2015 Course Attended Muscle Energy Technique

Muscle Energy Technique popularly known as (MET) 

is a form of stretching which is a soft tissue manipulative method in which the patient, on request, actively uses muscles from a controlled position, in a specific direction, with mild effort against a precise counterforce. It is very effective and a widely used technique; It can be an integral part of manipulative diagnosis and soft tissue work in osteopathic and physiotherapy treatments.

MET is believed to be particularly helpful in lengthening postural muscles, which are prone to shortening. Theoretically, the active contraction performed by the client against the resistance produced by the therapist is an isometric contraction and may therefore be helpful in strengthening muscles. Also, contraction of one muscle group decreases tone in the opposing muscle group, and MET may therefore be beneficial in helping to overcome cramping. There is some debate about the degree of force a client should use when contracting a muscle before it is stretched, although low levels of contraction are advocated, certainly no more than 25 percent of the client’s maximum force capacity. This is especially important should the technique be used in early stages of rehabilitation after injury, when levels as low as 5 percent may be the most appropriate. MET is sometimes used with a pulsing motion (known as pulsed MET), which advocates claim helps reduces localised oedema. MET is therefore used in the following circumstances:

The Aim of the Muscle Energy Technique

• Depending on the therapeutic effect required and variation of the MET the following objectives may be achieved
• To stretch muscles, especially those considered to be postural rather than phasic
• To strengthen weakened muscles
• To relax muscles, especially useful for treating cramping muscles
• To help regain correct muscle function
• Improve joint mobility
• To reduce localized oedema
• The restoration of normal tone in hypertonic muscles
• Improved local circulation
• Improved musculoskeletal function