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Active Release Technique is a patented, state of the art soft tissue treatment that treats problems in the body related to muscles, tendons, ligaments, joints, and nerves. We use over 500 unique treatment protocols to identify and correct the specific problems affecting every patient.

When tissues in the body become damaged, inflammation quickly ensues. These tissues soon become contracted, reduce blood flow, and over time become fibrotic. These fibrotic adhesions can restrict muscles, pinch nerves, and pull on ligaments or tendons. Active Release targets these abnormal tissues  by combining precisely directed tension with very specific patient movements to quickly release these restrictions and restore normal function to the anatomy.

Treatment sessions usually last 15-30 minutes and most conditions can be resolved within 5-12 visits depending on the severity of the condition and amount of tissues involved. The results are immediate, it is common for most patients to notice improvement in function and decrease in pain after the very first treatment.

Active Release Technique providers are highly skilled trained practitioners who undergo a rigorous  training and certification process to ensure the best quality treatment for their patients. Our Doctors hold several Active Release Techniques certifications listed below.

ART Certifications

Here are some examples of the many conditions that can be resolved by ART:

  • Headaches
  • Back pain
  • Neck Pain
  • Sports Injuries
  • Carpal tunnel syndrome
  • Shin splints
  • Shoulder pain
  • Rotator Cuff Strains
  • Frozen Shoulder
  • Sciatica
  • Plantar Fasciitis
  • Knee problems
  • IT Band Syndrome
  • Tennis Elbow/ Golfers Elbow
  • Post Surgical Pain

Our Services

Dr. Iris Zhao
D.C., M.S.O.M., L.Ac.

Dr. Graham Pommerehn
D.C.

Active Release Techniques
Proud Partner IRONMAN
Graston Technique Provider
McKenzie Method
The doctors here are wonderful. Dr Pommerehn helped me find ways to take care of my back after it had left me immobilized and unable to go to work.
Sean
Let me first start by saying that I was totally against any type of chiropractic care until I hurt my back earlier this year.  After some nudging from a coworker, I decided it was time to get help.  I searched for a Chiropractor in my area and the Chicago Whole Health Center came up.  I called immediately and spoke with Dr. Graham Pommerehn aka "Dr. Feel Good"!  I was truly surprised and overjoyed that I felt so much better after my first visit!  "Dr. Feel Good" worked his magic on me and did it with the best bedside manner I ...
Carolyn
Great service and great people.  I've had chronic back problems over the last 20 years and have been to a number of loop area places and Chicago Whole Health is definitely the standout.  On my first visit it was clear that their interests truly lie in resolving the issue rather than ensuring a larger number of visits (they showed me how to effectively self treat to the extent possible).  While I went there only for lower back issues, they offer a pretty expansive line of services.  I highly recommend this place to anyone.
Paul
I had broken my tailbone a few years ago and recently was having more pain around it. I thought surgery may be my only option, but decided to try chiropracticcare for the injury and I'm so glad I found this place! Dr. Pommerehn is amazing! He was very upfront and honest during our initial exam and thoroughly explained every part of the treatment plan. Given the extent of my I injury we weren't sure treatment would help, but his patience and treatment paid off!After a few weeks of intense treatment (three times a week) I have been able to manage ...
Kassandra
This is a great place.  Dr. Pommerehn was so good. I had lots of problems with my shoulder, which we tried therapy on to fix.  He explained everything in detail, and finally when my shoulder did not get completely better, he sent me for an MRI, which showed a tear.  He said I would might need surgery.No one could believe that a Chiropractor was helping me so much - I really appreciated the work that he did with me, and the honesty with which he treated me.I will definitely use this place again.
Ellen
I have had some medical issues that I have not been able to resolve for the past few years. Having tried Western medicine and holistic methods, I decided to try out acupuncture.I was not sure where to find a good acupuncturist (other than Chinatown). I really wanted someone I could communicate my problems to and who could communicate with me so that I could understand everything. Dr. Zhao was the answer to my problems. She speaks English and some Mandarin!I had told Dr. Zhao that it was my first time to acupuncture and told her my problems.  She explained everything ...
Janet