What is MAT?

Muscle Activation Techniques ^TM (MAT) is a unique systematic approach that looks at muscle tightness as a form of protection in the body. Weak or inhibited muscles can create the need for other muscles to tighten up in order to help stabilize the joints. MAT gets to the root of pain or injury by addressing muscle weakness rather than muscle tightness. This helps to restore normal body alignment, thereby, decreasing pain and reducing the risk of injury.

MAT prepares the body for all types of exercise, sports, physical therapy and chiropractic work. It helps reduce the body's need to compensate and can eliminate pain associated with improper body mechanics.  MAT can help distribute stress appropriately throughout the body similar to having your car in alignment.

Benefits:

• Increased mobility and ease of movement
• Increase in stability and strength
• Relaxation of tight muscles
• Prevention of injuries
• Faster recovery from injury or surgery
• Decrease in aches and pains

 

The MAT Process

Step One: A thorough range of motion exam reveals any significant imbalances where the body is compensating.

 

 

 

Step Two: Joint and position-specific muscle testing is applied to determine which muscles are potentially being inhibited.

 

 

 

 

 

Step Three: To strengthen these positions of instability, specific, graded-intensity isometrics or precise palpations are used to restore proper proprioceptive input to the muscle spindle.

 

 

 

Step Four: Re-test to make sure that the ROM and strength have been restored. This demonstrates the improved range of motion is now strong and stable.  Home exercises may also be given for maintenance.