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Muscle Activation Techniques (MAT) is a hands-on neuromuscular therapy focused on identifying and correcting muscle inhibition (muscles that aren’t firing efficiently) as the root cause of muscle tightness and pain. By addressing underlying issues and correcting muscle imbalances, MAT aims to improve the body’s overall function and performance, decrease pain, improve range of motion and stability, and offer a more effective solution to overall wellness than simply treating symptoms.
While most therapies focus on treating the muscles with tension and/or pain, MAT seeks to identify the root of pain or injury by addressing muscle weakness (neurological weakness) rather than muscle tightness. MAT® views muscle tightness as a form of protection in the body.
The goal of MAT® is to identify the inhibited or weak muscles that are creating a protective response and then ‘jumpstart’ these muscles in order to improve their contractile capability. If the tight muscles are stretched or massaged—without addressing the root cause (the inhibited or weak muscle)—then it’s possible to violate the body’s protective mechanism and increase the risk for injury.
Muscle inhibition occurs when communication between the brain and a muscle is impaired, preventing full contraction. This often happens at extreme ranges of motion, causing joint instability. To compensate, other muscles tighten for protection. Over time, this stress alters nervous system feedback, reducing the muscle’s ability to stabilize joints and transfer force effectively.
Muscle inhibition can be caused by trauma, stress, overuse, or poor recovery. When a muscle is overworked without proper rest, the brain may ‘switch it off’ to prevent further strain, causing the opposing muscle to tighten for protection. Habitual stress, sudden injuries, and factors like blood sugar imbalances, food allergies, dehydration, and emotional stress can also contribute over time.
Make sustainable and impactful changes to your lifestyle that support your overall health goals and quality of life with the help of our providers.
Master Level Specialist, Personal Trainer
Acupuncture is a type of traditional Chinese medicine that’s been around for about 2,500 years. It’s used to support wellness and improve overall mental and physical well-being. The acupuncturist places needles into specific points on the skin to help activate an energy in the body, called qi. According to traditional Chinese medicine, qi is the lifeforce energy in the body — it helps regulate and move things in the body to keep us well. Stress, environmental factors, lifestyle behaviors, and genetics are some of the things that can block qi in the body. The needles help to unblock or move qi to other areas in the body to help support wellness.
Acupuncture needles are solid, stainless steel needles that are usually not much larger than a strand of hair. Acupuncture needles are placed at a very shallow depth and go between tissues, making them less painful than a typical injection.
You might be more sensitive in certain areas, but acupuncture shouldn’t hurt. If you feel pain, tell your acupuncturist. They’ll adjust the needles or choose other points. Their goal is not to make you feel pain. They do a lot of work to position you properly and make sure you feel comfortable.
Indeed you can do acupuncture or massage while pregnant. It is safe and our practitioners are very well versed in how to treat pregnant women. Please let us know when you book a treatment if you are pregnant and how far along you are.
From spa treatments to functional medicine, Alive and Well offers a holistic health ecosystem at each of our three locations.
Leslie was named one of ‘Dallas’ Top Personal Trainers’ by “D” Magazine for three consecutive years, and was the first female MAT Specialist certified in Dallas. She is also the first female certified at the Master Level of MAT in the state of Texas and was a foundational part of MAT’s exposure and growth in the Dallas/Ft. Worth area. Leslie has worked with many professional athletes, including players from the Dallas Cowboys, Dallas Mavericks, Indianapolis Colts, Philadelphia Eagles, Oakland Raiders, Houston Texans, Washington Redskins, and more.
She has also worked with Hollywood actors, celebrities, and U.S. Olympic athletes. Leslie’s clientele ranges from small children to seniors, and everything in between. Her extensive education background, combined with her love for people, commitment to excellence, and passion, make Leslie one of the leading health professionals in the Dallas and Los Angeles industries.
With over 15 years of experience in the health & fitness industry, Leslie has been an instructor for the Cooper Institute certification courses, taught Physical Education and Health classes to junior high and high school students, and been a published author with Russell Publishing Group, as seen in Inform Magazine.
Leslie has helped organize & co-lead dance Flash Mobs in the Dallas area, one of which made national news, MSNBC and The Today Show, all with a portion of proceeds donated to charity. She is also an established recording artist and singer/songwriter pursuing her music career (more info at: www.leslieaustinofficial.com). Leslie’s dynamic, motivating and whole-person approach pushes people to change for the better, both inside and out. Today, Leslie continues to pursue her education and knowledge of health & fitness in hopes of revolutionizing the industry and the quality of life for the individual.
Cindy Nilson is a Doctor of Oriental Medicine, Full Mesa Carrier, Reiki Master and Intuitive advisor. Utilizing acupuncture, energy-infused acupressure massage therapy and body psychology, she integrates teachings from eastern medicine, shamanism, energy/chakra healing and archetypal patterns to provide a unique diagnostic perspective and treatment experience. Specializing in how stress, our thoughts and emotions affect the physical body, and resourcing from the 10,000 hours spent honing her work, Cindy creates new and exciting collaboratives to her foundations in acupuncture therapy. She believes joining Alive + Well is the joyous culmination of her work and is excited to share this beautiful environment and healing space with her clients.
Cindy holds a B.A. from Texas A&M University and a Masters degree from the International Institute of Chinese Medicine. In 1999 she received her Doctor of Oriental Medicine from the New Mexico State Board of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine. A native of Central Texas, she has been in private practice in Lakeway, where she lives happily married, raising kids.