Debunking the Myths About Muscle Activation Techniques (MAT)

Muscle Activation Techniques (MAT) often get misunderstood—let’s clear the air! Throughout this month, we’ve been busting common myths about MAT, and now, it’s time to bring it all together. If you’ve ever wondered what MAT really is (and isn’t), keep reading!

Misconception #1 – MAT is Only for Athletes

MAT isn’t just for athletes or about fixing injuries. It’s about improving your body’s overall strength, mobility, and resilience—no matter your age or activity level.

Many of my clients are individuals approaching retirement. They’re excited to pursue hobbies like hiking, golfing, gardening, or traveling. But then reality hits—they feel stiff, their range of motion is limited, and activities that once seemed easy now feel daunting.

That’s where MAT comes in!

By targeting and reactivating weakened or inhibited muscles, MAT helps restore balance and mobility, making it easier to move with confidence. Whether you’re tackling a new hobby, chasing after grandkids, or simply enjoying an active retirement, MAT can help you stay strong, mobile, and pain-free.

You’ve worked hard to enjoy retirement—let’s restore your movement so you can fully enjoy what you love!

Misconception #2 – MAT Releases Muscle Tension

One of the biggest misconceptions about MAT is that it’s a method for releasing muscle tension—similar to stretching, massage, or other forms of bodywork.

While you might feel looser after a MAT session, the reality is that MAT is not about releasing tension; it’s about restoring muscle function.

Why Do Muscles Feel Tight?

Muscles don’t just randomly tighten up. When certain muscles aren’t firing properly, the body compensates by overusing others. This can lead to: ✔️ Tightness & stiffness – Muscles working harder than they should ✔️ Pain & discomfort – Chronic tension and imbalances ✔️ Limited mobility – The body restricting movement to protect itself

What MAT Actually Does:

Instead of trying to “release” tension, MAT restores communication between the nervous system and muscles. When a muscle isn’t functioning properly, the body compensates by recruiting others to do the job—leading to overuse, tightness, and discomfort. MAT works by identifying weak or inhibited muscles and reactivating them, so:

✅ The right muscles do their intended job

✅ Overworked muscles no longer have to compensate

✅ The body moves more efficiently and pain-free

Does MAT help with muscle tension?

Yes—but not in the way most people think.

When muscles regain proper function, excessive tension in other muscles naturally subsides. If you’ve been chasing tension relief through stretching, foam rolling, or deep tissue work without lasting results, MAT might be the missing piece.

Misconception #3 – MAT is the Same as Massage

💆‍♀️ Massage focuses on relaxing muscles, improving circulation, and reducing stress. There are many different types of massage, including fascial stretching, cupping, deep tissue, and cranial work. Each has its own benefits and purposes. (Check out the Active Balance Health Centre website to explore our world-class massage therapists!)

💁‍♀️ MAT, on the other hand, is designed to pinpoint weak or inhibited muscles and restore their proper function by retraining and reorganizing neural movement patterns. It focuses on improving your body’s mechanics and muscle efficiency, helping you move better, feel stronger, and stay active long-term.

Think of it like this: Imagine a student struggling with math. You have two options: 1️⃣ Remove distractions in the classroom to help them focus—this is similar to what massage does by relaxing tight muscles and reducing tension.

2️⃣ Teach the struggling student the math skills they need—this is what MAT does, by reactivating the underperforming muscles so they can contribute to proper movement.

Both approaches have value, and sometimes, the student needs both! The same is true for MAT and massage—they’re not better or worse than each other, just different techniques with unique purposes that can work beautifully together.

Misconception #4 – MAT Only Helps With Injuries

A lot of people think you only need MAT when you’re hurt or recovering from an injury. But the truth is, MAT is just as valuable for keeping you out of pain in the first place.

✅ Injury Prevention – Strengthen weak muscles before they cause imbalances or compensations that lead to pain.

✅ Better Movement & Performance – Improve mobility and stability to enhance sports performance and daily activities.

✅ Everyday Longevity & Enjoyment – Keep your body functioning well so you can continue doing what you love—whether that’s playing with your kids, hiking, or training for a race.

✅ Faster Recovery – Reduce fatigue and recover more efficiently between hard training sessions.

Ready to Experience the Benefits of MAT?

If you’ve been dealing with stiffness, muscle imbalances, or unexplained tightness, it might be time to give MAT a try.

Whether you’re an athlete, weekend warrior, or just want to move better in your daily life, MAT can help.

💬 Let’s chat! I offer free 20-minute meet-and-greet sessions to answer your questions and see how MAT can support your goals. Book your session today!

Location: Okotoks, Alberta

Email: mymat@live.ca

Phone Number: 403-437-8562 Online booking available on the website.