ACTIVE RELEASE TECHNIQUES®

Active Release Techniques® (ART®) is a specialized, hands-on treatment designed to relieve soft tissue tension and improve mobility. Whether you’re dealing with chronic pain, an injury, or restricted movement, ART® helps restore function and optimize performance by targeting adhesions and scar tissue within muscles, tendons, ligaments, and nerves.

The Power of Active Release Techniques® (ART®)

Everyday activities, repetitive motions, and past injuries can lead to muscle tightness and restricted movement. Our providers customize ART® techniques to identify and treat these problem areas, helping you move without pain and perform at your best.

By applying precise pressure while guiding you through specific movements, ART® breaks down problematic scar tissue in your muscles and nerves, improving your circulation, flexibility, and function.

Benefits of Active Release Techniques®

  • Relieves muscle and joint pain
  • Improves flexibility and range of motion
  • Enhances athletic performance
  • Reduces recovery time from injuries
  • Addresses nerve entrapment issues
  • Helps prevent future injuries

Prevention-Focused Care

At Pinnacle Hill Chiropractic, we emphasize prevention as a key component of long-term wellness. ART® is not only effective for treating current injuries but also plays a crucial role in reducing future musculoskeletal issues. By keeping your muscles and soft tissues functioning optimally, ART®® helps reduce the risk of repetitive strain injuries and chronic pain.

Common Injuries and Conditions We Treat

Sports & Overuse Injuries

  • Tennis elbow
  • Golfer’s elbow
  • Runner’s knee
  • IT band syndrome

Chronic Pain & Mobility Issues

Nerve-Related Conditions

Now that you understand what conditions ART® can treat, let’s look at who can benefit most from this technique.

Who Can Benefit from ART®?

ART® is ideal for:

  • Athletes looking to enhance performance and recovery
  • Office workers experiencing repetitive strain injuries
  • Individuals with chronic pain or mobility limitations
  • Those recovering from injuries or surgeries

Our Treatment Approach

Assessment

Each ART® session begins with a thorough assessment to identify areas of restriction, pain, and dysfunction. Our providers use precise palpation techniques to pinpoint adhesions (stuck tissue) and soft tissue restrictions.

Treatment

Our chiropractors apply targeted pressure to break up adhesions and restore normal function while guiding you through specific movements. We personalize every ART® session to meet your specific needs, ensuring effective relief and improved mobility.

Techniques and Modalities Used

  • Active Release Techniques® (ART®) – Targeted soft tissue therapy to release tight muscles
  • Myofascial Release – Relieves tension in the fascia (the thin covering around muscles)
  • Instrument-Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization (IASTM) – Uses special tools to break up scar tissue, improve blood flow, and reduce muscle pain or stiffness
  • Corrective Exercises – Strengthens and stabilizes affected areas to maintain improvements

With these powerful techniques at our disposal, we can help you achieve lasting relief.

Meet Our ART® Certified Providers

Our experienced chiropractors are trained in ART® and other advanced soft tissue techniques to help you achieve lasting relief and optimal performance.

Dr. Mike Penkin is an ART® Certified Provider with a focus on low back pain, disc injuries, and sports-related complaints. Drawing from his own experience with chronic low back pain, he uses a personalized and evidence-based approach to help patients return to an active, pain-free lifestyle.

Dr. Sarah Tirimacco is the only women’s health ART® Certified Provider in Rochester, NY, with advanced training in prenatal and postpartum care. She integrates ART® into her treatment of pelvic pain, postpartum recovery, and endometriosis-related complaints, helping women move and feel better at every stage of life.

Dr. Tim Daly is an ART® Certified Provider specializing in shoulder injuries, nerve entrapments, and hip complaints. With a background in strength and conditioning, he combines hands-on care and targeted rehab to restore function and reduce pain for active individuals.

Dr. Kieran Villnave is an ART® Certified Provider passionate about inclusive care, injury rehab, and flexibility training. She utilizes ART® to support patients recovering from injury, improving mobility, and navigating pregnancy-related complaints with confidence.

Dr. Zack Spatol is an ART® Certified Provider who treats a wide range of musculoskeletal complaints, from sports injuries to ergonomic and postural dysfunction. With a background in biology and a passion for movement, he uses ART® to help his patients feel and function their best.

Schedule Your ART® Assessment Today

Don’t let pain or restricted movement hold you back. Experience the benefits of ART® and take the next step toward better mobility and performance.

Frequently Asked Questions About ART®

ART® applies precise pressure to soft tissues while guiding patients through specific movements. This combination breaks down adhesions, improves circulation, and restores normal function to muscles, tendons, and nerves.

ART® is a targeted, movement-based technique that focuses on breaking down adhesions and restoring mobility. Unlike massage therapy, which promotes relaxation and circulation, ART® actively treats soft tissue restrictions. ART® also differs from traditional chiropractic adjustments, which primarily focus on joint alignment. Many patients benefit from combining these approaches.

ART® helps with back pain, shoulder pain, knee pain, joint pain, sciatica, carpal tunnel syndrome, headaches, and more.

ART® involves precise, hands-on pressure combined with patient movement. Some discomfort may occur, but most describe it as a “good pain” that leads to relief and improved mobility.

Many patients experience noticeable improvements within a few sessions. The number of treatments needed varies based on the severity of the issue.

For additional information, please refer to our Patient Information page.

Dr. Mike and his team are absolutely amazing. After dealing with knee pain for several years, going through surgery and PT, I never experienced help like I did with his services. He was super thorough, explaining to me things no doctor ever did, and really helped me understand the mechanics of my body and ways to help elevate the pain I was in.