MAT Explanation
MAT’s premise is that human movement and exercise are fundamental to human health and that
muscle’s health (demonstrated by its ability to contract efficiently) is important for normal
movement. Any loss of muscle(s) contraction efficiency may be demonstrated as a loss of
motion and decreased physical performance, which may lead to subjective complaints and/or the
loss of physical capabilities.
MAT is a specific and unique process* for evaluating an individual’s ability to develop efficient
muscle contraction(s) by first measuring and comparing specific limb and trunk motions of the
body right side to left side, as the human body tends to be symmetrical in its structure right side
to left side.
* It is referred to as a “process” as there are hundreds of muscles and joints to be
evaluated in order to uncover the muscle issues that could be contributing to the
loss of physical performance and any associated subjective complaints, which leads
to what could be many sessions of work to solve the problems.
If an asymmetry in motion between the two sides exists then the one that moves less is
interpreted as having the potential for a loss of muscle contraction capabilities for one or more of
the muscles that should be contracting to move the joint/limb further.
The muscles that are capable of moving the limb further are assessed by the MAT Specialist to
determine if they have lost the ability to contract efficiently.
When it has been determined through testing that a muscle has lost its efficient contractile ability
then precise forces are applied to restore that muscle’s efficiency.
As muscles are restored to efficient contraction MAT uses a system of accountability (checks
and balances) to ensure that any increases in motion and symmetry are accompanied by
improvements in muscle contractile efficiency.
MAT does not force change on the body but works with it to make improvements, strategically
negotiating changes in motion and muscle contraction. If any intervention is made and motion
decreases, and/or muscle contraction efficiency is lost, then it is interpreted and respected that
the body is not ready to accept the change at this time and new decisions are made to move the
body towards increased motion with improved contraction.
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