Being one of the first doc's trained in ART in the 1990's, I can tell you it is very effective in the right hands. ART is a style that is trademarked of myofascial release treatment. It was founded by Michael Leahy DCCCSP who has an engineering background and is very scientific in his approach to the development and training of his doctors. On the other hand, if the doctors thought process is wrong, ART may not be very effective. In my book Cheating Mother Nature, I talk about the idea of muscular firing patterns and why this is important. ART can improve firing patterns if used properly which improved performance, prevents injury and improved flexibility. If the doctor evaluates and treats properly, the results can be tremendous. If the doctors does not understand the problem and treats the area of symptoms, you may be dissatisfied with the result. The best doc's are now using different forms of active evaluation which help them understand firing patterns better and more accurately treat. The process is treat, test, treat, test and so on which is the best way to apply ART in my opinion because it helps them find and fix the problem most accurately using the technique.
Hope that helps.