Welcome to Hometown Family Wellness Center, your trusted chiropractor in Freehold, NJ. Led by award-winning chiropractor Dr. Russell Brokstein, our clinic is dedicated to helping patients of all ages achieve peak health and wellness. We specialize in holistic and functional healing methods including Active Release Technique (ART), Chiropractic Adjustments, Exercise Therapy, and whole food, plant-based nutritional supplements. Today, we’re diving into how ART plays a vital role in injury recovery and optimizes the body’s natural ability to heal.

If you’ve ever suffered from chronic pain, soft tissue injuries, or conditions like sciatica or tennis elbow, you understand how disruptive these issues can be to your lifestyle. These ailments are often due to repetitive use, trauma, or inflammation that causes adhesions in muscles and connective tissues. According to WebMD, muscle adhesions and scar tissue can restrict motion, cause weakness, and lead to chronic pain if not properly addressed.

This is where Active Release Technique shines. ART is a hands-on soft tissue therapy that breaks up adhesions,

restores normal tissue function, and promotes faster healing. Unlike passive treatments that only mask symptoms, ART identifies the root cause of dysfunction and provides a natural, drug-free solution. It’s a proven tool for athletes, office workers, and anyone recovering from repetitive strain or acute injury.

ART is just one soft tissue technique Dr. Brokstein uses to assist recover.  He also uses Graston and FAKTR to help break up scar tissue and speed up recovery.

At Hometown Family Wellness Center, Dr. Brokstein uses ART in combination with tailored chiropractic adjustments to ensure comprehensive healing. A skilled ART practitioner, Dr. Brokstein carefully targets affected muscle groups and uses precise movements to break down scar tissue, improve circulation, and release trapped nerves. This leads to immediate pain relief and long-term mobility results.

What sets our practice apart is our whole-body approach. While ART addresses the mechanical side of injury recovery, our focus on natural healing doesn’t stop there. We understand the importance of internal health as a foundation for recovery. That’s why we recommend whole food, plant-based supplements to support the healing process from the inside out. Nutritional support can significantly reduce inflammation, aid tissue regeneration, and fuel the body’s inherent repair mechanisms—without resorting to pharmaceuticals or invasive procedures. Research from the National Institutes of Health supports the role of nutrition in injury recovery and muscle repair.

A patient favorite is our plant-based anti-inflammatory protocol, which includes nutrient-dense options sourced from clean, real food ingredients. Several of our patients have reported faster recovery times and improved energy once starting these integrative therapies alongside ART.  Combining proteolytic enzymes with marine collagen assists healing the tissues and if there are gut health issues we use plant enzymes to correct the underlying cause.

Here’s what one of our patients, Anna T., had to say:

“I suffered from debilitating plantar fasciitis that impacted my work and my workouts. After trying stretches and orthotics with minimal relief, I came to Dr. Brokstein. He did Active Release Therapy and gave me nutritional recommendations that included a plant-based anti-inflammatory blend. Within a few weeks, my pain levels dropped dramatically. I’m not only walking better, but I feel healthier overall. I’ve avoided surgery and NSAIDs entirely.”

Another patient, Marcus R., a local coach, shared:

“As a baseball coach, shoulder pain made throwing unbearable. Dr. Brokstein used ART and personalized stretches, and I followed his supplement regimen. It’s not magic—it’s effective, holistic care. I’m now pain-free and coaching at full capacity.”

To maintain spinal health and speed up healing from injury, here are a few tips:

• Stay hydrated to keep muscles and fascia flexible.

• Incorporate plant-based anti-inflammatory foods or supplements regularly.  Also make sure gut health is optimized with plant enzymes with a stabilized probiotic.

• Stretch daily, especially after physical activity.  We provide many stretching techniques Stretches

• Schedule consistent chiropractic visits to realign the spine and support posture.

• Use proper ergonomics whether at a desk or during physical activity.

• Get fitted for biomechanic, orthotic pelvic stabilizers

At Hometown Family Wellness Center, we aim to provide each patient with a personalized experience that blends cutting-edge techniques like ART with the healing power of nature. We believe in empowering your body to heal itself—naturally.

If pain or injury is limiting your life, schedule an appointment with Freehold’s most awarded chiropractor. We’re here to help you thrive, not just survive. Visit www.chiropractorfreehold.com to learn more or book your consultation today.