
Muscle energy technique (MET) is a non-invasive, non-pharmaceutical treatment that can be used to reduce pain and increase the range of motion in patients. However, MET is not suitable for all patients, and there are several contraindications to its use. For example, MET is not recommended for patients with acute fractures, dislocations, tissue damage, or certain post-surgical conditions. It is also important to consider the patient's ability to cooperate and communicate, as these are essential for the treatment's success. This paragraph will explore the circumstances under which MET is contraindicated and discuss alternative treatment options that may be more suitable for certain patient populations.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| History of eye surgery | Contraindicated for MET with oculocephalogyric reflex |
| Patient cooperation | Required |
| Patient communication | Required |
| Patient understanding | Required |
| Excessive force | Contraindicated |
| Incorrect localization of force | Contraindicated |
| Incorrect body positioning | Contraindicated |
| Injury type | Contraindicated for fractures, avulsion injuries, severe osteoporosis, open wounds, metastatic disease |
| Patient vitality | Low vitality may be contraindicated |
| Post-surgical patients | Contraindicated |
| ICU patients | Contraindicated |
| Acute fractures or dislocations | Contraindicated |
| Tissue damage | Contraindicated |
| Centrally mediated muscle spasm | Contraindicated |
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What You'll Learn
- Muscle energy technique is contraindicated for patients with acute fractures or dislocations
- It is not suitable for patients with severe osteoporosis
- MET is not advised for patients with metastatic disease
- Patients with open wounds should avoid muscle energy technique
- MET is not effective for patients with low back pain

Muscle energy technique is contraindicated for patients with acute fractures or dislocations
Muscle energy techniques (METs) are a form of osteopathic manipulative medicine (OMM) that was developed by Fred Mitchell, Sr, DO, in 1948. METs are commonly used by manual therapists, physical therapists, occupational therapists, chiropractors, athletic trainers, osteopathic physicians, and massage therapists. The technique is used to treat somatic dysfunction, especially decreased range of motion, muscular hypertonicity, and pain.
METs are contraindicated for patients with acute fractures or dislocations. This is because these techniques require active patient participation and are therefore inappropriate for any patient who is unable to cooperate. For example, patients with a history of eye surgery are contraindicated for MET with oculocephalogyric reflex, as it requires the patient to be able to understand and communicate easily with the clinician.
Additionally, METs should not be used on patients with injuries such as avulsion injuries, severe osteoporosis, open wounds, or metastatic disease. An inappropriate amount of force can cause tendon avulsion, especially in geriatric patients, and rib fractures are also possible in those with osteoporosis. There have also been reports of intraocular hemorrhage in a postcataract removal patient who underwent MET with oculocephalogyric reflex.
It is important to screen patients effectively to assess their suitability for METs, considering factors such as acute fractures, dislocations, tissue damage, and central muscle spasm. Prioritizing precise diagnosis and localization and applying the appropriate force when using this technique is highly important.
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It is not suitable for patients with severe osteoporosis
Muscle Energy Technique (MET) is a type of osteopathic manipulative medicine (OMM) developed by Fred Mitchell, Sr. in 1948. It is a direct and active technique that engages restrictive barriers and requires patient participation for maximal effect.
MET is not suitable for patients with severe osteoporosis due to the nature of the condition. Osteoporosis is a disease that weakens bones over time, making them more susceptible to fractures and breaks. As MET involves manipulating joints and stretching muscles and fascia, it can be dangerous for individuals with osteoporosis as their bones are already fragile. The force applied during treatment, even if minimal, could potentially cause bone fractures or further damage.
Additionally, patients with severe osteoporosis often experience limited mobility and muscle weakness. MET requires patients to actively contract their muscles in a precise direction while the therapist provides counterforce resistance. Patients with severe osteoporosis may not have the muscle strength or range of motion required to effectively perform these contractions, which could limit the success of the treatment.
Furthermore, MET is often used to treat conditions related to muscle spasticity, rigidity, hypertonicity, or hypotonicity. Severe osteoporosis is not typically associated with these conditions, and as such, MET may not be the most effective treatment option.
It is important to note that the effectiveness of MET in treating various conditions, including those related to osteoporosis, is still being studied. While it may not be suitable for patients with severe osteoporosis, it could be beneficial for those with mild or moderate forms of the disease. Each patient's condition should be carefully assessed by a qualified healthcare professional to determine the most appropriate treatment plan.
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MET is not advised for patients with metastatic disease
Muscle Energy Techniques (METs) are a broad class of manual therapy techniques used to improve musculoskeletal function or joint function, and reduce pain. METs are commonly used by manual therapists, physical therapists, occupational therapists, and athletic trainers, among others. METs are used to treat somatic dysfunction, especially decreased range of motion (ROM), muscular hypertonicity, and pain.
METs are contraindicated for patients with metastatic disease. Metastatic disease is when cancer cells spread to other parts of the body from the original site of the cancer. METs are not advised for patients with metastatic disease because the techniques require active patient participation and cooperation. Patients with metastatic disease may not be able to cooperate or understand the treatment due to the cognitive and physical effects of the disease. Additionally, the use of METs in patients with metastatic disease may increase the risk of injury or complications.
Furthermore, METs should only be performed by trained professionals who can apply the appropriate amount of force and correctly diagnose and localize the lesions. An inappropriate amount of force can lead to injuries such as tendon avulsion, rib fractures, and intraocular hemorrhage. It is important for clinicians to prioritize precise diagnosis, localization, and the application of appropriate force to avoid potential complications.
Overall, while METs can provide clinical benefits, they are not advised for patients with metastatic disease due to the potential risks and the patient's ability to cooperate with the treatment. It is crucial to consider the patient's medical history and condition before administering any form of treatment, including METs.
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Patients with open wounds should avoid muscle energy technique
Muscle Energy Techniques (METs) are a form of osteopathic manipulative medicine (OMM) that was developed in 1948 by Fred Mitchell, Sr, DO. It is a direct and active technique that requires patients to actively use their muscles to aid in treatment. METs are used to treat somatic dysfunction, especially decreased range of motion, muscular hypertonicity, and pain.
METs are contraindicated for patients with open wounds. This is because a wound, by nature, involves a break in the skin or another tissue, often accompanied by pain and inflammation. METs can further aggravate the wound and cause more pain and discomfort. Additionally, the stress response to injury leads to a maladaptive hormone response, increasing catabolic hormones and decreasing anabolic hormones, growth hormones, and testosterone. This altered hormonal environment can lead to increased tissue breakdown and decreased anabolic activity, impeding the healing process.
Furthermore, patients with open wounds may have compromised immune systems due to the injury, and METs may introduce additional bacteria or pathogens, increasing the risk of infection. The application of pressure and force during METs can also cause excessive strain on the wound, leading to potential tearing or reopening of the wound site.
It is important to note that METs are also contraindicated for patients with fractures, avulsion injuries, severe osteoporosis, or metastatic disease. These techniques require active patient participation and are not suitable for individuals unable to cooperate or understand the treatment process. As such, it is crucial to assess each patient's condition and capabilities before considering METs as a treatment option.
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MET is not effective for patients with low back pain
Muscle Energy Technique (MET) is a treatment technique predominantly used by osteopaths, physiotherapists, and chiropractors. It involves periods of resisted muscle contractions and assisted stretching. While MET is commonly used to treat acute low back pain, its effectiveness in reducing pain and improving function in patients with low back pain is uncertain.
A 2015 Cochrane review concluded that MET is not effective for patients with low back pain, and the quality of research supporting its effectiveness is poor. This review highlights the lack of strong evidence for the use of MET in this context.
There are only two peer-reviewed studies demonstrating that MET significantly decreases disability and improves functionality in patients with low back pain. These studies suggest that combining MET with supervised motor control and resistance exercises may be more beneficial than neuromuscular re-education and resistance training alone for reducing disability and enhancing function in patients with acute low back pain.
However, it is important to note that these findings may not be generalizable to all patients with low back pain, as the studies had small sample sizes and specific inclusion criteria. Additionally, the mechanism of action in MET is complex, and successful outcomes depend on accurate diagnosis, proper force localization, and patient cooperation.
Furthermore, MET may not be suitable for all patients with low back pain, especially those with injuries such as fractures, avulsion injuries, severe osteoporosis, open wounds, or metastatic disease. It is also contraindicated for patients with a history of eye surgery who require the oculocephalogyric reflex technique.
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Frequently asked questions
Muscle energy techniques are not suitable for patients with injuries such as fractures, avulsion injuries, severe osteoporosis, open wounds, metastatic disease, or tissue damage to ligaments, tendons, and muscles.
Muscle energy techniques require active patient participation, so they are not suitable for patients who are unable to cooperate or communicate easily with the clinician.
Muscle energy techniques are not always effective for treating trigger points, and a 2015 Cochrane review concluded that they are not effective for patients with low back pain.
Muscle energy techniques are contraindicated for patients with a history of eye surgery. They may also be unsuitable for certain other post-surgical patients.





































