circulation, and promote relaxation while supporting injury recovery.

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Shockwave Therapy

A non-invasive treatment that uses sound waves to help reduce pain and promote healing in injured tissues, improving blood flow and repairing muscles.

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  • 5.0

    “I had a Chiropractor appointment with Matt Kadar and it was a fantastic experience! His approach is focused on what your body needs rather than just cracking you and sending you on your way. Highly would recommend seeing him especially if you have an injury of some sort.”
    Tegan Bey

Active Release Therapy FAQs

Some patients may feel mild discomfort during treatment as tight tissues and scar tissue are being addressed. However, the pressure is controlled and most people experience relief and improved movement after the session.

Active Release Therapy (ART) and massage therapy both involve hands-on treatment of muscles and soft tissues, but they differ in technique and purpose.


Active Release Therapy (ART) targets specific areas of scar tissue, adhesions, and tight muscles. The practitioner applies precise pressure while moving the muscle through its range of motion to break up scar tissue, restore proper muscle function, and improve mobility. ART is highly specific and goal-oriented, often addressing injuries, repetitive strain, or chronic pain.

Massage therapy, in contrast, focuses on relaxing muscles, reducing tension, and improving circulation. Techniques are usually broader, aiming to relieve overall stress, soreness, and tightness rather than directly correcting scar tissue or restoring precise muscle function.

In short, ART is therapeutic and corrective, while massage therapy is relaxing and supportive, though both can complement each other in a recovery plan.

Appointments typically last around 30 minutes, depending on the area being treated and the severity of the condition.

The number of treatments varies depending on the injury, how long you’ve had symptoms, and your activity level. Some patients notice improvement after just a few sessions.

Your practitioner may recommend light movement, stretching, or specific exercises to help maintain the improvements achieved during treatment and support long-term recovery.

Book Your Appointment Today

Our team at Riverside Sports Therapy is here to help you relieve pain, reduce stress, recover well, and prevent injuries. Book an appointment online or contact us today for an active release therapy Calgary session or at our Cochrane location with one of our experienced and knowledgeable practitioners. 

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