How Activation Feels
Activation is simple and reproducible enough that any athlete can be taught to do it, any time and any place. But if you’re new to the Be Activated methods, the best way to experience it is to be activated for the first time by a trained sports or medical professional. You’ll learn how best to apply the techniques for yourself, and what the results should feel like. You’ll also return your body to a state where it’s more ready for self activation.
Here’s what that feels like.
Proper activation with a professional always starts with measurement. You’ll lie on a table and your therapist will gauge your core strength and flexibility using a few simple leg lifts and bends. Then, you’ll practice proper breathing while the pressure points in your chest are activated to allow improved breathing. Finally, the pressure points in your abdomen, neck and other regions are activated before measuring again to gauge results. You’ll see measurable improvement in strength and flexibility before you even get up off the table.
Because every body’s different, every activation is different. It’s common for the stimulation of pressure points to be sharp and painful – but it’s also very brief. You may feel warm as your body releases pent-up tensions as thermal energy. You may experience an immediate sense of physical or even emotional release as your body re-calibrates.
Afterward, you’re likely to feel lighter and to move about more easily – good news for athletes who need to run or jump to perform well! You’ll also experience a greater sense of awareness. You may feel more relaxed, or more alert to your surroundings. Your muscles and your nervous system are now more connected than they were before.
Athletes using activation experience this process in miniature during every warm-up. And because self activation requires no direct contact with a therapist or doctor, you can incorporate it into large team warm-ups as easily as into individual workouts.
In November of 2014 I was diagnosed with mononucleosis and the parvo virus. The severe pain caused me to miss the whole 3rd quarter of school and my whole wrestling season. My days consisted of therapy, specialists and hospital testing. I was referred to a pain doctor, as at this point I had zero quality of life. He referred me to Dr. Thomas Nelson for a new type of manipulative therapy. At my first visit with Dr. Nelson, he explained what he does and he started treatment. When he was done I jumped off the table and I was able to run without pain for the first time in 3 months. The work Dr. Thomas Nelson is doing is amazing and a breakthrough that should be known to all. I’ll be forever grateful to him. I have my life back!
