Active Release Technique (ART)
Brooklyn's go-to soft tissue technique for athletes who want real answers — not just symptom relief.
What Is Active Release Technique?
Active Release Technique — commonly called ART — is a hands-on soft tissue therapy that identifies and releases adhesions, scar tissue, and restrictions in muscles, tendons, fascia, and nerves. It was developed by Dr. P. Michael Leahy and is used by elite athletes and professional sports teams worldwide.
ART works by combining manual contact with active patient movement. During a session, Dr. Fidler applies targeted tension to a specific tissue while you move through a prescribed range of motion. This breaks up adhesions, restores normal tissue glide, and releases trapped or compressed nerves — often producing immediate changes in pain, range of motion, or strength.
What ART Treats
ART is effective for a wide range of musculoskeletal conditions, including:
Shoulder pain and rotator cuff issues
Hip flexor tightness and hip impingement
Knee pain and IT band syndrome
Plantar fasciitis and foot pain
Neck pain and headaches
Lower back pain and sciatica
Elbow issues including tennis and golfer's elbow
Carpal tunnel and wrist pain
Overuse injuries from CrossFit, Olympic lifting, pickleball, and running
Post-surgical scar tissue and chronic restrictions
Why Dr. Fidler's Approach Is Different
Dr. Fidler is full-body certified in Active Release Technique — meaning he's trained to assess and treat the entire kinetic chain, not just the area where you feel pain.
Having spent 15+ years working with CrossFit athletes, runners, and people who train hard, Dr. Fidler understands that the goal isn't just to feel better — it's to move better and perform at your best.
Every appointment is with Dr. Fidler directly — no aides, no handoffs, no rushed visits. You get his full attention and expertise from start to finish.
Is ART Right for You?
ART is a strong fit if:
You have a nagging injury that hasn't responded to rest or basic treatment
You feel tightness or restriction that limits your range of motion or performance
You've been told your pain is "just muscle tightness" but nothing has helped
You train regularly and want to address the root cause, not mask symptoms
You're coming back from a soft tissue injury and want to restore full function
ART may not be the primary approach if your issue is structural — but it can often still play a supporting role. Dr. Fidler will give you a straight answer during your first visit.
Ready to Move Better?
Book a session with Dr. Fidler at Functional Rehab, located above CrossFit South Brooklyn at 597 DeGraw St, Gowanus, Brooklyn.