Muscle Activation Techniques (MAT) is a non-invasive, bio-mechanically based modality specializing in the muscular system. MAT is scientifically supported and was designed to identify and correct muscles in the body that have been compromised. Often the result of trauma, stress or overuse, a compromised muscle, either weakened or inhibited, produces muscle imbalance. 

An imbalanced muscle structure results in other muscles tightening to compensate for the compromised muscle. The end result is a negative impact on functionality, pain or discomfort.

MAT corrects compromised muscles, restores the body to proper alignment and thus allows the body to function as it was designed, in a pain free state.

Muscle Activation Techniques is a great adjunct to many other treatment modalities, such as Massage, Chiropractic, and Physical Therapy. MAT is sometimes described as the missing link to the fitness and rehab industry because it fills in the missing pieces of the puzzle to other therapies out there and makes them all work dramatically better.

It has been used and endorsed by NFL, NBA, NHL, Olympic, PGA and LPGA athletes

MAT's unique and effective approach differentiates it from other modalities

MAT's approach is focused on solving issues versus symptoms. MAT identifies and corrects the core root of the problem, as opposed to the effect. Specifically, MAT recognizes that the compromised muscles that lead to imbalance are the problem and it addresses those muscles versus the muscles that are acting in a compensatory manner and causing pain.

Correcting muscle imbalances retrains the body to function as it was designed. It creates the ability for the muscles to stabilize the joints and reduce the joint stresses that lead to arthritic conditions. The body becomes efficient and the related aches and pains are deterred. This means more stability and mobility, leading to a decreased risk of injuries and therefore ultimately allowing a person to have a longer active lifestyle while keeping the body feeling young!

I ndividuals of all ages and activity levels can benefit from MAT

What to expect during a MAT treatment

The goal is to determine whether or not specific muscles that support a joint have the proper neurological input necessary to perform their function. Each muscle must be capable of performing its function as forces are being placed on a joint; if not, this leads to positions of vulnerability and compensation. The aim of the MAT evaluation process is to find out where the body displays these positions of vulnerability or weakness.

Step One:
A Range of Motion (ROM) exam is done to find limitations throughout the body.

Step Two:
Once limitations in ROM have been identified specific muscle tests are applied to find inhibited muscles, that are associated with the ROM limitation.

Step Three:
Once the inhibited muscles have been identified precise palpations are done to "awaken" the muscle. Specific isometrics (series of low load contractions in the muscles shortest position) may also be used. 

Step Four:
Re-do muscle test to see if strength has been restored

Step Five:
Re-check ROM to see if there have been any changes

The results:
Increased ROM and strength, decrease or elimination of pain, and creation of a mechanically and neurologically advantageous environment for healing.

Enhancing athletic performance

Stability and controlled range of motion is vital in all sports. Having the ability to hold or transition from one position to the next with a natural ability to control elements of balance, speed, strength and power allow you to be at the top of your game.

By testing individual positions and muscles for instability Muscle Activation Techniques fills in a missing piece of the puzzle in conventional training. Stability can be created on a conscious level by focusing and bracing muscles, however this should be regulated constantly on a sub-conscious level, so that when an athlete moves without thinking or unexpected loads are placed on the body stability is there. This is important in all sports as there is no time to think and brace, which should not be the focus of the athletes attention.

Without correcting the weaknesses or instability what tends to happen is that the body simply strengthens and trains the existing working muscles. Over time this leads to the strong muscles getting stronger and the weak getting weaker; reinforcing and creating compensation. This takes away from the body's ability to naturally control the elements of balance, speed, strength and power, thus hindering athletes' performances, by making them lose their form and ability to transfer force efficiently through the body, leading to fatigue and injury.

Muscle Activation Techniques allows an athlete to work harder, recover faster and enhance their performance, keeping them in the game.

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Chronic Pain and/or injury

By testing individual positions and muscles for instability Muscle Activation Techniques fills in a missing piece to the puzzle in the recovery process of an injury and/or chronic pain. MAT will address the underlying cause, rather than the symptom, that preceded the joint and/or muscle pain or injury as well as addressing any compensation in movement that may develop.

Without correcting the weaknesses or instability what tends to happen is the body simply strengthens and trains the existing working muscles. The result is that the strong muscles get stronger and the weak get weaker; reinforcing and creating compensation.

Until the underlying cause is addressed relief of symptoms can only be attained temporarily. 

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Everyday Living

When we are young we move with ease, being able to start, stop and change direction without thought. However, as we get older this becomes increasingly more difficult. We get to a point of ongoing muscle tightness and limited movement as we pick up minor or major injuries over time and our movement changes and compensates.

The muscle tightness and aches are often associated with age as we lose stability creating improper wear and tear on our muscles and joints. However, this can be prevented or even reversed.

Muscle Activation Techniques creates the ability for the muscles to stabilize the joints and reduce the joint stresses that lead to arthritic conditions. The body becomes efficient and the related aches and pains are deterred. The result is ease of movement and keeping the body feeling young!

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For more information on Muscle Activation Techniques or its developer Greg Roskopf, please visit www.muscleactivation.com