Steve Dam MS, MATcs, ATC, CSCS, RTS Owner Activation Fitness, Inc.

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1 Steve Dam MS, MATcs, ATC, CSCS, RTS Owner Activation Fitness, Inc. With: Shawn True, MS, MATm, RTSm Mission Statement : Our mission is to continually educate and challenge ourselves to improve each client s ability to function at a higher level and strive to live a pain free life.

2 What is Muscle Activation Techniques (MAT) MAT is a biomechanically based, systematic process of identifying and correcting muscle imbalances in the body Without addressing these imbalances, chronic joint and/or muscle pain are a common result. Goal of MAT = Pain free efficient movement

3 The Founder of MAT: Greg Roskopf Greg has worked as a biomechanical consultant for various professional sports teams including: the Denver Broncos, the Utah Jazz, and the Denver Nuggets. Masters Degree in Exercise Physiology Developed MAT in a quest to solve his own pain related issues. Needed a paradigm shift from traditional thought processes. MAT treatment practices are gaining recognition throughout all facets of the sports, health and fitness industries. Greg still works with professional athletes, however, now he regularly works with highly sensitive and challenging clients. They come to him often as a last resort after many years of pain and dysfunction. At Activation Fitness, we work with a wide range of clients as well from the highly skilled athlete to the retired businessman trying to get back in the game.

4 What is Muscle Activation Techniques The MAT process addresses the weak links One of the foundational principles of MAT is the concept of addressing muscle weakness rather than muscle tightness. MAT helps to restore natural body alignment and reduce the body s need to compensate. Car Alignment analogy

5 What MAT Does NOT Do: MAT does not TREAT pain, injury, or disease MAT is not a diagnostic tool MAT does not involve any adjustments or manipulations MAT never forces a range of motion

6 What MAT Certified Specialist Are Qualified To Do: Check range of motion bilaterally Improve muscle function of inhibited muscles Retest the muscle or position strength and recheck the motion

7 How MAT Works: The Basics Brain controls all movement Information in information out Receptors (intrinsic fibers) respond with feedback Alpha-Gamma co-activation loop Reciprocal inhibition The Result: Fluid Movement

8 How MAT Works: The Basics Feedback loop is no longer efficient Signals sent out but the response is inadequate Inhibition Stress, trauma, overuse, etc Protective mechanism in the body The Result: Compensation

9 How MAT Works: The Basics How does compensation lead to pain? Uneven wear and tear Osteoarthritis Poor mechanics (like car out of alignment) redirects stress where body cannot absorb it adequately. The Result: Chronic Pain!

10 How MAT Works: The Basics Biomechanically We look at how all joints are interrelated and how abnormal mechanics in one joint may affect motion in another joint. Pronation & Supination The whole body not just the radio-ulnar joint For example Ankle sprains

11 MAT: The Four Step Process 1. ROM Evaluation 2. Identify the Weakness 3. Improve Muscle function - Isometrics - Palpations (Origin and Insertion) 4. Re-test the Position or Muscle

12 Step #1 ROM Evaluation Explore all planes of motion Rotational component Shortened position Significant imbalances Areas of compensation and weakness? Limitations in range of motion indicate neuromuscular deficits Traditional approach to addressing these limitations in motion

13 Step #2 Identify The Weaknesses Joint and position-specific muscle tests are applied Definition = positional test where a constant force is applied over a set amount of time Determine which muscles are potentially inhibited

14 Step #3 Improve Muscle Function Strengthen these positions of instability via: specific, graded-intensity isometrics precise palpations Origin and insertion Goal = restore proper proprioceptive input to the muscle spindle.

15 Step #4 Re-test the Position or Muscle Have range of motion and strength been restored? Goal # 1 is improved strength and stability Secondary goal is increased mobility STABILITY BEFORE MOBILITY Increased Mobility w/o Stability = Vulnerability

16 What MAT Can Do For Your Athletes/Patients MAT helps to restore the neuromuscular control the body needs to stabilize the affected joints, reestablishing controlled range of motion. This means: decreased compensations improved ability to function improved balance greater strength particularly in positions of weakness

17 What MAT Can Do For Your Athletes/Patients All this can lead to: decreased pain throughout the day return to (or improve) the sport/activity recover from injuries more quickly higher level of performance in any sport with reduced risk of injury