Muscle Activation Techniques (MATTM)

WHAT IS MUSCLE ACTIVATION TECHNIQUES?

Muscle Activation Techniques (MATTM) is a bodywork technique that identifies and treats musculoskeletal imbalances through a systematic series of range of motion assessments, manual muscles tests, palpation treatments, and isometric exercises to strengthen activated muscles. This biomechanics- based therapy is designed to prevent and treat pain associated with these imbalances by screening for strength deficits and muscle inhibition (the inability to recruit all motor units of a functional muscle group to their full extent).

WHAT CAUSES A MUSCLE TO BECOME INHIBITED?

There are various causes of muscle weakness, each of which may lead to overuse. Such causes include poor posture, repetitive motion, direct trauma, stress, overexertion, dietary deficiencies, poor movement patterns, lack of exercise (disuse), injury, illness, or disease. The resulting muscle weakness may be severe or mild. Often, individuals may not even be aware of mild muscle weakness. They may function and feel normal during their daily activities, but might actually be overusing muscles to compensate for undetected weakness. This overuse due to compensation often leads to pain/injury.

HOW DO INHIBITED MUSCLES CAUSE PAIN?

The relation between muscle weakness, overuse, and injury is thought to be cyclical and reciprocal. Muscle weakness can produce overuse, overuse can lead to further weakness, and both can predispose to injury. Overuse can occur directly when weakened muscles must work harder to maintain a certain force, or indirectly when alternate muscles are recruited to compensate for weak ones. Individuals can enter this weakness-overuse-injury cycle at different points and at different levels of weakness. 

HOW DOES MATTM WORK?

A muscle that is inhibited has lost proprioceptive input and is in the initial stages of inflammation. Because tendons are more collagenous than muscle tissue, they receive less circulation. By applying pressure to the muscle-tendon junctions, circulation to that area is increased and proprioception is improved. This allows the neurological system to work more efficiently, activating the inhibited muscle and restoring its functional strength. 

HOW DOES MATTM DIFFER FROM OTHER THERAPIES?

The MATTM process looks for muscle weakness at end ranges of motion as the primary factor leading to joint and soft tissue pain or injury. Most other forms of therapy and exercise focus on either muscle tightness or muscle weakness in neutral joint positions as the cause of joint limitations. When the body recognizes instability (muscle weakness), it is designed to protect itself. It sends messages to surrounding muscles and fascia to tighten up in an attempt to support and protect the joint. With a systematic evaluation procedure that correlates limitations in range of motion to muscle weakness, MATTM treats weak muscles in order to address instability. In turn, protective contractions diminish, typically resulting in an increased joint range of motion. Along with this increased joint range of motion, there is also an increase in stability through the range of motion (mobility with stability). This increase in joint mobility combined with joint stability is fundamental to the MAT program...the foundation behind improving people’s ability to function.

HOW LONG DO THE EFFECTS OF MATTM LAST?

The effects achieved through MATTM vary considerably depending upon the type of pain/injury, adherence to the isometric exercises prescribed by the MATTM practitioner, and willingness to make lifestyle changes necessary for long term success. The increased mobility and stability achieved during MATTM sessions must be reinforced through isolation exercises for maximum results.

WHO CAN BENEFIT FROM MATTM?

Nearly everyone can benefit from MATTM. Thanks to our technology-based society, Americans have become more dysfunctional than ever before. The average person in the United States is sedentary, obese, and has suffered from low back pain at some point in their life. MATTM can help to prevent and treat the muscular problems that are associated with these risk factors, as well as countless others. Fitness enthusiasts can take advantage of having a way to prevent and treat pain associated with musculoskeletal imbalances in the health club setting, and athletes can address their specific performance needs through MATTM.

HOW MANY MATTMSESSIONS DO I NEED?

Typically only 1-2 sessions are needed for MATTM to be effective. Acute pain/injury usually requires fewer sessions, while chronic pain/injury may require more. The first session begins with an introductory consultation, followed by a series of range of motion exams, individual muscle tests, and activation of inhibited muscles. Additional sessions are used to recheck the work done in previous sessions, and to continue muscle testing and treatment as necessary. After the initial treatment period is over, clients are encouraged to schedule appointments periodically to test for muscles that may have become inhibited over time, or if any pain begins to reappear.

TESTIMONIALS

“I was struggling with chronic plantar fasciitis for three years, the last two of which I was unable to run at all. I had tried everything out there for therapy, but none of them got to the root of the problem. I was very skeptical before my sessions with Alana because of the failures of the other therapies, but Alana figured out that my pain was resulting from inactive muscles in my hips and lower legs. As a result, my feet were bearing all the weight of my body and taking all of the pounding associated with running. Once she activated those inactive muscles, I had almost instant relief! Now I am regularly running 5 days a week again with no problems. Alana is absolutely amazing! I continue to do the isolation exercises that Alana gave me to make sure my muscles stay strong and activated. It is a small price to pay to be able to do something that I love.” -Brent McGrew, Running Club Director

“As a long-time marathon runner, I have had a variety of serious problems with my lower back, hips, glutes and legs. My problems were so bad mid-year that I could barely even walk. Using her Muscle Activation Techniques, Alana identified various muscles that weren’t firing properly, got them firing again, and gave me isometric exercises to strengthen them. My sessions with Alana were extremely positive! She really knows her stuff! She keeps trying different things to isolate muscles and improve the effectiveness of her exercises. Alana has got me feeling/running better than I have in two years, and she made the whole process fun! Absolutely give her a try! I’ve seen the absolute miracles she’s worked with a number of runners.” -Ron Abrahamson

“Alana was miraculous; well worth the money and time! For the first time in 20 years, I don’t have shoulder pain and can raise my arms above my head! Fabulous! I have recommended her to a number of people, including my patients with fibromyalgia.” -Dr. Deborah Simmons

“My sessions with Alana were very beneficial. Nothing else had seemed to work. I felt a substantial improvement after the second visit and now I have been able to run and play golf 3-5 times a week!” –Bob Rudell

“I have had a lot of problems with my lower back due to a herniated disc. Alana is the best person I have ever worked with. She has really helped me. My back is 100% better, and I am able to do more without getting stiff.” –Ramona Bennett

“I wanted my body aligned and strengthened in order to decrease the calf pain I was experiencing, prevent future injuries, and help me to run faster. I am totally pleased with what Alana has done. My calf soreness went away, I have not suffered from any injuries since I worked with her, and I am running better than I have in years. I think Alana is great!” -Winston Gordon

“Alana’s successful training and application of MAT has done more for me than any other system I have tried. I have never met anyone who brings all of the characteristics into work as she does. She is a master of her profession.” –Alan Ziskin