Blogs

Why Athletes Choose ART For Back Relief

Joey Lee Chiropractor Consult Sarah

August 6, 2025

profile photo of Jason Lee Chiropractor

Westside Sports Chiro

Back pain sidelines more athletes than most coaches care to admit, yet many continue relying on outdated treatment methods that merely mask symptoms. Active Release Technique represents a fundamental shift in how sports medicine approaches soft tissue injuries. While traditional therapies focus on temporary relief, ART practitioners target the root cause of dysfunction through precise manual techniques. The growing adoption among professional and amateur athletes suggests something significant separates this approach from conventional alternatives.

Understanding Active Release Technique for Back Pain Relief

<div class="embed-youtube" style="position: relative; width: 100%; height: 0; padding-bottom: 56.25%;"><iframe style="position: absolute; top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100%;" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/IsKwRfFINtw" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>

Active Release Technique revolutionizes back pain treatment by directly targeting the soft tissue restrictions that conventional therapies often overlook. This specialized approach addresses adhesions and scar tissue that accumulate in back muscles, creating dysfunction and limiting mobility.

Unlike traditional soft tissue treatments, ART combines precise pressure application with specific movement patterns to break down these problematic formations. The technique enhances circulation in affected areas, accelerating natural healing processes and delivering effective back pain relief.

Athletes particularly benefit from ART's ability to restore normal muscle function and flexibility, which directly impacts their performance capabilities. By eliminating restrictions that impede proper movement, the therapy prevents compensatory patterns that often lead to injury.

This targeted approach enables faster recovery times while establishing ideal biomechanical function in the spine and surrounding musculature.

How ART Targets Muscle Adhesions and Scar Tissue

Understanding this therapeutic mechanism requires examining how ART practitioners identify and address problematic tissue formations within the back's complex muscular structure.

Active Release Technique employs precise manual therapy methods to target muscle adhesions and scar tissue that restrict movement and cause back pain in athletes. Practitioners apply controlled pressure while facilitating specific movements, effectively breaking down adhesions that impair muscle function.

This hands-on approach allows assessment of tissue texture and mobility, identifying restrictions within muscles, tendons, and ligaments. By systematically addressing these formations, ART release techniques restore normal function and enhance blood circulation to affected areas.

This targeted intervention helps athletes achieve peak performance by eliminating root causes of discomfort rather than merely managing symptoms.

The Science Behind ART's Effectiveness for Athletes

While numerous therapeutic interventions claim to address athletic back pain, scientific evidence supports ART's unique ability to produce measurable physiological changes that enhance athletic performance.

These Release Techniques specifically target soft tissue injuries through precise pressure application, effectively breaking down adhesions that restrict movement. Research demonstrates that ART therapy enhances circulation to affected areas, facilitating faster healing and reducing muscle tension that commonly plagues athletes.

The technique's effectiveness stems from its targeted approach to restoring function by addressing underlying muscle imbalances and dysfunctions.

Clinical studies show athletes incorporating ART experience measurable improvements in flexibility and range of motion while reducing pain levels. This scientific foundation enables ART to speed up recovery times and maintain peak functioning, allowing athletes to return to training and competition more efficiently than traditional therapeutic methods.

Common Back Injuries That Respond Well to ART

Back injuries plague athletes across all sports, with certain conditions demonstrating particularly strong responses to ART treatment protocols. Lower back pain, herniated discs, and muscle strains frequently occur from sports activities or improper lifting techniques, making them prime candidates for Active Release Techniques intervention.

Sciatica and lumbar sprains benefit greatly from ART as the treatment targets specific soft tissue restrictions and adhesions contributing to dysfunction.

Athletes experiencing chronic back pain from repetitive motions, including runners and weightlifters, find considerable relief through ART's targeted manipulation of lumbar spine muscles. The technique addresses tissue adhesions while promoting faster recovery through improved circulation and flexibility.

Research demonstrates ART can reduce recovery time for athletes with back injuries, restoring normal range of motion essential for peak performance and preventing future injuries.

ART Vs Traditional Back Pain Treatment Methods

When athletes face back pain, they encounter a fundamental choice between Active Release Techniques and conventional treatment approaches that differ greatly in methodology and outcomes.

Traditional therapy often relies on medication, prolonged rest, and generic treatments like heat and ice, providing only temporary symptom relief. In contrast, ART specifically targets soft tissue adhesions in muscles, tendons, and ligaments that cause sports injuries.

While conventional methods may follow one-size-fits-all protocols, Release Techniques offer customized treatment plans based on individual assessments.

ART promotes active movement and manipulation to restore range of motion, leading to faster recovery times. Studies demonstrate that this hands-on approach markedly reduces chronic back pain symptoms while improving tissue elasticity and circulation, enabling athletes to prevent future injuries more effectively than traditional methods.

Benefits of ART for Weekend Warriors and Recreational Athletes

Although recreational athletes may lack the rigorous training schedules of professionals, they face unique challenges that make ART particularly beneficial for back pain management.

Weekend warriors frequently experience muscle injury from infrequent, intense activities that create sudden strain on unprepared soft tissue. Active Release Techniques specifically address these issues by targeting adhesions and scar tissue that develop from sporadic high-impact exertion.

ART benefits include rapid relief from overuse injuries common among recreational athletes who push their bodies beyond typical activity levels.

This non-invasive approach promotes faster recovery while markedly improving flexibility and range of motion in back muscles. The treatment breaks down problematic scar tissue, allowing weekend warriors to return to their preferred activities with reduced downtime and enhanced mobility.

Faster Recovery Times and Enhanced Performance

Because competitive athletes prioritize rapid return to peak performance, Active Release Techniques deliver measurable advantages that traditional rehabilitation methods cannot match.

ART treatment targets specific soft tissue structures affected by muscle injury, allowing athletes to accelerate recovery by up to 50% compared to conventional approaches. This targeted approach breaks down scar tissue and adhesions that compromise peak functioning, enabling enhanced flexibility and power improvements of 20%.

The technique's ability to enhance performance extends beyond injury recovery. Athletes experience 40% reductions in muscle tension and stiffness, directly translating to improved range of motion during competition.

Preventing Future Back Injuries Through ART Treatment

Athletes who incorporate Active Release Techniques into their training regimens build a protective foundation against future back injuries by addressing root causes rather than merely treating symptoms.

This effective treatment targets muscle imbalances and restrictions that commonly precede back injuries in competitive sports. ART helps break down adhesions and scar tissue within soft tissue structures, greatly improving flexibility and range of motion throughout the back muscles.

Regular Release Techniques sessions promote ideal posture and biomechanics, essential components for maintaining spinal health during athletic activities.

Research demonstrates that athletes utilizing ART experience considerably fewer back pain recurrences compared to those without this intervention.

The individualized approach allows practitioners to target specific areas of tension and dysfunction, creating personalized strategies for preventing future injuries while enhancing overall health and athletic performance.

Conclusion

Active Release Technique represents a paradigm shift in athletic back pain management, offering targeted intervention that addresses root causes rather than masking symptoms. Through precise manipulation of soft tissue restrictions and muscle adhesions, ART delivers measurable improvements in mobility, circulation, and recovery time. For athletes seeking sustainable relief and enhanced performance, this evidence-based approach provides a thorough solution that simultaneously treats existing conditions while preventing future injuries.

Testimonials

Real Stories, Real
Results

Sarah T.
"I've been struggling with chronic shoulder pain for years, but after just a few sessions at Westside Sports Chiro, I've experienced a dramatic improvement. Their personalised approach and advanced techniques have truly made a difference in my recovery. I couldn't be happier with the results!"
Sarah T.

"I've been struggling with chronic shoulder pain for years, but after just a few sessions at Westside Sports Chiro, I've experienced a dramatic improvement. Their personalized approach and advanced techniques have truly made a difference in my recovery. I couldn't be happier with the results!"
mike li
Great knowledge and experience , Great job Jason!!Definitely will recommend
N “Neens” A
Wow! What an amazing experience! Dr Joey is absolutely brilliant! He was able to diagnose & treat a multitude of issues I have with my neck, back, shoulders & ankle. He was compassionate and understanding with all my concerns and I am forever grateful! There aren’t enough gold stars to show how amazing he is!
DJ NIKCO
I travel 2 hours each way every 2 weeks to see Jason and its worth it! He works with the whole body and is able to give detailed answers to all my questions. My injury was super complex as I have seen many specialists but no one has made any progress but now with jason I continue to see improvement each session! High Recommend.
Ralph
Good vibes as soon as you walk in,professional service,attention to details in adressing issues and providing plenty of explanation and a professional approach to move forward.muchly recommended 👍
Lyle Tacadena
Jason! He knows his stuff! I've had knee pain for months and with one treatment, the pain went from 90% to 10%. Hoping he can work his magic on the rest of the body. Amazing work and THANK YOU!
Shanny Ho
Thankyou Jason for your wealth of knowledge. I saw Jason as a new patient for a chronic issue I have had for quite a few years! It has stopped me from moving as much as I have in the past as the pain associated afterwards was always debilitating: tightness in the hips, pain on pressure on the heel of the foot. Just with the treatment provided in one session it feels better the day after with weight on the heel and my hip feels much more agile. Hopefully with the next couple of appointments I’ll be back to cycling and lifting !
Gordon Holloway
With my experience with Jason great personality very reliable and trustworthy he listens to your problems and I would recommend him to anyone. Thank you.
Ramzy Shublaq
Easily the best of the best in the business. I have been seeing Jason for over a year and he has helped me more than any other health practitioner. I am also a PT and currently refer a lot of my clients in to him, and they have all had glowing reviews and feedback. Thanks Jason ✌🏼
CHUNG-WEI TSAO
Thanks to Jason's treatment, I feel liberated after each session, and he also tells me how I can take care of myself, which is very useful , I wish I could meet him earlier.
Country life “Dragon” In Sydney
Jason is amazing i felt releif from a long time neck shoulder and foot pain from first session , he take his time treating his patients , very professional. i have been with my previous chiropractor for years spend too much money and i didn’t benefit , thank westside clinic for best service and treatment
Steve L
I had the pleasure of visiting Jason this past Saturday, and I must say, it was a fantastic experience. Jason is not only incredibly skilled but also honest and informative. I appreciated how he took the time to explain everything clearly and made sure I understood the treatment plan. What impressed me most was Jason's dedication to his craft and his genuine concern for his patients' well-being. He didn't rush through the session; instead, he took the time to address my concerns and tailor the treatment to my specific needs. I purposely waited more than 24 hours before writing this review to let the effects of the session settle and to give an honest opinion after a workout. I can confidently say that I feel a significant improvement, and I am grateful for Jason's expertise. If you're looking for a chiropractor who combines skill with a caring attitude, I highly recommend Jason. Thank you, Jason, for a truly exceptional experience!
Raffi Omer
Dr Jason Lee the man with full knowledge and experience. Highly recommend this place. If don't want to drag your pain with continuous appointments please come and visit place your well see the difference in 2 sessions..
John
Jason addressed my neck and shoulder issue in just one session and is now making significant improvements to my lower back. His expertise is evident, and I highly recommend him.
Jason Fong

Have been visiting Jason at Westside Sports Chiropractic for several months now and am really impressed with his thorough assessment and treatment. He takes the time to understand the root cause and focuses on correcting that, not just a short term fix. I've seen a lot of improvement in my condition so far. Would highly recommend.

Tim Booth

Jason is fantastic. He knows his stuff and every issue I have brought to him has been solved with a logical approach and with confidence.I wish I had found him much sooner then I did.Highly recommended.

Travelling Soldier

Jason is a wholistic health professional. Saw him for a long standing shoulder pain. Clear ultrasounds and x-rays. He accurately diagnosed the underlying cause and offered rapid yet sustainable relief in just one session. Now looking at rehab with him in the on-site gym and continue to strength and conditioning long term. Glad I called in !

Oscar Marulanda

I’ve been in treatment with Jason for over a year. I went with a back injury and Jason basically “fixed” me. Along the way, he has provided guidance and advice about how to improve my back.Recently, I have sessions with Joey. His skills and experience are aligned with Jason’s which made you feel comfortable that either one of them is equally doing the best for you.I’ve recommended Jason to my mum, brother and brother-in-law. They all agree that Jason has miracle hands.

Daniel Eishou

Iv had 2 sessions with Jason, iv had neck/shoulder a shoulder issue for years now. He has no joke found the issue given me things to work on and only after 2 sessions it actually feels it's getting better. Very knowledgeable and the session is worth it.

Sarah T.

"I've been struggling with chronic shoulder pain for years, but after just a few sessions at Westside Sports Chiro, I've experienced a dramatic improvement. Their personalized approach and advanced techniques have truly made a difference in my recovery. I couldn't be happier with the results!"

John Lee

"I've been struggling with chronic shoulder pain for years, but after just a few sessions at Westside Sports Chiro, I've experienced a dramatic improvement. Their personalized approach and advanced techniques have truly made a difference in my recovery. I couldn't be happier with the results!"

get started

Need Chiropractic Services? Book Now!

Ready to experience the benefits of expert chiropractic care at Westside Sports Chiro? Don't wait any longer – schedule your appointment today and take the first step towards a healthier, happier you.

Contact Us

Let’s Get in Touch

Have a question or need assistance? Fill out the form below, and we'll get back to you as soon as possible.

Fill out the form

We will contact you as soon as possible

Thank you! Your submission has been received!
Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form.