Question 1

What exactly is Muscle Activation Techniques (MAT)?

Accepted Answer

MAT is based on the principle that efficient muscle contraction is essential for normal movement and overall health. Any loss in muscle contraction efficiency can lead to decreased motion, physical performance, and even pain. MAT is a unique process that evaluates an individual’s ability to develop efficient muscle contractions by comparing the range of motion on both sides of the body. If a movement is asymmetrical, it indicates potential muscle weakness. MAT specialists then assess and apply precise forces to restore muscle efficiency, ensuring that any improvements in motion and symmetry are accompanied by better muscle contraction.

Question 2

How is MAT different from other techniques?

Accepted Answer

MAT stands out because it works with your body to make improvements, enhancing muscle contraction and motion. Our specialists listen to your body’s responses and tailor treatments accordingly. Each session is unique, focusing on your specific muscular weaknesses and compensation patterns. Unlike other techniques, MAT doesn’t stretch, heat, knead, or foam roll muscles. Instead, it activates them, preparing your body to handle everyday movements and exercise more effectively.

Question 3

How do I know if I have a muscle that is weak?

Accepted Answer

The first and major indication is that something may not feel right. This can be seen as joint pain, muscle tension or instability of a joint, or in other words tight hamstrings, tight lower back, shin splints, aching knees, or a hyper-extended joint. Any feelings of pain or tightness can be signs of possible muscle weakness.

Question 4

Can MAT help with arthritis and aging?

Accepted Answer

Yes! MAT is an exercise-based process, and research shows that exercise can significantly improve health. Muscles are designed to stabilize joints, so improving muscle function can prevent the loss of physical performance often seen with arthritis and aging. MAT ensures that each muscle receives a signal to contract, allowing your body to maintain or gain muscle mass during exercise. This reduces or eliminates sarcopenia (loss of muscle mass) and can decrease joint stresses that lead to or worsen arthritis.

Question 5

Can MAT enhance my athletic performance and prevent injuries?

Accepted Answer

Yes, MAT can significantly enhance your athletic performance and help prevent injuries. It helps athletes recover quickly from competitive stress and prepares the body for efficient training and performance. By addressing muscular inefficiencies that place stress on joints and tissues, MAT helps prevent injuries before they occur. It also aids in rehabilitation, balancing the muscular system to restore physical performance and allowing athletes to return to their sport sooner and stronger.

Question 6

Can strength training, stretching, or yoga fix weakened muscles?

Accepted Answer

Maybe. If your muscles are weakened due to prolonged stress or sudden trauma, moving them into a vulnerable position might cause other muscles to compensate, keeping the weak muscles weak and the strong muscles stronger. This imbalance can lead to joint deterioration and chronic issues like tendonitis and arthritis. The best approach is to assess which motions are limited and which muscles are weak, then take action to improve muscle function. MAT identifies weak muscles and provides tools to strengthen them, helping you return to your favorite activities from a position of strength.

Question 7

How do I determine for myself which muscles are creating the tightness, discomfort or loss of physical performance in my body?

Accepted Answer

We recommend that you visit a qualified MAT Specialist and have him or her do a thorough assessment. A MAT Specialist is highly skilled and trained with over 300 individual muscle tests to determine not only which muscles may be weakened, but also which specific fibers of these muscles needs activation.

FAQ