Facilitating Muscles through (MAT) Muscle Activation Techniques™
As we age, due to various forms of stresses being placed on the body, the muscular system may become less efficient in its contractile abilities. The result of this diminished muscle activity may correlate with many of the physical complaints that we relate to aging.
MAT recognizes that every injury may have a negative impact on our neuromuscular function and that over time, the communication between the nervous system and the muscular system becomes negatively altered. If this altered communication is not regularly addressed, then the cumulative effect may be a progressive weakness of the muscular system. This may result in an increase in susceptibility to pain, injury and/or degenerative issues.
MAT is a specific program designed to identify and address these altered communication pathways with the primary goal being to restore muscle contractile capabilities. It can be looked at as part of the exercise continuum. The most important component of MAT is that it provides a system of checks and balances.
MAT is a specific technique designed to improve muscle function which can provide an environment that reduces the risk of injury while also speeding up the body’s ability to recover from injury.
The (MAT) Muscle Activation Techniques philosophical framework promotes the following perspectives regarding the nature of the human body and the role of a Certified MAT Practitioner within the health and wellness continuum:
The human body is a dynamic and complex set of integrated physiological systems. Each system can have a profound impact upon other system functions; therefore a client’s muscle system capabilities may be affected by issues relating to any of these other systems that can confound the efficacy of MAT techniques and its implications for exercise activities.
How do muscles lose their efficiency or contractile capabilities?
This can happen due to trauma, overuse, inflammation and dehydration. Inflammation is one of the greatest factors contributing to this issue. Inflammation can diminish sensory input to CNS. This can have a two-fold effect:
1) Inflammation can diminish sensory input to CNS which lowers the efficiency of muscle contractibility
2) Inflammation can limit the inhibitory input to other muscles; thus allowing them to become tight and overworked
Can MAT help clients with their pain?
MAT does not treat pain directly; however the lack of efficient muscular contraction may be a contributor to pain. The lack of efficient contraction places joints and other tissues under strain, which may lead to additional inflammation. When we have large amounts of inflammation the sensory receptors responsible for communicating pain can become sensitized and overactive. Improving the muscle’s efficiency can provide an environment for reducing inflammation and the promotion of healing.
Take your health into your own hands. There are NEW ways to utilize physical therapy for your health. Consider (MAT) muscle activation techniques to treat a muscular injury or increase your performance in sport.