Muscle Activation Technique
Muscle Activation Technique (MAT) is a revolutionary new way of looking at the body: while most therapies focus on treating the muscles with tension and/or pain, MAT gets to the root of pain or injury by addressing muscle weakness rather than muscle tightness. Weak or inhibited muscles can create the need for other muscles to tighten up in order to help stabilize the joints. If the tight muscles are stretched or massaged—without addressing the root cause, the inhibited or weak muscle—then we may have violated the body’s protective mechanism.
The goal of MAT is to identify the inhibited or weak muscles that are creating this protective response and then re-activate these muscles in order to improve their contractile capability. When these muscular imbalances are addressed, range of motion, strength, and function all increase dramatically! This helps to restore normal body alignment, thereby decreasing pain and reducing the risk of injury.
Do these myths ring true for you?
“I was always told to work through my pain,” or “The pain is in my head.”
“My body aches and pains are inevitable because I am getting older.”
“Because I don’t exercise, I am stiff and sore all the time and have no energy.”
“I must accept the fact that the tightness in my body will never go away.”
“I am forced to work around what I can’t do.”
MAT Myth Busters:
Pain is your “check engine light” telling you that your muscular system needs servicing.
Part of the aging process should not be muscular atrophy. MAT is a hands-on technique designed to “jumpstart” your muscles so you can enjoy strength and freedom of movement.
MAT speeds up your body’s ability to heal itself, so you can exercise safely and without pain.
When the body senses instability, it tightens up for your protection. Stretching and massage are sometimes NOT helpful!
By addressing what you can’t do, we increase what you CAN do!
With MAT you can experience an increase in:
Mobility and strength in your fitness regimen or daily activities.
Greater muscular movement and more pain-free days.
Your muscles’ ability to handle stress more effectively.
Your muscular system’s ability to heal itself.
Your mind to muscle connection during your practice or routine.
Smooth and coordinated movement in daily life and sport.