Active release techniques

At North Down Chiro and Physio we are proud to offer Active Release Therapy. Active Release Therapy (ART) is a specialised, hands-on treatment technique used to relieve pain and restore normal movement in muscles, tendons, ligaments, fascia, and nerves. It focuses on restoring normal tissue function after injury, repetitive strain, or poor posture—issues that often lead to tightness, weakness, and limited range of motion. During ART, the practitioner applies precise pressure to the affected soft tissue while guiding the patient through specific movements. This combination of tension and motion helps separate stuck tissue layers, improve blood flow, and promote faster healing. ART is commonly used to treat conditions such as neck pain, shoulder impingement, carpal tunnel syndrome, sciatica, and sports injuries. The goal of the therapy is to restore smooth, pain-free movement and prevent future injury by improving the function of the soft tissues. Active Release Certified practitioners undergo extensive training and testing to maintain standards, with specialised courses on upper limb, lower limb, spine and nerve. 

Our clinic director Luke Neal is an international instructor for Active Release Therapy Europe, this role enables him to travel all over Europe teaching post graduate therapists how to effectively use A.R.T. Luke also lectures internationally for A.R.T producing workshops for European Chiropractors Union, Federation of International Chiropractors in sport, Royal College of Chiropractors. 

Stephen Mawinney, Rachael Castell and Chris Young have also undertaken extra training in this area.