When Nothing Seems to Fix It
You've tried stretching. You've taken rest days. Maybe you've had a few regular massages. And yet, the tightness in your shoulder, the ache in your hip, or the nagging pull in your calf keeps coming back, sometimes worse than before.
That's not unusual. Some soft tissue problems don't respond to general treatment because they involve scar tissue, adhesions, or overused muscle groups that have lost their normal movement. Standard approaches treat the surface. They don't always get to what's underneath.
Active release therapy is different. It's a hands-on technique specifically designed to find and treat those deeper restrictions, the kind that keep recurring no matter what else you try.
What Is Active Release Therapy?
Active Release Techniques (ART) is a patented, evidence-based soft tissue method used to treat muscles, tendons, ligaments, fascia, and nerves. Providers are trained to detect and break down scar tissue and adhesions that form after injury, overuse, or repetitive strain.
ART is not a general massage. It's a precise, movement-based treatment where the therapist applies targeted tension while you move the affected area through a specific range of motion. The result is improved tissue flexibility, reduced pain, and restored function — often in fewer sessions than you'd expect.
ART at Mind Body Massage Therapy
Rita Klasa is a Registered Massage Therapist and a certified Active Release Techniques provider — a designation that requires specialized training and examination beyond standard RMT certification. Not all massage therapists in Calgary are ART-certified, and that distinction matters when your issue needs precision, not guesswork.
At Mind Body Massage Therapy in Marda Loop, Rita works with people dealing with:
- Sports injuries and post-workout recovery
- Repetitive strain from desk work, exercise, or physical trades
- Chronic tension that hasn't responded to other treatment
If you've been told "just rest and stretch," it may be time for a different approach. Learn more about Rita's background and training.
What to Expect at Your ART Session
Assessment
Treatment
Follow-Up
What ART Can Help With
Active release therapy is particularly effective for:
- Reduced pain and restriction from overuse injuries like rotator cuff issues, IT band syndrome, carpal tunnel, and plantar fasciitis
- Faster recovery after intense training, physical work, or repetitive strain
- Restored movement in areas that have felt stuck, tight, or limited for months or years
Many patients arrive having tried multiple treatments without lasting results. ART often works where other approaches haven't — because it targets the root cause, not just the symptoms.
Frequently Asked Questions About Active Release Therapy in Calgary
No. ART is a specialized technique that combines specific tissue pressure with active patient movement. It requires additional certification beyond standard RMT training. Rita Klasa holds that certification and applies it as a targeted, clinical treatment — not a general relaxation session.
Some discomfort is normal, especially when working through adhesions in well-used areas. Most patients describe it as a productive tension rather than sharp pain. Rita adjusts pressure based on your feedback throughout the session.
It varies, but many people notice meaningful improvement after 2 to 4 sessions. Complex or long-standing issues may require more. Rita will give you an honest assessment after your first appointment.
ART is well-suited for athletes, active individuals, and anyone dealing with repetitive strain or soft tissue injuries that haven't resolved with rest or general massage. If you're unsure whether it's right for you, reach out and Rita can advise before you book.
We're at 2032 - 33 Avenue SW in Calgary's Marda Loop neighbourhood, serving clients across Calgary SW and South Calgary.
Ready to Try Active Release Therapy in Calgary?
If you've been living with pain, tightness, or limited movement that won't quit, ART may be the step you've been missing. Rita Klasa, RMT and certified ART provider, is accepting new patients at Mind Body Massage Therapy in Marda Loop.
