Muscle Activation Technique: Philosophy and Clinical Application for the Hip & Shoulder
Saturday September 27, 2025
8:00 am- 5:30 pm
Course Description:
Physical Therapy and rehabilitation work within a paradigm that focuses on relieving muscle “tightness.” The foundational principle behind Muscle Activation Technique (MATS) is; wherever there’s a limitation in ROM, it’s related to one or more of the muscles that move you into that position being potentially weak. This causes the opposite muscles to stiffen as part of the protective mechanism for the weakness.
In this course we will learn the foundational principles of MATS. Participants will understand the role of inflammation in muscle dysfunction and how the peripheral and CNS nervous system communication pathways are altered by inflammation and the effect on our patients ROM. Participants will achieve knowledge of MATS assessment and treatment specifically for the hip and shoulder. You will understand how to apply MATS into your treatment plan for a variety of orthopedic hip and shoulder conditions.
Level of Course: Intermediate
Course Objectives:
Upon completion of this course, participants should be able to:
- Review and discuss the foundation principles of Muscle Activation Technique
- Review and discuss the role of inflammation in muscle dysfunction and specifically the effects on the peripheral and CNS pathways.
- Demonstrate how to perform a Comparative Assessment of Mobility (CAM) for the shoulder and hip
- Demonstrate how to perform a Jumpstart Positional Test (JPT) for the shoulder and hip
- Demonstrate how to perform a Positional Iso-Angular (low intensity) isometric (PIC) for the hip and shoulder
- Demonstrate the ability to incorporate the Muscle Activation Techniques of CAM, JPT and PICs into the assessment and treatment of a variety of orthopedic shoulder and hip conditions
Instructor: Laura Ramus, PT, ATC
Laura is currently the Sports Physical Therapy Residency Director for the Rehabilitation Institute of Michigan and the US Academy Director for Winback International. She has 38 years of experience treating orthopedic/sports medicine injuries in professional, Olympic, collegiate, high school and amateur athletes. Laura shares this wisdom by teaching advanced sports medicine techniques to professionals around the world. Laura received a Bachelor of Science degree in Physical Therapy from Wayne State University, Detroit, MI, in 1987. She then completed a fellowship in sports medicine through the University of North Carolina and Health South Rehabilitation Corporation, receiving her certification as an athletic trainer in 1990. During this fellowship, Laura trained under prominent orthopedic surgeon Dr. James Andrews and well-known physical therapist Kevin Wilk in Birmingham, AL. Laura was an athletic trainer at the 1996 Olympic Games in Atlanta, and for the 1994 United States Paralympic swim team. She worked in 2015/2016 as a physical therapist/athletic trainer on the Women’s Professional Tennis tour. She served as the head athletic trainer and strength coach for 21 Seasons with the WNBA Detroit Shock, New York Liberty and currently, the Las Vegas Aces.
Course Location: RIM Auditorium (Basement) 261 Mack, Detroit MI 48201
Intended Audience: PT/PTA, OT/OTA, ATC
Muscle Activation Technique; MATS Philosophy and Clinical Application for the Hip & Shoulder
Time 7:30am Registration 8:00am Course Begins 5:30pm Course Finish
Agenda:
8:00AM -9:00AM : Introduction to the Muscle Activation Technique Philosophy
9:00Am- 11:00AM: Comparative Assessment of Mobility (CAM) for the Hip
11:00AM -12:00PM: Jumpstart Positional Test (JPT) for the Hip
12:00Pm-1:00PM LUNCH
1:00PM-2:00PM: Positional Iso-Angular (low intensity) Isometrics for the Hip
2:00pm – 3:30PM : Comparative Assessment of Mobility (CAM) for the Shoulder
3:30PM – 4:30PM : Jumpstart Positional Test (JPT) for the Shoulder
4:30Pm- 5:15PM: Positional Iso-Angular (low intensity) Isometrics for the Shoulder
5:15-5:30PM: Interactive Q&A
Contact Hours: 8.5 hours
Registration Fees:
Tenet/DMC/RIM employees: $ 75
Non Tenet/DMC/RIM employees: $ 150
Class limit: 24 registrants
To view list of courses visit 2025 Continuing Education Courses | RIM Rehab | DMC
Online Registration:
** Please note, you will be directed to an external site for registration and secure online payment.
To register for courses: go to DMC Fitness Center & Outpatient Services
DMC/ Tenet Employees: login to dmc.clubautomation.com (outside Citrix) and click on “Group Activities” on the left
Non-DMC/ Tenet registrants: You will have to create a profile and register to https://dmc.clubautomation.com .Once you are logged in, Click “Group Activities” on left hand to see the classes.
Any questions or issues with registration, please contact any of the following:
Zaid Chaudhry
Email: [email protected]
Phone: (313) 745-1100
Latoya Thompson
Email: [email protected]
Phone: (313) 745-1100
Kyle Weishaupt
Email: [email protected]
Phone: (313) 745- 9745