Muscle Activation Techniques®

What are Muscle Activation Techniques®?

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Over time, stress, trauma, and overuse can result in inflammation in the body. Inflammation creates inefficiencies in the muscular system and diminishes neuromuscular function. Muscle Activation Techniques (MAT) work to correct muscular inefficiencies and restore neuromuscular function.

 

What causes muscle inefficiencies and diminished neuromuscular function?

 

Communication between the nervous system and the muscular system can break down over time.

This communication breakdown between the nervous and muscular systems can lead to altered mechanics, which can trigger symptoms relating to muscle tightness, pain, and many of the physical complaints that we associate with aging. 

 

The end result of a one-time physical trauma or a lifetime of micro-traumas is altered communication between the nervous system and the muscular system. As a result, the contractile capability of the associated muscles becomes less efficient. This can lead to progressive weakness and increased susceptibility to pain, injury, and long-term degenerative changes.

 

MAT is designed to reestablish the communication pathways between the nervous system and the muscular system to restore muscle contractile capabilities.

 

The main indicator of muscles losing their contractile efficiency is limitations in range of motion, so MAT assessments begin with a muscle-specific joint range-of-motion assessment.  This assessment process allows Dr. Shyla to precisely determine which muscles may have altered communication from the nervous system. Afterward, she performs testing and activation in those muscles to restore joint range and stability, allowing for greater strength and less pain and inflammation.  

 

How does muscle activation work?

 

One type of muscle activation is a specific palpation technique designed to stimulate the sensory receptors within the muscle to improve the input from the periphery back to the central nervous system.

 

The other type of activation involves a position-specific isometric designed to improve motor output from the central nervous system back out to the muscles.

 

As the central nervous system reestablishes communication with the muscular system, the affected muscle can function through its full range-of-motion and have a greater capacity for protective measures, therefore providing the body with a greater sense of stability and mobility.