MAT explores what could be causing pain. Pain is an indicator that something is wrong. It tells you there is a problem, but not necessarily where the problem is. Muscle Activation Techniques has a series of checks and balances to see where there are muscle weaknesses (or inhibition). Oftentimes, these muscular weaknesses can contribute to the cause of pain. By addressing the imbalances in the muscular system, MAT can work towards resolving the issue.

MAT can help improve athletic performance. By assessing the cause of pain, improving muscle strength (which increases range of motion), and testing and then correcting an individual's muscular capabilities, it allows athletes to enhance their performance when training and competing.

MAT can help to increase range of motion. Have you ever walked on ice and felt your body immediately tense up? This is an innate response to protect you and try to prevent you from slipping and falling. Similarly, your body can sense instability from weaknesses in the muscular system. The brain then tells other muscles to tighten and limit motion in an effort to protect you. By addressing these muscle weaknesses and the resulting muscular imbalances, MAT can reduce the body’s response of tightening. Many professionals focus primarily on improving the range of motion of a client. MAT is unique in that it focuses on the muscle weaknesses. When weak muscles are activated properly this can then result not only increased strength but also in an increased range of motion.

MAT ensures that muscles can contract efficiently. Muscles contract when input from the nervous system reaches the specific muscle. Like the current from your car's battery, if there is a "bad connection" the motor won't respond. Similarly, muscles that aren't receiving proper input from the nervous system become inhibited or weak. This weak muscle loses its ability to stabilize joints and properly protect the body from injury.