WHAT IS MUSCLE ACTIVATION TECHNIQUES (MAT)?

MAT is a process of identifying weak musculature by analyzing joint ranges of motion in order to guide further investigating utilizing high precision, low force, muscle testing. Upon identifying weak muscles several techniques are used to activate the muscle(s) by restoring communication with the central nervous system.

By restoring muscular contractile efficiency and reflexive control of musculature we ensure better force distribution through joints to reduce wear and improve performance. The primary benefit of MAT is its ability to assess, prepare and improve and individuals muscular system's contractile capabilities in order to participate in as well as, measure the tolerance to the demands of various forms of exercise. MAT fits in as part of the exercise continuum. It provides the ability assess baseline physical capabilities and progress to monitoring the capabilities of the muscular system as tolerance levels are being challenged. 

Greg Roskopf was an athlete who found himself constantly falling prey to injury. Rather than continuing exercises that seemed only to exacerbate the problem, he took a different approach to recovery with Muscle Activation Techniques (MAT). MAT focuses on finding the sources of muscle tightness and weakness and remedying them.

TESTIMONIALS

  • “ I crossfit five days a week and I wasn’t able to perform certain movements without feeling discomfort. Simply hanging on a pull-up bar, or even putting on a jacket, was painful. I had to avoid certain movements for several months. I felt frustrated and wanted to do something to lessen the pain. A coach at my gym recommended Adam, and I am so happy he did. His MAT Therapy sessions have helped me tremendously. I’m no longer experiencing the pain I once was. I have full range of motion back in my shoulder and can perform all movements in my crossfit classes again. ”
    — — Dana H. (Crossfit Athlete)
  • “ I originally started working with Adam because following a rotator cuff surgery I did not get full strength or ROM after lots of Physical Therapy. My weak shoulder was affecting my ability to ride horses and my work as a nurse. Since working with Adam my shoulders are strong and pain free. Today I can press 8 kg kettlebells over head with each arm. Adam has also helped me improve so many other old injuries I just assumed I had to live with for the rest of my life. My sense of well being and strength are incredibly better thanks to the programs Adam designs for me. He is a man of high integrity, an excellent teacher and has a wealth of experience. ”
    — - Bonnie K. (Nurse)
  • “ I wanted to send you a quick follow up email on the state of my hamstrings/ glutes , 3 months after my session with you. Immediately after the session, I didn't notice any major difference but gradually over time I noticed that I didn't have the same pains or issues that have plagued me for so long. I'm delighted to tell you that I'm running, playing soccer and working out without any noticing that same pain. I couldn't have hoped for better. I've been spreading the good word to whoever I talk to with similar pains and hopefully it's generated some traffic your way. Anyway hopefully I won't need to see you anytime soon but If I encounter any pains again that won't go away, I'll knocking on your door. Thanks a million! ”
    — -Fergal C. (Software Engineer, Crossfit Athlete)
  • “ I suffered a bad ankle injury during my high school soccer season last winter. After completing rehab program with a therapist, I still could not run or strike the ball without considerable pain in my ankle. It was very painful to sprint and pretty much impossible to play soccer. Before working with Adam I might be able to practice for a very short time before the pain interfered with my ability to practice and play. Now I can play without thinking about my ankle and without any pain. My ankle healed so much faster working with Adam than it did with any other PT. After the first session together I was able to hop up and down without any pain, then after each training session together following that, I was able to do more and more without any pain. There has been such a big improvement that I didn't even realize I could have. Not only was I able to go back to playing, but I also learned better ways to keep my body physically healthy. ”
    — -Dakota L. (Club Level Soccer)
  • “ I am an older person with a passion for long-distance, multi-day walks and hiking adventures. I came to Adam for help with pain in both knees after 3 months of physical strength therapy recommended by my medical provider, which did little to address my pain. Through Adam’s questions, observations, gentle probing of my physical condition, and MIND-BODY training using the principles of Z-Health, he was able to work me through a multi-week path to significantly reduced pain in my left knee and no pain in my right knee. I have gained improved balance; better strength in my feet, legs, knees, and waist areas; and better mind and body response to pain. I leave this week on a 300-mile walk and I have Adam to thank for it. Cheers, Dave ”
    — -David T. Adventurer/Long Distance Walker
  • “ I have been working with Adam on and off now for the past 7 years. Beginning in High School, through College, and now as a Professional Soccer Player. Most recently I came to Adam for help with hamstring injury. I stated my symptoms and what was going on. We’ve been doing a lot of great rehab work around the affected hip and leg. I’ve also been performing vision and vestibular exercises that have really helped improve my recovery and physical performance. I’ve found this work to be more comprehensive and quite different from what I have experienced other places. I feel it has really helped accelerate my healing process and I’m very close to 100% training level now and I’m about to hop back in with the squad. I’m super happy about that and I look forward to continue working with Adam whenever anything else comes up. ”
    — -Max Glasser, Athlete, Monterey Football Club
  • “ My acupuncturist sent me to see Adam. He recommended I see him over a year ago. I wish I had taken his advice then. I’ve had a few injuries: broken arms, broken toes, terrible head bonk that paralyzed me for almost a minute, meniscal tear. I could go on. I was left with searing right lateral hip pain, searing left SI joint pain and a swath of chronic angry low back pain that wrapped around my trunk (spondyloarthropathy).I’ve lived with all that for well over 5 years. I am fit and I like to do and play everything active and I had been forced by my pains to only hike or walk. It was the only thing my body could tolerate, and it hurt. Physical therapy, chiropractors, doctors, had minimal to no impact on my pain. Crazy, but after the very first appointment with Adam my pain completely changed. It moved around a bit. I had pinches here and there in my neck and back but within hours it was clear my S I joint and hip pains were unnoticeable. I actually had tears that first night, from happiness. I’ve seen him four times now. My balance, strength, energy, and ability to engage in sports has blown my mind. It’s like he’s getting rid of the dysfunctions by erasing the memories that caused them and then I feel better. He’s “training” my mind to deal with them. I hope you find the same relief. He’s a true healer. Oh, did I mention that the loud, janky noise I’ve suffered for years in my left ear disappeared too? The appointments are always too short. I wish I could suck-up what you know and help my family, friends, patients. Thanks. See you in a couple of weeks. ”
    — -Sharon G, Nurse Practitioner