| Muscle Activation Technique
/ Manual Therapy |
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MAT
is a revolutionary technique that identifies and
corrects neuromuscular imbalances within the body.
MAT views muscle tightness as secondary to muscle
weakness. From this view, the tight muscles are
a defense mechanism that results from the body
wanting to protect itself from positions of instability.
Over time, this very common mechanism can result
in discomfort, pain, instability, joint inflammation
(arthritis), and injury. MAT helps restore neuromuscular
control that affects the mobility and stability
of the joint. |
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Another
cornerstone of MAT is its system of checks and
balances and its reproducible process. The body
is a chain of connections from head to toe. MAT
is designed to help understand how these connections
interact with one another. In short, MAT is designed
to help take some of the guesswork out of a treatment
program. |
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| The MAT Process |
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MAT
uses specific range of motion exams designed to
help expose muscles that are not neurologically
sound and in return do not allow for the full
range of motion of a joint. These muscles are
usually identified in their shortest position
where they have the least biomechanical advantage. |
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Once
these relationships are identified, the client
is led through a series of muscle tests to help
uncover the weaknesses. Once the areas of instability
have been identified, the neurological defecit
can be restored through precise palpations and
or graded isometric contractions. Finally, we
retest the inhibited muscle to see if the range
of motion and strength has been restored. |
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| Manual Therapy |
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I
have been very fortunate to attend numerous manual
therapy classes from some of the best practitioners
anywhere. I have studied with the renowned URSA
foundation and with other physical therapists
and athletic trainers who are recognized as being
at the top of their fields in manual therapy.
Some of the techniques that I have focused on
are muscle energy, strain-counterstrain, myofascial
release, and trigger point therapy. |
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We
are all unique and our life experiences and physical
structure place out bodies in our own unique circumstances.
Because of the differences, each therapeutic session
is tailored to you and your specific needs at
that time. I look forward to working with you
in the future! |
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*This
technique was developed by Greg Roskopf, MS.
Greg has worked as a consultant to professional
organizations such as the
Utah Jazz, Denver Nuggets, and Denver Broncos.
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