M.A.T comes to Ki Fitness
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January 11, 2009 |
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People suffering from chronic muscle pain and stiffness now have a new kind of physical therapy that is based on the theory that a chronically sore muscle cannot be simply massaged or stretched away.
Practitioners of Muscle Activation Techniques, or MAT, believe that these symptoms are just the body’s defense mechanisms.The underlying cause according to MAT developer Greg Roskopf, is that injury can desensitize a muscle’s mechano-receptors. These receptors are designed to recieve and process signals from the brain.
The brain sends the input to tell muscles to contract, but the muscles aren’t getting the proper input, so they can’t do their job to stabilize joints. And when the brain senses instability, it tenses the surrounding area to dicourage use. For example, have you ever run on ice? The brain senses the very unstable enviroment and it reduces the range of motion , making for a very unnatural gate in an attempt to protect the joints in harms way.
After 20 years in the sport of powerlifting I was starting to become concerned for my future in the sport; especially when there should be another 40 years of competing left in me. At 44 years old; hell I haven’t even peaked yet. With my best ever squat (in the gym ) of 980 lbs three years ago at a body weight of 195lbs I was positioning myself to be one of the worlds best 90kg squatters.
Excitment quickly turned to disappointment as I competed around the World. My strength was there but I just couldn’t go deep enough with my hips to get qualifying lifts. There was no real pain to speak of it was more like I was sitting on a low wall and no matter what the weight was on my back I could go no lower.
Then I was introduced to MAT and I knew immediatley I would be back. Again I have been using many methods of rehab,ie. deep muscle massage, Graston, ART, accupuncture with a degree of improvement, but MAT was what my body was looking for!
My MAT specialist explained to me it was a four-step process she would be using to get me back.
First: is an assessment to find out where the body does not want to go.You are moved into positions to find where you are noticeably tight, then that will be compared to the other side. In my case the right hip (nasty) compared to the left hip.The asymmetry indicates the body is protecting itself in that position.
Second: A test of all the muscles that might be responsible for that tightness. The practitioner will check each muscle to see if it has trouble contacting; a sign that it isn’t getting the proper input from the brain.
Third: Manual palpation is used directly where the muscles grow into the bones. The pressure applyed is done so in a back and forth X-type motion.This can be a little “special” at times , but necessary in an attempt to resensitize the muscles to the brain’s signals.
Fourth:Muscles are retested to see if symmetry in the range of motion and strength has been restored.
If you live in the Calgary area,and you need help give me a call here at Ki Fitness(403) 215-4549 or reach me on our site.
Brian Johnston: owner Ki Fitness Personal Training
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The best information i have found exactly here. Keep going Thank you