Optimizing Movement: The Systematic Process of Muscle Activation Techniques (MAT)

In the world of healthcare and fitness, precision matters.

That's where Muscle Activation Techniques (MAT) comes in — a powerful system that provides licensed professionals with a structured, results-driven approach to identifying and addressing neuromuscular dysfunctions. Whether you're working with post-rehabilitation clients or high-performing athletes, MAT offers a measurable and repeatable process to help improve muscular function, enhance performance, and reduce injury risk.

Here’s how the MAT process works—step by step:

Step 1: Assess Mobility

Every session begins with a Comparative Assessment of Mobility (CAM®). This proprietary tool allows practitioners to measure and compare joint motion across the body. By identifying asymmetries or restrictions, the practitioner can detect possible muscle imbalances that may be limiting performance or contributing to discomfort.

Step 2: Identify Weakness

Next, the practitioner uses Active Muscle Contract & Sustain (AMC&S®) testing to isolate and evaluate individual muscles. These tests reveal which muscles are not contracting efficiently — what MAT terms “inhibited” — indicating the need for targeted neuromuscular activation.

Step 3: Apply Activation

Once inhibited muscles are identified, practitioners use either Digital Force Application to Muscle Attachment Tissue (DFAMAT®) or Positional IsoAngular Contraction (PIC®). These techniques involve applying specific pressure or guided isometric contractions to restore proper communication between the nervous system and the muscles. The goal: re-establish optimal contractile function.

Step 4: Retest Function

After activation, the practitioner immediately retests using the AMC&S® protocol. This step verifies whether the specific muscle is now responding appropriately, ensuring the intervention was effective.

Step 5: Reassess Motion

Finally, the practitioner performs a second CAM® assessment to observe how improved muscular function has affected overall mobility. This guides decisions about further treatment and helps chart a clear course for ongoing care or performance enhancement.

The Takeaway

By following this repeatable, measurable process, MAT empowers practitioners to improve muscular integrity in a logical, data-informed way. Whether used in a rehab setting or athletic development program, MAT complements existing protocols by addressing the often-overlooked root cause of many movement issues — neuromuscular dysfunction. (P.S. check out our FREE download below!)