Bill/Alwyn: What are your thoughts (if any) on MAT.

[Adam Campbell]

Just wondering; I know very little about it, although it was highly recommended by a source.

[Bill Hartman]

I don't think about it too much.

I've only seen one presentation and read a couple articles and some commentary by a few recipients of treatment.

It looks and sounds like a combination facilitation techniques, primarily isometrics applied in a "weakened" joint position that limits range of motion/function, that results in some cases in some measure of improved function. To me it looks a helluva lot like PNF with its use of diagonals, isometrics, reversing direction, etc. (I saw Greg Roskopf's [sp] presentation from SWIS a few years back)

I know he's worked with Dr. Leahy (is everyone from Colorado?) and has a relationship with Velocity and some sports teams.

I'm sure it's as effective as any other system such as trigger point therapy, spray n stretch, ART, NMR, AIS, NDT, ATSM, accupuncture, PNF, HAT (Hartman Applied Therapy ) and plain old strength training. If people get better, then I guess it's useful. Just another tool in the tool box so to speak.

Bill

[Alwyn]

The hype behind it (and ART) automatically turns me off.

From what I've seen - it seems to just be PNF. I fail to see what's different about it compared to that.

AC

[Jean-Paul]

I would like to chime in here and report that ART has worked on me when properly applied EVERY time! Especially when applied by the Master himself, BILL, who I understand is a level 75 H.A.R.T.M.A.N. certified professional, which is good enough for me.

[Alwyn]

I should clarify...

I'm not questioning whether or not these techniques work. Thy hype just makes me skeptical.

For the record I think ART works. Bill worked on me when he was out here.

But IMO it's still hyped way too much. When Leahy first went public there were a few articles that portrayed ART as the Second Coming.

Hype always bugs me.

AC

[Jean-Paul]

Point taken... I agree that hype is rather annoying. It especially annoys me when a massage therapist with no actual training as a physical therapist acts like they can fix anything wrong with you better than any doctors or PT's. I think that the reason that Bill is so good at it is that he knows when it is necessary and appropriate treatment for an injury, but it is not the only tool in his chest for dealing with injuries.

[JSully]

My chiro does both ART and MAT, as well as techniques from other therapy systems as well. I think they are all useful, when used properly. IMO, it not so much one vs. another, but rather an all inclusive system that chooses the most appropriate treatment for a given situation.