Active Release Technique Wauwatosa & Appleton, WI
Rehab Lab provides trusted Chiropractic & Physical Therapy programs with Active Release Technique (ART) in Wauwatosa and Appleton, Wisconsin.
MOVE FREELY, FEEL STRONGER
Active Release Technique is a hands-on treatment designed to target scar tissue, tight muscles, and restricted movement. By breaking down adhesions and restoring normal function, ART helps you move without pain and recover faster. Whether you’re dealing with old injuries, repetitive strain, or daily discomfort, this proven therapy offers lasting relief.
EFFECTIVE PAIN SOLUTIONS
Every body is different, so we tailor Active Release Technique to your specific condition. Our team combines precision chiropractic care with physical therapy knowledge to address the source of your pain.
Why choose Rehab Lab for ART in Wauwatosa and Appleton?
-
Relief from overuse injuries (shoulders, wrists, knees)
-
Neck and back tension from posture or work strain
-
Scar tissue from old sports injuries or surgeries
-
Tight hips and hamstrings that limit flexibility
-
Chronic headaches linked to muscle tension
ACTIVE RELEASE TECHNIQUE FOR LONG-TERM RECOVERY
Healing doesn’t end when the discomfort fades. Regular ART sessions help you maintain flexibility, prevent flare-ups, and keep you performing at your best. With continuous guidance and updated treatment plans, we make sure your progress doesn’t stop after your first visit.
Book your session today and start feeling the difference.
SIGNS ACTIVE RELEASE TECHNIQUE CAN HELP: WHEN TO CALL REHAB LAB
Pain and tightness are more than an inconvenience. Left untreated, they can hold you back from daily life. If you notice these signs, it’s time to consider Active Release Technique:
Ongoing knots or stiffness that don’t improve with rest or stretching.
Limited Mobility
Difficulty bending, twisting, or reaching due to restricted muscle or joint movement.
Slow Injury Recovery
Lingering soreness or pain from overuse, sports, or daily activities that keep returning.
Chronic Discomfort
Headaches, neck strain, or nagging back pain tied to muscle adhesions.
Behind The Scenes
Meet Your Doctors at Rehab Lab
Dr. Sam Wagner grew up in Southeastern Wisconsin where he was first introduced to Chiropractic as a multi-sport athlete in his youth. After high school, he continued his athletic pursuits at Lawrence University where earned a degree in Biology. His interest in the movement and natural ability of the body to function led him to the field of chiropractic and was an integral part of his journey as he pursued a career in the NFL and CFL.
To further his studies, he attended Life University in Atlanta, Georgia, where he earned a Masters Degree in Sport Health Science and a Doctorate of Chiropractic. Dr. Sam firmly believes that movement is medicine. Incorporating this principle allows him the most efficient way to provide complete care to the entire person.
Today Dr. Sam is the owner of Rehab Lab Wisconsin and Rehab Lab Wisconsin-MKE where he treats patients ranging from NFL, NBA, & MLB athletes to weekend warriors, and serves as the Team Chiropractor for NCAA Lawrence University Athletics. He is extremely excited to help his community improve their function and performance and guide them on their journey to take control of their own health.
- Certified Chiropractic Sports Physician (CCSP)
- Certified Chiropractic Extremity Practitioner (CCEP)
- Certified Strength & Conditioning Specialist (CSCS)
- Elite Provider Active Release Techniques (ART)
- Master Dry Needling Certified (MDNC)
- Graston Technique (M1)
- Dynamic Neuromuscular Stabilization (DNS)
- Corrective Exercise Specialist (CES)
- Performance Enhancement Specialist (PES)
- Selective Functional Movement Assessment (SFMA)
- Functional Movement Screens (FMS)
- Rocktape Basic and Advanced Provider (FMT)
- National Registry Emergency Medical Technician (EMT-Basic)
- Anatomy & Physiology Adjunct Faculty (South College)
Dr. Nick Agen (originally from Kaukauna Wisconsin) started his love of movement and human performance from a young age taking up many sports and activities, all of which influenced his path into physical medicine. Through his experience with sports and the various injuries that often come with those pursuits; he decided to continue his passion of performance into a collegiate career where he was able to play football and run track.
He graduated from Saint Norbert College with a degree in Pre-Medical Biology that laid the foundation for his interest in the human body and a solid background in the sciences. After his time at Saint Norbert he continued his passion for the human body and helping others at Northwestern Health Sciences University in Bloomington Minnesota, where he pursued his Doctorate of Chiropractic with honors and specialties in sports and rehab. While obtaining his doctorate he was also able to achieve a Masters in Exercise Science at Concordia University in Saint Paul. While at Northwestern Dr. Nick learned high level techniques in both the Chiropractic and soft tissue realm of practice. After Graduation Dr. Nick left Minnesota and headed closer to home in Milwaukee where he has been practicing since 2021
When not in the clinic, Dr. Nick spends his time in the weight room, adventuring outside, analyzing sports, or trying to keep up with his German Shepherd Koa. He enjoys staying up to date on current evidence-based research so that he can continue to give the highest level of patient-centered-care possible.
- Masters Degree in Exercise Science
- Emergency Medical Technician (EMT)
- Selective Functional Movement Assessment (SFMA)
- Functional Movement Screening (FMS)
- MRT (myofascial Release Technique)
- FAKTR Certified in Soft Tissue Scraping and other applications
- Diversified Technique
- Flexion Distraction Technique
- Dynamic Taping and Strapping
- Dry Needling Certified
Dr. Mike Markowski is native to Northeast Wisconsin, growing up just south of Green Bay. He was first introduced to chiropractic care after injuries sustained as a multi-sport athlete, which ultimately led to a short career. His passion for sports and a functional lifestyle led him down a path to find ways to get back into a competitive form. Through this endeavor, Dr. Mike became fascinated with anatomy and biomechanics of the body and graduated from UW-Stevens Point with a Bachelor’s degree in Biochemistry with pre-med intent. After his undergraduate schooling, Dr. Mike earned his Doctor of Chiropractic degree from Palmer College of Chiropractic – Davenport, Iowa.
While at Chiropractic school he became certified in high level extremity adjusting and analysis, upper cervical adjusting and spinal decompression treatments. Upon graduation, he returned to his hometown where he practiced for 4 years before partnering with Dr. Sam.
As an avid golfer and triathlete, Dr. Mike’s motto is ‘motion is lotion for the body’ and to embody this principle, he’s providing a well-rounded approach to health and to active individuals at any skill level. Dr. Mike is excited to work with a community of proactive individuals that care for their health just as much as he does.
Beyond his degrees, Dr. Mike continues to remain up to date on the latest research and holds certifications in the following:
-
Senior Intern and over 2 years residency completed for The Mally Method – Extremities
-
Master Dry Needling Certified (MDNC)
-
Graston Technique (M1)
-
Craniofacial Release Technique (CFR)
-
Selective Functional Movement Assessment (SFMA)
-
Functional Movement Screens (FMS)
-
Flexion Distraction Technique
-
MLS Certified
Dr. Nate Williams grew up in the UP of Michigan in a town called Iron Mountain. It was there he gained a love of sports and the outdoors which has followed him throughout his life. He attended college at Michigan State University where he received a Bachelor of Science degree in Kinesiology-Exercise Science. After graduating from Michigan State, he left the Midwest for sunny California where he then attended Palmer College of Chiropractic West in San Jose. Upon graduating from chiropractic school, he chose to move to Denver, CO where he practiced for 13 years.
During his studies at Palmer West he was fortunate to learn and intern with some of the top clinicians in the country. His time as a clinician in Denver for over 13 years provided him with an array of experience treating a vast amount of injuries and conditions. Outside of the clinic Dr. Nate is a fishing, music, and golf addict! He tries to spend as much time as possible enjoying those activities. He relocated to the Fox Valley in 2025 and has loved becoming a Wisconsin resident!
Beyond his degrees, Dr. Nate continues to remain up to date on the latest research and holds certifications in the following:
-
Selective Functional Movement Assessment
-
Functional Dry Needling
-
Functional Movement Taping
-
FMT Blades IASTM
-
Dynamic Neuromuscular Stabilization
Dr. Peda Moua grew up in Green Bay, WI, where he spent most of his childhood growing up in the shadows of Lambeau Field. Having played multiple sports as a child, he took his background in sports and paired it with his ambition to understand human performance by graduating from the University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh with a degree in Kinesiology. After his undergraduate studies, he attended Palmer College of Chiropractic in Davenport, Iowa. At Palmer, he saw an opportunity to treat athletes and active adults through chiropractic care and became a sports rehab intern during his time as a student clinician. Upon completing his studies at Palmer, he moved back home to northeastern WI, where he practiced for over 4.5 years before joining Rehab Lab Wisconsin.
During his free time, Dr. Peda enjoys golfing, spending time with his wife and four dogs, and cheering on the Green Bay Packers. He is excited for the opportunity to stay close to home and help his community reach their goals of improving quality of life, function, and performance through patient-centered care. Dr. Peda is currently taking course work to become a certified chiropractic sports physician (CCSP) this year to better serve his patients at Rehab Lab Wisconsin.
Beyond his degrees, Dr. Peda continues to remain up to date on the latest research and holds certifications in the following:
-
Selective Functional Movement Assessment
-
Master Dry Needling
-
Functional Movement Screens
-
Instrument Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization (IASTM)
-
Active Release Technique
-
Advanced Soft Tissue Rehab
-
CCSP (In Process)