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question

What is muscle activation?

Dr. Mike Clark, DPT
Dr. Mike Clark, DPT
Fitness
answer
If a muscle is overused, it can become shortened. Muscles work in pairs around a joint. If one muscle becomes short, this can create an imbalance with the opposing muscle, which may become long. Changes in muscle lengths can create changes in overall movement, limiting our potential strength and performance increases, and increasing our chance of getting injured.

Muscle activation is an exercise technique that wakes up the muscles opposite the tight, short muscles. Stretching alone will not even out the body. The weak muscle needs to be strengthened to keep the opposite muscle from getting tight again. Muscle activation focuses on those weak muscles and strengthens them to keep your joints moving properly.

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Important: This content reflects information from various individuals and organizations and may offer alternative or opposing points of view. It should not be used for medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. As always, you should consult with your healthcare provider about your specific health needs.