Frequently Asked Questions

What is Muscle Activation Techniques?

MAT was founded on the principle that human movement and exercise are fundamental to human health and that a muscle’s ability to contract efficiently is important for normal movement. Any loss of muscle contraction efficiency may be demonstrated as a loss of motion and decreased physical performance, which may lead to pain and/or the loss of physical capabilities.

MAT® is a specific and unique process for evaluating an individual’s ability to develop efficient muscle contraction(s) by first comparing left and right side range of motion, as the human body is designed to be symmetrical.

If a movement is determined to be asymmetrical (i.e. one limb has a greater range of motion than then opposite limb) as determined by the Comparative Assessment of Mobility or CAM, then we know that one or more muscles that moves the less mobile limb is potentially weak. The muscles that are responsible for moving the limb further are then assessed by the MAT® Specialist to determine if they have lost the ability to contract efficiently.

When it has been determined through testing that a muscle has lost its ability to contract, then precise forces are applied to restore that muscle’s efficiency, re-activating that muscle. As muscles are restored to efficient contraction, MAT® uses a system of accountability (checks and balances) to ensure that any increases in motion and symmetry are accompanied by improvements in a muscle’s contractile ability.

Source: Muscle Activation Techniques® https://muscleactivation.com/muscle-activation/

If I am an athlete, will MAT help improve my performance and keep me healthy?

Yes. MAT is a technique that helps athletes recover from competitive stress quickly and help them prevent future injuries. MAT prepares the body to be more efficient in training and athletic performance. In order to reach optimal performance capabilities, an athlete is forced to train at high intensity levels. Because of this, there is always the risk for injury. Some athletes may be predisposed to an injury, due to muscular contraction inefficiencies that place increased stress on joints and tissues. When training at a high level, these inefficiencies are magnified, and sometimes the body can no longer handle the stress, eventually breaking down. It is like driving a car with bad alignment. The faster you drive it, the faster the tires are going to wear out. The body functions in much the same way.

The goal of MAT is to address the weakness before an injury occurs. Conventional therapy will typically treat the symptom, but the cause of the problem is typically left unaddressed. The end result is that the athlete does not heal, or they go on to experience repetitive injuries, or a more severe injury. MAT not only helps to prevent injuries, but it can also assist a rehabilitation process. By balancing the muscular system, MAT® provides an improved environment for restoring physical performance. This allows the athlete to return to sport sooner with improved athletic capabilities.

Source: Muscle Activation Techniques® https://muscleactivation.com/muscle-activation/

Many modalities Claim To “Activate Muscles” How do you know if muscles have actually been activated?

MAT utilizes manual muscle testing in order to determine if muscles are inhibited and if they need to be activated. When it has been determined through muscle testing that a muscle is inhibited, the next step in the MAT process is to activate those muscles through either muscle specific isometric contractions or manual palpation at the origin and insertion of the associated muscle. Once this activation technique has been performed, then the MAT practitioner will retest the associated muscle in order to determine if the activation technique actually worked. This form of checks and balances is the only way to really determine if a muscle is inhibited, then if inhibited, it enables the practitioner to determine if the activation technique worked.

Source: Muscle Activation Techniques® https://muscleactivation.com/muscle-activation/

How Does MAT Re-Establish Optimal Muscle Function?

When the muscles have a strong neurological connection, there is an increase in muscle spindle sensitivity. With increased spindle sensitivity, the associated muscle is able to contract efficiently in order to tolerate greater amounts of force and protect the body from injury.

It is important to note that there is an inverse relationship between mechanoreception and nociception. Therefore, when the sensitivity of the muscle spindle (mechanoreceptor) decreases due inflammation, the sensitivity of the nociceptors (pain receptors) increase. Thus, when there is muscle inhibition, it takes less physical stress to create a pain response. Once muscles are activated, the result is an increase in muscle spindle sensitivity and a decrease in nociceptor sensitivity. 

Source: Muscle Activation Techniques® https://muscleactivation.com/muscle-activation/