Discover MAT’s Power to Restore Muscle Function

Muscle Activation Techniques (MAT) is a specialized therapy that focuses on identifying and correcting muscular imbalances, joint instability, and limitations in range of motion within the body. Developed by Greg Roskopf, MAT aims to improve the body’s overall function and performance by addressing the root causes of pain and dysfunction, rather than just the symptoms. 
 

Key Concepts of MAT: 
 

Muscle Inhibition and Activation: 

• Muscle Inhibition: When muscles are inhibited, they cannot contract efficiently, leading to joint instability and compensatory movement patterns. 

• Muscle Activation: MAT techniques are designed to activate these inhibited muscles, restoring their ability to contract effectively and support the body’s movements. 

Customized Assessment and Treatment: 

MAT practitioners use a systematic approach to evaluate the body’s range of motion and muscle function. This involves a series of tests to identify which muscles are not functioning properly. 

Once the inhibited muscles are identified, specific techniques are applied to activate them, which can include manual palpation, isometric exercises, and other specialized methods. 
 

Focus on Root Causes: 

Unlike traditional rehabilitation methods that often address symptoms, MAT targets the underlying causes of muscle dysfunction. By correcting these imbalances, MAT helps to improve overall muscle function, reduce pain, and enhance physical performance. 
 

Applications: 

MAT is used by a wide range of individuals, from professional athletes looking to optimize their performance to individuals suffering from chronic pain or recovering from injury. It is especially beneficial for those who have not found relief through other forms of therapy. 
 

Core MAT Principle: 
 

Tightness is a Sign of Neuromuscular Weakness: In MAT, tightness is viewed as an indicator of neuromuscular weakness. When a muscle is tight, it often signifies that there is muscle inhibition and weakness in the surrounding area. By identifying and addressing these areas of tightness, MAT aims to activate and strengthen the inhibited muscles, thereby reducing tightness and improving overall muscle function. 
 

Benefits of MAT: 
 

Improved Muscle Function: By activating inhibited muscles, MAT helps to improve strength, stability, and range of motion. 
 

Pain Reduction: Addressing the root causes of muscle dysfunction can lead to significant reductions in pain levels. 
 

Enhanced Performance: Athletes and active individuals can benefit from improved muscle coordination and performance. 

Preventive Care: Regular MAT sessions can help prevent injuries by maintaining optimal muscle function and joint stability. 

Potential Negative Thought: “How is MAT different from all the other therapies I’ve tried?” 

Preemptive Response: “You might be wondering what makes MAT different from other therapies like physical therapy, massage therapy, or chiropractic treatments. Unlike these methods, MAT focuses on identifying and treating muscle inhibition and weakness that are often the underlying causes of pain and dysfunction. By targeting the root cause rather than just the symptoms, MAT can provide more effective and long-lasting results. Our clients often experience significant improvements in just 1-3 sessions, which is a testament to the unique and powerful approach of MAT.” 

Why MAT is Unique: 

• Holistic Approach: MAT considers the entire muscular system and its impact on joint and skeletal function, providing a comprehensive approach to musculoskeletal health. 

• Individualized Care: Each session is tailored to the specific needs of the client, ensuring that the treatment addresses their unique imbalances and dysfunctions. 

• Non-Invasive: MAT is a non-invasive therapy that avoids the use of drugs, needles, or surgery. 

• Works Quickly: MAT is designed to produce rapid results, often within just 1-3 sessions. By quickly identifying and addressing the root causes of muscle inhibition and dysfunction, MAT helps clients experience significant improvements in pain levels, range of motion, and overall muscle function. This efficiency not only provides faster relief but also reduces the need for prolonged treatment, saving clients time and money. 

Potential Negative Thought: “I’ve tried physical therapy, massage therapy, chiropractic treatments, and even working out, but nothing has worked. Why would MAT be any different?” 

Preemptive Response: “You might be thinking that you’ve already explored every available option and you’re skeptical that anything new could actually help. Many of our clients have felt the same way, having tried numerous other therapies without success. What sets MAT apart is our unique focus on identifying and addressing muscle inhibition and weakness, which are often overlooked by other treatments.” 

Potential Negative Thought: “If this technique is so effective, why haven’t I heard of it before?” 

Preemptive Response: “You might be asking why MAT isn’t more widely known if it’s so effective. MAT is a specialized technique that has been gaining recognition in the health and wellness community. Although it may not yet be a household name, it has been embraced by many top athletes and individuals who have experienced chronic pain, leading to its growing reputation as a highly effective treatment.  

Additionally, MAT does not spend any money on marketing. Instead, we are largely a referral-based business, relying on the positive experiences and word-of-mouth recommendations from our satisfied clients.” 

Potential Negative Thought: “Is MAT just another form of exercise?” 

Preemptive Response: “MAT is not exercise. While exercise focuses on building strength and endurance, MAT is a specialized therapy designed to identify and correct muscle imbalances and neuromuscular weaknesses. The goal of MAT is to restore proper muscle function, which can then make your exercise routines more effective and safer. By addressing these underlying issues, MAT helps to improve your overall muscle performance and reduce pain.” 

The term “Muscle Activation” is commonly used in training and therapeutic circles to refer to exercises or techniques aimed at warming up or waking up muscles. This can include activities such as dynamic stretches or specific activation exercises designed to prepare muscles for physical activity. Trainers and therapists might use “muscle activation” as part of a warm-up routine. The term “muscle activation” has become jargon in the industry, often confusing clients. 

On the other hand, “Muscle Activation Techniques (MAT)” is a specialized, hands-on therapeutic approach developed by Greg Roskopf nearly 30 years ago. This approach is distinct from the general concept of muscle activation exercises. The MAT process involves a client lying on a therapeutic table while the practitioner checks for limitations in range of motion, which indicate muscle inhibition. Each muscle is isolated and tested for inhibition. If necessary, the practitioner rectifies the inhibition using specific MAT protocols. The muscle is then rechecked, and the previously noted limitations in range of motion are reexamined. Typically, when neuromuscular strength is restored, these limitations are reduced or eliminated. The main goal of MAT is to identify and correct muscle imbalances and weaknesses, enhancing overall muscle function, stability, and reducing pain. 

When Greg Roskopf introduced “Muscle Activation Techniques,” 25+ years ago it was a novel concept, but now, the broader term “muscle activation” is widely used for general warm-up exercises. To ensure you are receiving genuine Muscle Activation Techniques (MAT) therapy, always check the “Find a Practitioner” page on our website. If a practitioner is not listed there, they are likely not qualified to perform MAT, may not be practicing it correctly, or they’re doing general muscle activation exercises. Remember, MAT is not about warming up muscles; it is a systematic, hands-on therapy designed to address and correct muscle inhibition at a neuromuscular level.