What to Expect on Your First Visit
Lacey Many people are afraid of trying new things. Especially when they are in pain and have a fear of it getting worse. Muscle Activation Technique is no newcomer to the world of therapy with over 20 years of proven results. Greg Roskopf developed MAT® to highlight the cause and effect of the muscular system as it relates to pain. From there, he went on to develop a muscle activation program to bridge therapeutic efforts between exercise and medicine. MAT has aided numerous pro sports teams, athletes, non-athletes, and individuals experiencing chronic pain. People who have suffered an injury most commonly take advantage of this technique.
Getting to Know Your Body
A client could have restrictions they didn’t even know, but those could be identified, treated, and improved with the help of a MAT specialist. We asset your whole body to identify the root causing pain. Once we do this you’ll feel better, move better, be less prone to injury and your body will perform more efficiently.
What To Expect at Your First MAT session
The first Muscle Activation Technique session will be about getting to know the clients and their concerns. Information is important for progress so we want the whole history of your body including past injuries, pain areas, and any current or past conditions. Along with a health history evaluation, we also conduct a physical MAT session.
A MAT session involves assessing range of motion, testing the muscles to identify limitations, and stimulating weak or stiff muscles. By applying a little force with the fingers and movements of normal range of motions will show these weak points to focus on. This is followed by a reassessment of treated muscles to show progress.
During a MAT session, the specialist might note tight hamstrings, which indicates poorly functioning hip flexors. The hip flexors are then tested and stimulated to become stronger. If the hip flexors are made stronger, the hamstrings will be looser and will have more strength and stability. While many people who experience tightness in a specific area will first attempt to stretch it. MAT uses the approach or strengthening of the weak muscle causing the secondary tightness. In doing so, the tightness will correct itself as the weak muscle becomes stronger.
What is the Difference between MAT, Chiropractic, or Massage Therapy?
Though often compared to chiropractic care and massage therapy, MAT is quite different from both techniques. A MAT specialist is considered a muscle specialist who helps improve the capability of the muscle to contract and perform its functions properly. That’s the main purpose of MAT, to identify muscles that are not working correctly and improve their function.
MAT takes a biomechanical approach to making the body more symmetrical, balanced and efficient. It is a specific technique that focuses on the ability to activate a muscle and is based on finding and improving muscular imbalances. This is the main difference with MAT versus massage and chiropractors.
Can MAT Work in One Session?
Muscle Activation has provided relief from pain and increased range of motion within the first visit for some clients. Though no two clients are the same as every body is different. Someone experiencing pain from a long-term injury may require MAT treatments twice a week to find relief and return the body back to proper symmetry. Someone who does not have existing issues but wants to maintain a range of motion, flexibility, and strength may have an MAT session once a week to once a month. While we all wish for instant relief, in some cases further sessions are required.