Active Release Techniques
If pain keeps returning to the same spot no matter how much you rest, stretch, or foam roll, the problem is often deeper than the muscle itself. Active Release Techniques (ART) is a hands-on movement-based treatment designed to find and release the actual source of that recurring pain — not just the symptom.
What is ART?
ART is a patented soft-tissue system that treats problems with muscles, tendons, ligaments, fascia, and nerves. Adhesions and scar tissue can build up in these tissues after an injury, from overuse, or from repetitive movement — and once they form, they restrict motion, trap nerves, and change the way you move without you realizing it.During treatment, Dr. Bernatz combines precise hand tension with very specific patient movements to locate the exact texture, tightness, and length of the affected tissue, then works to break up the adhesion so the tissue can move and function normally again.
Who ART helps
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Repetitive strain injuries from work, lifting, or endurance training
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Nerve entrapments causing numbness, tingling, or radiating pain
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Chronic tendonitis (tennis elbow, golfer's elbow, Achilles, rotator cuff)
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Scar tissue restrictions from past injury or surgery
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Runners, cyclists, and CrossFit athletes dealing with overuse patterns
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Carpal tunnel and other compression-related nerve symptoms
What to expect
Dr. Nate Bernatz holds advanced ART certifications, including Long Nerve Entrapment, former Elite Provider, and Ironman Provider — credentials that go beyond standard ART certification and focus specifically on complex nerve involvement and high-demand athletes. Sessions are hands-on and interactive: you'll move through specific positions while Dr. Bernatz applies precise tension to the tissue, rather than lying passively for treatment.
Many patients feel noticeable improvement in range of motion and pain within the first one to three sessions, particularly for issues that haven't responded well to rest or generic stretching.
Why choose VAST Chiropractic, Inc.
VAST Chiropractic, Inc. located inside Ute CrossFit at 633 E 3300 S, Salt Lake City, is built specifically around overuse and repetitive movement injuries. Dr. Bernatz often pairs ART with trigger point dry needling and chiropractic manipulation in the same visit when it's the fastest path to results. We're a self-pay practice with flat-rate, time-based pricing and itemized receipts for insurance reimbursement.
FAQ
What conditions does ART treat?
ART is effective for tendonitis, tendinosis, nerve entrapments, repetitive strain injuries, scar tissue restrictions, and chronic tightness that hasn't responded to rest or stretching.
Is ART painful?
ART involves direct pressure combined with movement, so some tenderness during treatment is normal, especially over an active problem area — most patients find it tolerable and see quick results.
What is the difference between ART and a deep tissue massage?
ART combines precise hand tension with specific patient movement patterns to target a single restricted structure, while massage is more general and passive.
How many ART sessions are typical?
Many patients notice improved range of motion and reduced pain within their first visit, though chronic or long-standing issues may need ongoing treatment.
Is ART covered by insurance?
VAST Chiropractic is self-pay with flat-rate pricing, and we provide itemized receipts you can submit to your insurance for possible reimbursement.
VAST Chiropractic, Inc.
633 E 3300 S Suite B
Salt Lake City, UT 84106
801.566.5864
vastchiropractic@gmail.com