How is MAT™ different from
other forms of therapy?
Current
forms of therapy and exercise recognize muscle tightness as the primary
factor that leads to pain or injury. The MAT process is radically
different. It looks at muscle weakness, rather than muscle tightness as
the cause of limitations in range of motion. Muscle tightness is not
only secondary, but it is the end product or reciprocal muscle
weakness. When the body recognizes instability (muscle weakness) it is
designed to protect itself. It sends messages to surrounding muscles to
tighten up in an attempt to support and protect the joint. A good
illustration of this is when we walk on ice; the body recognizes
instability and attempts to protect itself by contracting various
muscles throughout the body. With a systematic evaluation procedure
which correlates limitations in range of motion to muscle weakness, MAT
treats the weak muscles in order to address the instability. In turn,
the protective contractions diminish, which typically results in an
increase in joint range of motion. The end result is not only increased
joint range of motion, but also stability through the range of motion
(Mobility and Stability). This increase in mobility combined with joint
stability is fundamental to the MAT program. It is the foundation
behind improving people's ability to function. It is also the missing
link to many therapy and exercise procedures, since it provides a
checks and balances approach for regulating progress. Addressing this
neurological component can be a key to improving many therapy and
exercise procedures.
MAT
addresses the cause of your discomfort, not just the symptoms. It looks
at the root of pain or injury by addressing muscle weakness rather than
muscle tightness. Results are quick and long lasting. Normal stretching
or massage techniques focus on symptoms to loosen muscle tissue, but
too often, those results are only temporary. MAT restores body
alignment and activates inhibited muscle that are causing the pain.
MAT
helps restore connections between the brain and the muscles, thus
alleviating problematic imbalance/compensation patterns and allowing
muscles to begin performing properly. Muscular imbalances occur when
muscles do not properly respond to signals sent from the nervous
system, causing other muscles to take over the increased demand. This
process is referred to as compensation. Compensation, over time, can
result in joint instability, joint inflammation, osteoarthritis and a
variety of other injuries and disorders.
In
Summary:
> MAT treats the
cause of pain, not just the symptoms.
> MAT uses precision muscle testing, palpation, and
reinforcement exercises.
> MAT addresses weak muscles
rather than tight muscles addressed by other forms of therapy.
> MAT treats muscle attachments
rather than muscle bellies.
>
MAT is a system of checks and balances. A MAT
practitioner can check results to see if range of motion and joint
stability have increased after treatment.
Is MAT
similar to ART (Active Release Techniques)?
No,
MAT is not similar to ART. ART locates and breaks down scar tissue and
adhesions which cause pain, stiffness and other physical dysfunctions
associated with repetitive stress injuries. ART concentrates on the
tight and adhesion-riddled tissue that causes pain and weakness,
whereas MAT focuses on the muscles that cause the tightness and
adhesions. Muscle tightness is secondary to muscle weakness. For
example, if your hamstrings are tight, MAT will not focus directly on
the constricted fibers, but will instead test the quadriceps muscles to
determine which are misfiring and failing to move in sync with the
hamstrings. MAT will then correct these neuromuscular imbalances.
What should I expect during my first MAT
and subsequent sessions?
After
an initial consultation you will receive a comprehensive assessment and
evaluation that will address: Posture, body weight distribution, BMI
(body mass index), blood pressure, resting heart rate, Anthropometry
measurements and a Range of Motion (ROM) Assessment (designed to allow
practitioners to check their work by correlating limitations in ROM to
muscle weakness). A report of findings will be written to address
your specific limitations, goals and objectives.
During
your Mat sessions limitations of ROM are identified, the muscles which
move the joint into a specific position will be evaluated in order to
determine proper neurological input. The two types of MAT treatments
that can improve neurological connections to the muscle are isometric
exercises and precision manual therapy. These treatments will increase
neural proprioception within the weak muscle to restore ability and
function. Precision manual therapy palpations will feel similar to deep
massage, however the palpations will only be directed at the attachment
sites of the muscle, as opposed to the muscle belly. Clients may feel
soreness after their initial session. This is completely normal and
should be expected.
What Should I wear?
You
should wear comfortable, loose clothes such as sweat pants, T-shirts,
shorts, athletic clothes, or work-out clothes.
Should I check with my doctor first?
MAT
is a non-invasive, drug free treatment which should not interfere with
any current forms of treatment you may be receiving. If you are working
with other therapists, we will be happy to work with them. Some of
today's medical practitioners are unaware of alternative therapies and
may not be familiar with MAT. We would be happy to talk with your
medical practitioner if you would like.
MAT sounds great. Why
haven't I heard about it before?
Many
doctors treat in their area of specialty and often focus on the
symptoms, not the problem, using medication and unnecessary surgery.
Medical professionals who do not promote alternatives to mainstream
therapy are often unaware of their value and positive results. MAT is a
new therapy that has just recently been introduced to the general
public, and is beginning to receive recognition across the United
States. To date, only approximately 300 therapists are certified MAT
practitioners. However, MAT is currently being utilized by five
professional sports teams and many elite athletes.
How long will it take to see
results?
The
number of treatments is dependent upon the individual and the initial
assessment. Many clients report immediate improvement in ROM and
decreased pain after the first session. Typically four to six sessions
are recommended in order to give appropriate, focused treatment and to
experience maximum results.
How does one become certified as
MAT specialist?
Prior
to applying for a MAT 10 month internship certification program,
candidates must have a degree and/or appropriate experience in health
or exercise-related fields, a thorough understanding of anatomy, and a
passion for health and wellness. Certification requires 176 hours of
instruction, a five hour Midterm and Practical, and an extensive eight
hour Final Exam and Practical under the supervision of MAT developer,
Greg Roskopf.
How do I know if my MAT specialist
is certified?
To
verify certification of a MAT specialist, go to www.muscleactivation.com.
Where can I
read testimonials from Kristin's clients?
Visit our
testimonials page.
Click here
to schedule
your free consultation - and learn how MAT and Wellness
Coaching can help YOU get back into the action!
Home |
What is MAT |
About
Kristin |
FAQs |
Testimonials
Recommendations
for Fitness & Wellbeing | Links/Articles | Contact
