Muscle Activation Techniques (MAT) is a revolutionary approach to evaluating and correcting muscular dysfunction. But how does Muscle Activation Techniques work, and why is it gaining traction among healthcare professionals, physical therapists, athletic trainers, and industry experts?
At its core, MAT addresses a fundamental issue: when specific muscles aren’t contracting efficiently, the body utilizes compensation patterns to make up for it. This compensation often leads to pain, joint instability, and impaired performance. MAT targets these issues by reactivating inhibited muscles, improving neuromuscular control, and restoring proper movement mechanics.
Understanding the Problem: Muscle Inhibition
Muscle inhibition occurs when certain muscles are unable to contract with the appropriate amount of tension or timing. This can result from trauma, stress, overuse, and/or unresolved inflammation—ultimately disrupting communication between the nervous system and the muscular system.
These inhibited muscles reduce the body’s ability to stabilize joints, forcing other muscles to pick up the slack. Over time, this leads to poor movement patterns with a higher risk of injury and/or chronic pain.
The MAT Approach: Identify and Activate
So how does Muscle Activation Techniques work to reverse this process?
1. Range of Motion Assessment and Specific Muscle Testing
MAT practitioners begin with a thorough neuromuscular assessment comparing range of motion throughout the body. This involves specific manual muscle tests designed to identify weaknesses and imbalances across the muscular system. Unlike strength tests used in other settings, MAT assessments focus on whether the nervous system can efficiently contract individual muscles on demand.
2. Targeted Muscle Activation
Once inhibited muscles are identified, the practitioner uses precise manual activation techniques to stimulate these muscles at their origin and insertion points. This targeted input helps “reset” communication between the muscle and the nervous system.
3. Neuromuscular Re-education
Following activation, the practitioner ensures to retest the specific muscle that was recently activated in order to lock in and reinforce the brain and body connection. This restored connection increases stability and function.
The Result: Restored Function and Reduced Pain
By reactivating inhibited muscles and improving neuromuscular control, MAT enhances joint stability, improves mobility, and often reduces or eliminates chronic pain. Rather than chasing symptoms, MAT addresses the root cause of dysfunction — restoring muscle function from the inside out.
Whether you’re an athlete recovering from injury, a physical therapist looking for a new tool, or a client seeking long-term relief, MAT offers a solution to improving how your body moves and performs.
