Myofascial Release & Active Release Technique in Bel Air & Towson, MD
At Ultimate Health, soft tissue restrictions aren't just "tight muscles"—they're barriers to proper movement and recovery. Our myofascial release (MFR) and Active Release Technique (ART) treatments are precisely applied, evidence-informed manual therapies designed to restore tissue mobility, reduce pain, and improve function. Combined with rehab and chiropractic care, they help your body move better and perform at its best.
Targeted Soft Tissue Therapy to Reduce Pain, Release Restrictions, and Improve Movement
What Is Myofascial Release (MFR)?
MFR focuses on releasing tension in the fascia, the connective tissue that surrounds muscles and joints. Restrictions in fascia can limit range of motion, contribute to pain, and slow rehabilitation.
What Is Active Release Technique (ART)?
ART is a movement-based soft tissue therapy that identifies and treats scar tissue, adhesions, and dysfunctional muscle patterns. During ART, your clinician applies tension to the tissue while guiding you through specific movements to restore proper muscle length and function. Both techniques are evidence-informed and highly targeted—not generic massage-like treatments. Dr. Reed Neubaum is certified in Active Release Technique.
How Myofascial Release and ART Help
These techniques are effective for chronic muscle tightness, trigger points or "knots," postural restrictions, pain that limits movement, and recurring injuries or overuse issues. They're especially valuable before or during rehab, because releasing tissue restrictions allows exercises, adjustments, and movement retraining to work more effectively.
Conditions Commonly Treated
MFR and ART are commonly used for neck and shoulder tension, low back and hip tightness, sciatica or nerve-related restrictions, tennis elbow, golfer's elbow, and other overuse injuries, plantar fasciitis and foot restrictions, post-surgical or scar tissue restrictions, and sports and performance-related movement limitations. If your condition isn't appropriate for soft tissue therapy, we'll guide you toward the most effective treatment.
What Makes Our Approach Different?
Many clinics treat soft tissue passively or superficially. At Ultimate Health, MFR and ART are assessment-driven, movement-based, goal-oriented, and evidence-informed. They pair well with dry needling, massage therapy, and laser therapy. We don't just treat tight muscles—we unlock function.
What to Expect During a Session
- A comprehensive assessment to identify restricted tissues
- Targeted MFR or ART techniques
- Guided movement or exercises to reinforce tissue changes
- Education on posture, stretching, and recovery strategies
Most patients notice improved mobility right away, with continued improvement as active care progresses.
Myofascial Release & ART in Towson & Bel Air, MD
Ultimate Health offers MFR and ART to patients throughout Towson, Bel Air, and surrounding Maryland communities, helping athletes, active adults, and professionals move more freely, recover faster, and reduce pain. Read what patients say about ART on our testimonials page.
Myofascial Release & ART FAQs
What's the difference between ART and massage?
ART is a targeted, movement-based technique that treats specific adhesions and scar tissue while you move, whereas massage typically works more broadly on muscle tension.
Does Active Release Technique hurt?
ART can feel intense over restricted areas, but pressure is always adjusted to your tolerance, and the discomfort is brief.
How many sessions will I need?
Many patients notice improved mobility after the first session. The total number depends on your condition and how long it has been present.
What conditions does ART treat?
ART is used for muscle, tendon, ligament, fascia, and nerve restrictions, including neck and back tightness, sciatica, tennis and golfer's elbow, and plantar fasciitis.
Is myofascial release good for chronic pain?
Yes. Releasing fascial restrictions can reduce pain and improve movement, especially when combined with active rehab.
Can ART help athletes?
Absolutely. ART is widely used by athletes to treat overuse injuries, improve mobility, and support performance.
Will I have homework after treatment?
Usually, yes. Guided exercises and stretches help reinforce the tissue changes made during your session.
Schedule a Soft Tissue Evaluation
If muscle tightness, trigger points, or movement restrictions are limiting your performance or daily life, MFR and ART may help. Call our Bel Air office at (410) 399-2225 or our Towson office at (443) 275-7620, or request your evaluation online.