Myoskeletal Alignment Techniques
The source of chronic pain for many arises from very common imbalances and dysfunctional patterns in the musculoskeletal system. Most chronic pain can be relieved with a combination of skilled manual therapy and intelligent corrective exercise.
The Myoskeletal Alignment Technique (MAT) system brings together the most advanced therapeutic strategies to relieve, and ultimately correct, patterns in the body that lead to pain and deterioration. With MAT therapy, clients can be free from pain, avoiding invasive surgery or toxic pain medications.
The human body is comprised of structural systems, such as the anatomy of bones, connective tissue and nerves, as well as functional systems, such as the neural signals that trigger muscular contraction. These systems are inseparably connected in a continuous feedback loop. Without a thorough understanding of how these systems work together, most common musculoskeletal complaints are incorrectly assessed and treated.
MAT training teaches massage therapists how these brain / body systems work together, what problems lead to pain, and how to recreate optimal balance and performance.
What Myoskeletal Therapy does for clients
Relieves chronic pain contributing to weak posture
Releases trapped nerves from tight muscles, joints and ligaments
Corrects atrophy, weakness and muscle amnesia in head-forward postures
Addresses breathing disorders caused by a drooping ribcage
Lessens pain sensitivity through graded exposure assisted stretching
Eliminates protective muscle guarding due to joint dysfunction
Improves sleep by lowering sympathetic nervous system tone
Creates dynamic, confident posture with innovative restorative techniques
Corrects sports-related tendon and joint injuries
Enhances athletic performance through hands-on proprioceptive training
Changes the brain’s mind about pain through targeted exercise advice
Prevents chronic neck and back pain due to tension, trauma & weak posture
How does MAT work
Contract-relax techniques can make the nervous system less threatened by the movement… even if muscles aren’t permanently lengthening, trigger points aren’t being obliterated, fascia isn’t stretching, etc.
Active pain-free therapy signals the brain that the previously painful movement is now safe.
By doing this repeatedly, the nervous system will often start to disassociate the movement from the pain.
The MAT goal is to bring as much “good news” as possible to the nervous system.