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Saturday
Nov152008

Muscle Activation Techniques

This treatment and thought process works best as preventative care for the neuro-muscular system.  MAT is a system by which to locate and treat muscles that have been inhibited due to inflammation, injury or trauma.  It helps assure that the system is ready for exercise and that the prescribed program is beneficial.  MAT is a form of language between the practitioner and the client’s neuromuscular system.  It is low intensity exercise achieved through palpation at the tendon and gentle isometrics.  This technique is excellent for anyone, but has the best results with those who have awareness about their body and want to prevent injury/dysfunction.  When the muscular system is balanced, the other systems (digestive, respiratory, cardiovascular) respond better as well.  This approach is hands on, using the practitioner (myself) as the primary tool for treatment.

What to expect in a session:

1. Questions and a discussion about history of the muscular system.

2. The treatment is conducted on a massage table.

3. I use range of motion (ROM), comparing your left side to your right side. 

4.  Muscle Tests evaluate the communication of the neuromuscular system.

5. The treatment is not always on the area of concern. 

6. The muscles associated with a ROM limitation are tested for strength.

7. I palpate the tendon of instable muscles to attempt neuro-muscular re-connection or use an isometric to strengthen a positional weakness.

8. The muscles are re-tested for strength.

9. Gentle isometrics may be used within the process as well.

10. Range of motion is checked again at the end of the treatment.

 

Watch Greg Rosskopf, the founder speak about the technique:

 



Sessions are between 30 min and an hour.

If you decide to try MAT, it is recommended to commit to 4-6 sessions in consecutive weeks to allow the muscular system to adjust and to monitor the changes made. 

The longer the body has had dysfunction, the longer it may take to reverse.  MAT will only help your symptoms if muscular inhibition is the issue.  MAT is like a Suduko or Crossword Puzzle, it requires problem solving and time from both the practitioner and client.

Watch Greg Rosskopf, the founder work through a sample session:


Learn more about MAT.