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Muscle Energy Techniques (METs) are a form of osteopathic manipulative medicine (OMM) that can be used to treat musculoskeletal conditions, from simple muscle tightness to more complex alignment issues. METs are a type of manual therapy technique used to lengthen, strengthen and improve the range of movement of muscles. The technique was developed by Fred Mitchell, Sr, DO, in 1948, who first described the kinematic motion of the pelvis. METs can be used by healthy individuals to maintain muscle flexibility and to prevent injury.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Type | Osteopathic manipulative medicine (OMM) |
| Developed by | Fred Mitchell, Sr, DO |
| Year | 1948 |
| Used for | Lengthening, strengthening and improving the range of movement of muscles |
| Used by | Manual therapists, physical therapists, occupational therapist, chiropractors, athletic trainers, osteopathic physicians, and massage therapists |
| Used for treatment of | Pain inhibited movement of neck, shoulders, back, scoliosis, sciatica, asymmetrical legs, hips or arms, chronic muscle pain, stiffness or injury, musculoskeletal conditions, muscle tightness, alignment issues, back pain, tension headaches, sports injuries, chronic pain, somatic dysfunction, etc. |
| Not used for | Fractures, avulsion injuries, severe osteoporosis, open wounds, metastatic disease |
| Requires | Patient's active participation |
| Technique | Patient's muscle force in controlled isometric contractions |
| Technique | Patient actively contracts muscles in a precise direction while the therapist provides counterforce resistance |
| Technique | Therapist applies a vibratory motion while performing the technique |
| Technique | Therapist moves adjacent body parts to treat the somatic dysfunction |
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What You'll Learn
Muscle energy techniques are used to treat somatic dysfunction
Muscle energy techniques (MET) are a type of osteopathic manipulative medicine (OMM) developed by Fred Mitchell, Sr, DO, in 1948. Inspired by the work of neurophysiologist Charles Sherrington, Dr Mitchell developed a modality to treat muscular action dysfunction using the patient's muscle action.
MET can be used to treat somatic dysfunction by applying the technique to adjacent body parts to address the area of dysfunction. This approach is used to lengthen a muscle shortened by contracture of fibrosis. For example, in the case of rib somatic dysfunction, muscle energy techniques can help improve the mobility and strength of the rib cage and reduce associated pain.
MET can be used by healthy individuals to maintain muscle flexibility and prevent injury, particularly in athletes. It is also used to treat problems such as pain-inhibited movement of the neck, shoulders, and back, as well as broader areas such as shoulder pain, scoliosis, sciatica, asymmetrical legs, hips, or arms, or to treat chronic muscle pain, stiffness, or injury.
MET is based on reciprocal inhibition, which is the theory that when a muscle is contracting, the opposite muscle of the joint is relaxing. This process is known as the stretch reflex, where the muscle spindle is activated, causing a reflexive contraction in the agonist muscle and relaxation in the antagonist muscle.
To successfully perform MET, a correct diagnosis is imperative. Fryette's laws of spinal mechanics are often used to diagnose MET, with three laws of spinal mechanics: in a neutral position, the segments will side bend and rotate to the opposite side. Clinicians should also make subtle changes depending on the anatomic variability between individual patients.
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METs can be used to treat musculoskeletal conditions
Muscle Energy Techniques (METs) are a type of osteopathic manipulative medicine (OMM) developed by Fred Mitchell, Sr, DO, in 1948. METs are used to treat musculoskeletal conditions and can be applied to almost any joint in the body. They are commonly used by manual therapists, physical therapists, occupational therapists, chiropractors, athletic trainers, osteopathic physicians, and massage therapists.
METs are used to treat a variety of musculoskeletal conditions, including:
- Muscular shortening
- Low back pain
- Pelvic imbalance
- Edema
- Limited range of motion
- Somatic dysfunction
- Respiratory dysfunction
- Cervicogenic headaches
- Whiplash
- Shoulder pain
- Scoliosis
- Sciatica
- Asymmetrical legs, hips, or arms
- Chronic muscle pain, stiffness, or injury
METs work by having the patient actively use their muscles to aid in treatment. This involves the patient contracting their muscles against the resistance of the therapist, which helps to lengthen, strengthen, and improve the range of motion of the muscles. The technique is based on reciprocal inhibition, which states that when a muscle is contracting, the opposite muscle of the joint is relaxing. This allows the individual to contract and stretch the muscle to its full potential, improving muscle flexibility and strength.
METs are also used as a preventative measure to maintain muscle flexibility and prevent injury. It is important to note that METs should not be used when a patient has injuries such as fractures, avulsion injuries, severe osteoporosis, open wounds, or metastatic disease.
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METs can be used to treat patients with non-specific low back pain
Muscle Energy Techniques (METs) are a type of osteopathic manipulative medicine (OMM) developed by Fred Mitchell, Sr, DO, in 1948. Inspired by the work of neurophysiologist Charles Sherrington, Dr Mitchell developed a modality to treat muscular action dysfunction using the patient's muscle action. Sherrington observed that the contraction of an antagonistic muscle would help relax the agonistic muscle. This process is known as reciprocal inhibition.
METs are considered to be among the most valuable tools for healthcare professionals due to their wide application range and ability to be modified for a variety of injuries and conditions. They are also an important aspect of rehabilitation, as they are gentle and effective, and actively involve the patient in the recovery process. Patients are instructed to contract and relax at the appropriate times, engage in eye movement, and breathe when instructed by the healthcare professional.
METs can be applied to almost any joint in the body and are mainly used by individuals with a limited range of motion due to facet joint dysfunction in the neck and back. They are also used to treat broader areas such as shoulder pain, scoliosis, sciatica, and asymmetrical legs, hips, or arms.
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METs can be used to treat patients with chronic low back pain
Muscle Energy Techniques (MET) are a type of osteopathic manipulative medicine (OMM) developed by Fred Mitchell, Sr, DO, in 1948. Inspired by the work of the neurophysiologist Charles Sherrington, Dr Mitchell developed a modality to treat muscular action dysfunction using the patient's muscle action. Sherrington observed that the contraction of an antagonistic muscle would help relax the agonistic muscle. This process is known as reciprocal inhibition.
METs can also be used to lengthen a muscle shortened by contracture of fibrosis. This is done by the clinician applying a vibratory motion while performing the technique, as it is thought that this can help break up fibrosis and improve circulation. This approach to METs involves moving adjacent body parts to treat the somatic dysfunction, with the idea being that muscle contraction during the motion of the adjacent regions will also affect the area of dysfunction.
METs are a form of manual therapy used to enhance the range of motion and strengthen weakened ligaments. During an MET, the patient's desired muscle is resisted by the physiotherapist while the patient contracts it and pushes against the therapist. This contraction is held for about 5 seconds and the process is repeated several times with short rests in between. This allows the individual to contract and stretch the muscle to its full potential and take the joint to its full range of movement.
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METs can be used to treat patients with chronic pain
Muscle Energy Techniques (MET) are a type of osteopathic manipulative medicine (OMM) developed by Fred Mitchell, Sr, DO, in 1948. Inspired by the work of neurophysiologist Charles Sherrington, Dr Mitchell developed a modality to treat muscular action dysfunction using the patient's muscle action. MET can be used to treat patients with chronic pain.
Chronic pain is defined as any pain persisting beyond three months, and it can have a detrimental effect on a patient's quality of life. It can lead to long-term disability, adverse outcomes, and an elevated risk of suicide. The management of chronic pain is, therefore, crucial. MET can be used as a treatment for chronic pain in the neck, shoulders, and back. It can also be used to treat broader areas such as scoliosis, sciatica, asymmetrical legs, hips, or arms.
MET works on the principle of autogenic inhibition, which involves reciprocal inhibition. This means that when a muscle is contracting, the opposite muscle of the joint is relaxing. As one muscle is contracting against the physiotherapist, the opposite muscle is being stretched. This allows the individual to contract and stretch the muscle to its full potential and take the joint to its full range of movement.
MET is a safe and effective way to cause relaxation and lengthening of the muscles and improve the range of motion in joints. It can be applied to almost any joint in the body. MET is also used as a preventative measure by athletes to guard against future injury of muscles and joints.
In addition to MET, there are other treatments for chronic pain, including pharmacological, adjunct, nonpharmacological, and interventional treatments. Massage therapy, for example, is increasingly used to manage chronic back and neck pain. It can reduce stress and relieve tension by enhancing blood flow.
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Frequently asked questions
Muscle Energy Techniques (METs) are a broad class of manual therapy techniques that aim to improve musculoskeletal function and joint function, and reduce pain.
METs work by having the patient actively contract their muscles against a resistive force provided by a therapist. This relaxes the opposing muscle and minimises aggravation to the injured muscle and soft tissue.
METs are suitable for healthy individuals looking to maintain muscle flexibility and prevent injury, as well as those suffering from pain, decreased range of motion, and various pathological conditions. METs are commonly used by athletes to prevent future muscle and joint injuries.
There are several types of METs, including Post-Isometric Relaxation, Reciprocal Inhibition, Joint Mobilization using muscle force, Oculocephalogyric reflex, Respiratory assistance, and Crossed extensor reflex.
The duration of a MET session can vary depending on the technique used and the patient's needs. However, the contraction phase typically lasts for about 5-10 seconds, and the process is repeated several times with short rests in between.
