Hey guys,
Has anyone encountered any experience with M.A.T. (Muscle Activiation Technique)? I was asked about this and I was not familiar with anyone who has used it and was wondering if it was similar to Active Release Technique or a bunch of hooey. Holla
(http://www.muscleactivation.com)
Greg’s presentation at SWIS wasn’t great…but some of the stuff works for overhead athletes…not much else.
I’ve been to 3 MAT “jumpstart” courses. The premise is sound and the techniques definately work, but it is a complicated system. My understanding (and this might not be 100% accurate) is that muscles sometimes cease to function properly due to decrease neural input (either due to repetitive stress or trauma), this in turn creates strength imbalances, pain, etc. By identifying the affected muscle (and the specific innervation in question) one can utilize various methods of increasing neural input to facilate proper function. This is usually either cross-fiber friction massage (at the musculotendinous junction) or an isometric contraction then the specific muscle segment for that innervation is in its fully shortened position.
Needless to say, to accomplish all of this involves a very extensive testing proceedure for ROM and strength. You have to test every muscle segment and its corresponding innervation. Also, some muscles are foundational to others in a “kinematic chain” which can effect results.
Personal examples: Decreased neural input to my plantaris led to poor muscle function. Because the plantaris wouldn’t do its job, my arch on one foot did not recover with each step. Being flat footed then forced internal rotation of the tibia - which in turn forced internal rotation of the femur, which in turn forced an anterior tilit of the pelvis creating low back pain. 3 physical therapists, 2 chiropracters, one CHEK practitioner, and one NASM practitioner all tried the “traditional”: Strength the hamstings, lengthen the hip flexors, but the problem was never solved. At a workshop done by Grep Roskopf (MAT creator) he worked on the plantaris (hurt like hell with minimal pressure) and I was pain free in about 10 minutes (no anterior pelvic tilt either). He gave me some isometric exercises to maintain neural input and Ive been pain free ever since. I only did the isometrics for a couple of months.
As far as my upper back pain, well he fixed that to, but I never did the isometrics, so it come back occasionally. If I wasn’t so lazy, that would be gone too.
Great system, very effective, but very involved. Sorry this is so long, but I hope it helped.
Nathan
Nathan,
that’s what I needed to know bro! I’m trying to justify going to Greg’s seminar or just buying another new jump mat for the same price, lol. Have you been able to use it with many people?
Clemson,
tell me a bit more if you have the time. I’m curious…most of my athletes are fb, hockey and baseball players. I’ve sent some of my professional guys to a good A.R.T. guy here in Dallas for stuff that the orthopods don’t address. I just like having options/alternatives…thanks for replying!
my arch on one foot did not recover with each step
What do you mean by this?
My understanding (which could be wrong) is that the arch of my foot did not reset during the non weight bearing portion of gait - just stayed flat, unlike what happens with a flexible flat foot diagnosis.
I’d like to go to Greg’s workshops (I assume you’re refering to his internships in Denver), but given the price and travel expenses…maybe someday.
I have used the material in his JumpStart videos, with great success, on several occasions, most recently with a kayaker and shoulder issues. She’s a PhD in Nursing and went to a therapist who teaches in the PT program where she teaches. 18 treatments and no relief later she was in town to visit my wife. I just did the ROM eval and showed her the isometrics - pain free ever since. If she does a lot of racing, the pain returns, but she goes back to the Isos and in two days, the pain is gone.
I agree about Greg’s presentation style - definately his weakness. However, his information and knowledge of biomechanics seems to be top notch.
…just stayed flat,…
Sounds like a rigid flat foot.
Vitruvian, where did you find the videos?
The methods work…I fired out a post a year ago…his claim to fame is the jazz and john elway…what is he up to now?
just like Thomas, I’d like to know where the videos can be found. No store yet on the website…
Has anybody had any experience with the technique since the last post?
Thanks.