Proprioceptive Muscular Activation is a system of enforcing positive muscle balance in the body. Although, the human body is not equally balanced, we must possess the correct ratio of “tight & strong” muscles in order for movement to occur. PMA allows us to encourage the correct ratio.
By placing muscles in their shortened positioned, we can have a larger impact on muscle spindle communication while being contracted. This increased communication in it’s weakest or shortened state will improve muscle communication and functionality throughout future movement.
It is the goal of PMA to “trick the system”.
Whether acting as a prime mover, synergist or stabilizer, each muscle must be capable of performing its function as forces are being placed upon a joint. If a muscle does not have proper neurological input, then it will not be able to perform its function efficiently and this leads to positions of vulnerability.
With this, the PMA Practitioner will perform a series of "tests" to check neurological input efficiency in the designated area. Afterwards, a range of motion assessment will be completed to allow follow if necessary.
If you increase ROM through stretching or massage, have you improved the capability of the opposite muscle to contract? How do you know? How do we know if we have violated part of the body's protective mechanism? Why are we forcing the body into a position that it does not want to be in?
- Improve muscular imbalances
- Loosen tight muscles
- Reduce lower back discomfort
- Alleviate discomfort period
- Increase range of motion
- Increase muscle fiber recruitment
mobility without stability = Vulnerability
