Active release technique (ART)

Break up scar tissue, relieve muscle tension, and restore movement with one of the most effective soft tissue therapies available.

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What Is Active Release Technique?

Active Release Technique (ART) is a hands-on, movement-based therapy that targets soft tissue restrictions caused by overuse, injury, or chronic tension. By combining precise manual pressure with guided patient movement, ART helps break down adhesions, reduce nerve entrapment, and restore optimal mobility.

What Can It Help With?

ART is highly effective for treating:

Neck, back, and shoulder tightness
Carpal tunnel syndrome and nerve impingement
Plantar fasciitis and shin splints
Hip and knee dysfunction
Tennis elbow or golfer’s elbow
Chronic soft tissue pain and stiffness
Postural strain or repetitive stress injuries

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WHY IT MATTERS

Every time your body experiences stress, overuse, or trauma—whether from working out, sitting at a desk, or repetitive motion—it responds by laying down scar tissue in an attempt to heal. Over time, this dense tissue can restrict movement, trap nerves, and lead to chronic tension or pain.

Active Release Technique (ART) is designed to find and fix those problems. It’s one of the most effective and respected soft tissue treatments used by chiropractors, physical therapists, and sports medicine professionals worldwide.

During an ART session at Function Performance, your provider will assess areas of tension or restriction and then apply targeted pressure while guiding you through specific movements. This allows us to isolate and release the exact tissue that’s causing pain or limiting motion—whether it’s a muscle, tendon, ligament, or nerve pathway.

What makes ART different is its precision. It’s not a massage, and it’s not a general stretch. It’s a focused, hands-on technique that treats the cause of the problem, not just the symptoms. Clients often feel improvement in mobility, pain relief, or nerve function after just a few sessions.

ART is also incredibly versatile. We use it for athletes recovering from injury, professionals with desk-related posture issues, and anyone who feels like their body is “stuck” due to tightness or poor movement patterns.

Our team doesn’t use ART in isolation—we combine it with chiropractic care, corrective exercises, rehab, or laser therapy depending on what your body needs most. That’s the benefit of working with an integrated team: you get the right tools, in the right order, at the right time.

If you’re dealing with chronic stiffness, nerve irritation, or mobility restrictions, ART can be the key to unlocking long-term relief and better movement.

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Feel the Release—And the Relief

Break free from stubborn tightness and get back to moving with ease.

Why ART Delivers Results

Active Release Technique addresses the root cause of soft tissue dysfunction, helping you move freely and feel better—faster.

Precise, Hands-On Technique

Targets the exact muscle, tendon, or nerve pathway causing restriction.

Releases Scar Tissue and Adhesions

Breaks up the dense tissue that limits motion and causes pain.

Speeds Recovery From Overuse Injuries

Excellent for repetitive strain conditions like tennis elbow or plantar fasciitis.

Improves Nerve Function

Frees compressed or irritated nerves, reducing numbness, tingling, or weakness.

Enhances Mobility and Performance

Helps you move better—whether you’re at work, at play, or in training.

Pairs With Rehab and Chiropractic

Integrates into a personalized plan for total recovery and injury prevention.

Let’s Free Up What’s Holding You Back

Targeted relief that helps your muscles, joints, and nerves move like they’re supposed to.

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Our Practitioners

Ben Hokenson DC, DACBSP
Chiropractor
Dr. Ben is a 2008 graduate of University of Western states earning his doctorate of chiropractic degree with many years of clinical practice and continual training.

Meet Ben →
Kyle Bangs DC, MS, CCSP, CSCS
Chiropractor
Dr. Kyle Bangs is a native to the Pacific Northwest — growing up hiking, fishing and staying active with various sports and recreation in SW Washington.

Meet Kyle →

Certifications and Therapy

Our team has several certifications including:

Active Release Technique (ART)

Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS)

Diplomate of the American Chiropractic Board of Sports Physicians (DACBSP)

Doctor of Chiropractic (DC)

Functional Movement Screen Certified

Graston certification

Lightforce Therapy

Masters of Science in Sports Medicine

Normatec

Physical Rehabilitation

Why Choose Function Performance?

At Function Performance, massage therapy is part of an integrated treatment model designed to get results. When you choose us, you get:

Certified ART Providers
Our team is trained in proper ART protocols for safe, effective treatment.
Root-Cause Approach
We don’t guess—we assess, target, and treat the specific tissue involved.
Integrated Soft Tissue Solutions
ART is part of a complete care plan, not a one-off session.
Trusted by Athletes and Active Professionals
From injury recovery to mobility enhancement, we help you get back to what you love.

We don’t do cookie-cutter massage. We tailor everything to you.

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Common Questions About Active release technique (ART)

Does ART hurt?

You may feel some pressure or mild discomfort in tight or restricted areas, but treatment is always adjusted to your comfort level.

How is ART different from massage or stretching?

ART uses precise pressure with guided movement to break up adhesions in specific tissues—not just general muscle relaxation.

How long is a typical ART session?

Most ART sessions last 15–30 minutes and are often part of a larger treatment visit.

Can I combine ART with other therapies?

Absolutely. ART works great with chiropractic care, rehab, laser therapy, and corrective movement plans.

Who is ART best for?

Anyone experiencing muscle tightness, nerve pain, or movement limitations—from athletes to office workers to weekend warriors.

Get the perfomance results you are looking for today.

Schedule An Appointment

Active release technique (ART)

What Is Active Release Technique?

What Can It Help With?

WHY IT MATTERS

Feel the Release—And the Relief

Why ART Delivers Results

Precise, Hands-On Technique

Releases Scar Tissue and Adhesions

Speeds Recovery From Overuse Injuries

Improves Nerve Function

Enhances Mobility and Performance

Pairs With Rehab and Chiropractic

Let’s Free Up What’s Holding You Back

Our Practitioners

Ben Hokenson DC, DACBSP

Kyle Bangs DC, MS, CCSP, CSCS

Certifications and Therapy

Why Choose Function Performance?

Certified ART Providers

Root-Cause Approach

Integrated Soft Tissue Solutions

Trusted by Athletes and Active Professionals

Common Questions About Active release technique (ART)

Does ART hurt?

How is ART different from massage or stretching?

How long is a typical ART session?

Can I combine ART with other therapies?

Who is ART best for?