Myoskeletal Alignment Technique: Improving Mobility and Posture

Dealing with chronic pain, or looking to improve your posture, mobility, and overall musculoskeletal health? You may want to consider Myoskeletal Alignment Technique (MAT). MAT is a form of bodywork. It is designed to address musculoskeletal imbalances and promote optimal function and movement.

This article explores key components of MAT, including nerve mobilization, myofascial therapy, and neuromuscular re-education to improve movement. Learn why it may be a good option for people who are dealing with chronic pain or dysfunction.

What is Myoskeletal Alignment Technique?

Myoskeletal Alignment Technique (MAT) was developed by Erik Dalton, Ph.D., a bodyworker and educator who has studied various forms of manual therapy for more than 30 years.

MAT is based on the idea that the body’s muscles, bones, and connective tissues are all interconnected.

MAT also shows how dysfunction or imbalance in one area can lead to pain and dysfunction in other areas. Myoskeletal Alignment Technique practitioners use several techniques to assess and address musculoskeletal imbalances. This includes nerve mobilization techniques, neuromuscular re-education, graded exposure stretching, and myofascial therapy.

Nerve Mobilization Techniques in MAT

Nerve mobilization techniques are a key component of Myoskeletal Alignment Technique (MAT). Therapeutic Elements tailor nerve mobilization techniques during MAT sessions to suit each client’s specific needs and conditions. Some common techniques include:

1. Sliding: This involves applying gentle pressure and then sliding the skin and underlying tissues along the course of the nerve.
2. Tensioning: This involves gently stretching the nerve by moving the limb or body part it supplies into a specific position.
3. Gliding: This involves moving the nerve back and forth in its surrounding tissue.
4. Flossing: This involves moving the nerve back and forth through its surrounding tissue while also moving the limb or body part it supplies through a range of motion.

Neuromuscular Re-education in MAT

Neuromuscular re-education is another important component of MAT. This involves using specialized techniques and exercises to improve movement patterns.

We typically use a form of Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation (PNF) to lengthen and re-train muscles. You may be familiar with this technique in the form of contract and relax stretching.

Myofascial Therapy in MAT

Myofascial therapy is an essential technique often used alongside MAT to address tension in the muscles and fascia. It involves applying gentle pressure and stretching techniques to release tightness, improve mobility, and enhance overall function.

Key Benefits of Myofascial Therapy in MAT:

• Relieves Tension: Gently works tension in muscles and fascia and can ease discomfort.
• Increases Mobility: Can improve flexibility and joint movement.

By addressing both muscles and fascia, myofascial therapy in MAT can help you move more freely and comfortably.

Improving Posture and Mobility with MAT

One of the main goals of MAT is to improve posture and mobility.

Benefits of MAT Massage vs standard Deep Tissue Massage

Here are some potential benefits of booking an MAT session instead of a standard deep tissue massage:

• More targeted treatment: MAT is designed to address specific musculoskeletal imbalances and dysfunctions, so your practitioner will tailor the session to address your individual needs.
• Focus on posture and alignment: MAT is focused on improving posture and alignment.
• Integration of nerve mobilization and neuromuscular re-education techniques: While deep tissue massage can be effective for releasing tension in the muscles, MAT also uses nerve mobilization and neuromuscular re-education techniques.
• Use of myofascial therapy: Myofascial therapy is often used in conjunction with MAT, which can help release tension in the connective tissues and improve overall mobility.

Both MAT and deep tissue massage have their place; the best choice depends on your needs. It’s always a good idea to consult with a qualified practitioner to determine the most appropriate treatment for you.

Is MAT Right for You?

If you are dealing with chronic pain or dysfunction, or if you are looking for a way to improve your posture and mobility, MAT may be a good option for you. However, it’s important to work with a qualified practitioner who has training and experience in using these techniques safely and effectively.

MAT is a holistic approach to musculoskeletal health. Whether you are an athlete looking to improve your performance or simply want to feel better in your everyday life, MAT may be able to help you achieve your goals.

MAT: Summary

“MAT assesses the body holistically, identifying common patterns of postural distortions that lead to dysfunctional strain and pain. Once the patterns are identified, we address them through manual therapy techniques.

When the skeletal frame is moving in a dysfunctional movement pattern, the joints are not articulating or moving in a healthy manner. The muscles surrounding the joints can become contracted as body is smart and wants to protect the body from injury. This is called ‘muscle splinting’.

Muscle splinting occurs wherever the body experiences an injury, whether real or perceived. Often times the knots and trigger points are ‘splinting’ as a secondary symptom of the distorted postural patterns or healed injuries from the past. What was once helpful and protective is now holding the misalignment of the joint(s) in place.

The patient participates in re-educating the body through proper movement patterns, stretches, and corrective exercises.”

-Christopher Clarke, LMT