The “how” of MAT work is like the ABCs of language. The letters create the word to make the meaning, just as the muscles generate the motion. Without som of th lttrs, you may still gt th gist of what is bing writtn, but the rad is awkward and ambiguous. You can still move without all your muscles showing up, but the motion will be unstable and uncomfortable
The brain orchestrates motion by making muscles contract to move, hold to stabilize, or relax to allow other motions to occur. This orchestration is a neuromuscular function created by the quality and flow of information between the brain and the muscles. When communication breaks down due to stress or overuse, information can get messy and create the need for changes in motion.
MAT provides a system that allows the brain to coordinate the muscle's timing better, increasing their ability to consistently tolerate what we do in life.
Think of how an ankle injury changes the way you walk. When your brain senses instability, it redirects forces, limiting motion and force through the damaged tissues. It does this by creating tightness in other muscles and literally pulling you in another direction. These compensations are designed to recreate stability and protection. They cause the chronic tightness that pulls your bones out of alignment, making moving as you used to feel off, challenging, and tiring.
What muscles in your own body could be missing their cue, affecting your comfort and making your motion feel less than perfect?
MAT and MATRx create a better flow of information. By first observing your range of motion, we can identify and correct muscle imbalances, restore muscle function and neuromuscular communication, and improve the root of your motion.