Active Release Techniques, Nerve Entrapments & The Hidden Drivers of Chronic Pain

In this episode of Beyond The Pain, I’m joined by sports chiropractor Dr. Matt Fontaine to explore one of the most overlooked aspects of chronic pain — soft tissue dysfunction and nerve entrapment.

Dr. Fontaine shares his extensive clinical experience using Active Release Techniques (ART) to address cumulative trauma, scar tissue, and movement restrictions that often sit beneath persistent pain.

We discuss:

• Why pain is a subjective experience — not just a structural problem
• How repetitive micro-trauma builds up over time
• The hidden role of nerve entrapments in chronic pain patterns
• Why posture still matters (and why it’s often misunderstood)
• The shortcomings of the current medical model in managing pain
• The critical importance of recovery, sleep, and nutrition

If you’ve been told your pain is simply “wear and tear,” this conversation may open your eyes to a more nuanced understanding of what’s really going on.

You can find Beyond The Pain on all major podcast platforms in video & audio versions including Apple, Spotify and  YouTube.