Muscle Activation Techniques™ (MAT)® is a powerful muscular assessment tool that analyzes and corrects muscular imbalances. MAT focuses on the cause of the imbalance -- by testing, correcting, and maintaining muscle contractile efficiency. We believe that flexibility is a derivative of strength, and that muscle tightness is secondary to muscle weakness.
MAT is designed to re-establish the communication pathways between the nervous system and the muscular system in order to restore muscle contractile capabilities. The main indicator of muscles losing their contractile efficiency is limitations in range of motion (ROM). Through the MAT assessment, we begin with a muscle-specific joint ROM assessment which allows us to precisely determine which muscles potentially have altered communication from the nervous system.
MAT promises benefits to everyone, from recreational runners to professional athletes. Whether you’re suffering from muscle weakness, muscle stiffness, or injury, MAT could help.
Many people find their way to MAT through injury or muscle strain. However, you don’t have to have a muscle problem or injury to benefit from muscle activation exercises.
A MAT specialist can help you identify muscle and movement restrictions you may not be aware of. After a few sessions, you may move and feel better. Your risk of injuries may also go down. MAT works for people of all ages, from teenagers to seniors.
During a MAT session, I will use simple resistance and motion tests to check for any improper motions.
For example, I may ask you to lift your legs and notice that you can raise one leg higher than the other.
Next, I will apply force using my fingers to stimulate stiff or weak muscles. I'll guide you through different motions and exercises to activate your muscles and boost your range of motion.
Typically, MAT requires 1–2 sessions a week for at least several weeks. Some people see results faster than others – it’s possible to feel better immediately after the first session.
But to reap all the benefits of the technique, you want to check in for MAT for at least 6 weeks and preferably more.
I really can’t say enough, MAT changed my life.
Basically, I was very much in denial that my hip pain was caused by needing surgery (because I was only 47/48 at that time), and hip replacement is for old people. By the time I even got x-rays, I was bone on bone.
When I found you, it was a godsend, because I was able to reduce the pain, while being able to take the time to get into the right head space for a hip replacement (turns out to be two). Not only did the MAT keep the pain manageable for over a year, it abled me to get my mind into a place where I was ready to have the surgery. Then, because I had the previous experiences with doing isos, I feel very adamant that continuing to do ISOs during recovery, even in bed in the hospital room, was extremely helpful in my recovery. It was several weeks before the surgeon allowed me to come so you, but I was doing ISOs daily during the time I was restricted from seeing you. The post recovery visits were great for managing pain afterwards.
I’m also so grateful that you were able to come and witness my second hip replacement!
~ Steph
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I was introduced to Deb Hellman and her MAT practice while working as a competing coach sharing track space with her and her high school team. After kindly, and successfully helping one of my injured athletes, I referred another, who also had remarkable recovery! From that point on, Deb and MAT became my first course of action anytime one of my athletes has an issue. Every athlete and parent I refer comes back as rabid fans of Den and MAT.
On a personal note, Deb has also helped me and my family with a multitude of ailments over the years. She has a remarkably wide and deep knowledge of both MAT and nutrition that makes for a killer combination! I count myself fortunate to have Deb as my health practitioner and friend.
~ Mike
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