Understanding Soft Tissue Therapy: ART and Graston

Muscle tightness, chronic pain, and restricted movement are often caused by problems in the body’s soft tissues. While many people focus on joints, discs, or bones, soft tissue restrictions can be a major contributor to ongoing discomfort. Two commonly used, non-surgical approaches to addressing these issues are Active Release Techniques (ART) and the Graston Technique.

Understanding how these therapies work—and when they may be appropriate—can help patients make informed decisions about their care.

What Is Soft Tissue Therapy?

Soft tissue therapy focuses on treating muscles, tendons, ligaments, fascia, and scar tissue. Over time, injury, overuse, poor posture, or inflammation can cause these tissues to become tight, shortened, or adhered to surrounding structures.

When this happens, patients may experience:

• Muscle stiffness or knots
• Reduced range of motion
• Pain with movement
• Weakness or compensatory movement patterns

Soft tissue therapies aim to restore normal movement, reduce pain, and improve overall function.

What Is Active Release Techniques (ART)?

ART is a hands-on manual therapy that targets soft tissue restrictions caused by adhesions or scar tissue. A trained provider uses precise pressure while guiding the patient through specific movements.

This combination of pressure and motion helps:

• Break up adhesions
• Improve tissue elasticity
• Restore proper muscle and nerve function

ART is commonly used for:

• Neck and back pain
• Shoulder and hip tightness
• Repetitive strain injuries
• Nerve entrapments such as carpal tunnel syndrome

Because ART is movement-based, it allows providers to identify exactly where motion is restricted and treat those specific areas.

What Is the Graston Technique?

The Graston Technique is a form of instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization. It uses specially designed stainless steel tools to detect and treat areas of soft tissue dysfunction.

The tools help clinicians:

• Identify scar tissue or fascial restrictions
• Apply targeted pressure with precision
• Stimulate blood flow and healing

Graston is often used for:

• Chronic muscle tightness
• Tendon and ligament injuries
• Post-surgical scar tissue
• Sports-related overuse injuries

While patients may feel temporary soreness after treatment, many experience improved mobility and reduced pain over time.

ART vs. Graston: What’s the Difference?

Although both therapies address soft tissue dysfunction, they use different approaches:

• ART relies on hands-on pressure combined with active patient movement
• Graston uses specialized instruments to mobilize tissues

In many cases, providers may use one or both techniques depending on the patient’s condition, tolerance, and treatment goals.

Who May Benefit from Soft Tissue Therapy?

Soft tissue therapies may be helpful for patients who:

• Have persistent muscle pain or stiffness
• Feel restricted despite exercise or stretching
• Are recovering from injury or surgery
• Want to avoid or delay injections or surgery

These treatments are often incorporated into a broader care plan that may include physical therapy, corrective exercises, or other non-surgical interventions.

A Personalized Approach to Care

No two patients experience pain the same way. A thorough evaluation helps determine whether ART, Graston, or another treatment approach is appropriate. When used correctly, soft tissue therapy can play a valuable role in restoring movement, reducing pain, and supporting long-term recovery.

If you’re struggling with muscle tightness or chronic pain, a comprehensive evaluation can help identify the underlying cause and guide the most effective treatment plan.