Massage

 
 

What is MAT Therapy?

Myoskeletal Alignment Techniques is a modality of massage therapy that incorporates many of the most effective ways to detect and treat the pain patterns that burden us. The "fluff and buff" massage styles that so many massage businesses offer may feel great for the short term, however, we the clients want to feel the benefits for days, weeks, and longer. Am I right?

Myoskeletal Alignment Techniques (MAT) was developed by Erik Dalton PhD as a tool to relieve our nation's neck and back pain epidemic. By incorporating muscle balancing techniques and joint stretching maneuvers, MAT therapists learn to identify and correct dysfunctional, neurologically-driven strain patterns before they become pain patterns. The typical deep tissue massage focuses mostly on providing temporary relief without identifying and correcting dysfunctional patterns. [Freedom From Pain] 

How will I benefit from MAT?

  • 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

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What should I expect from my first MAT Therapy session?

As a seasoned practitioner of MAT, I see the body (mainly) through that particular lens. However, I tailor-make each session for what is presented (i.e. pain, soreness, injury, etc). I also take into account what the client hopes to get out of the session. For example, if the client only wants a soft, relaxing therapeutic massage, the session might be termed more of a “Swedish style massage.” If the client is experiencing more tightness, I might opt for a deep tissue, myofascial release, or Thai/Sports (stretching) approach.

During ANY massage session, the client is encouraged to communicate to the therapist.