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Muscle Energy Techniques (METs) are a broad class of manual therapy techniques aimed at improving musculoskeletal function, joint function, and pain. METs are used by a variety of therapists and physicians to treat somatic dysfunction, decreased range of motion, muscular hypertonicity, and pain. METs were first described in 1948 by osteopathic physician Fred Mitchell, Sr., who was inspired by the work of neurophysiologist Charles Sherrington. Since then, METs have been refined and systematized by Fred Mitchell, Jr., and have continued to evolve with contributions from many individuals. While there is limited knowledge about their effectiveness, METs are believed to be helpful in lengthening postural muscles and improving joint mobility.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Developer | Fred Mitchell, Sr, DO |
| Year | 1948 |
| Type of technique | Osteopathic manipulative medicine (OMM) |
| Purpose | To improve musculoskeletal function or joint function, and reduce pain |
| Uses | Treat somatic dysfunction, decreased range of motion, muscular hypertonicity, and pain |
| Inappropriate uses | Injuries such as fractures, avulsion injuries, severe osteoporosis, open wounds, or metastatic disease |
| Requires | Patient's active participation |
| Number of types | 4 |
| Number of essential steps | 8 |
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What You'll Learn
- Muscle energy techniques (METs) were first described by Fred Mitchell, Sr, D.O. in 1948
- METs are used to treat somatic dysfunction, decrease disability, and improve functionality.
- METs can be applied to most areas of the body, except the cranium
- METs are used by manual therapists, physical therapists, athletic trainers, and more
- METs are inappropriate for patients with injuries such as fractures, avulsion injuries, etc
Muscle energy techniques (METs) were first described by Fred Mitchell, Sr, D.O. in 1948
METs are commonly used by manual therapists, physical therapists, occupational therapists, chiropractors, athletic trainers, osteopathic physicians, and massage therapists. The technique can be applied to most areas of the body and is used to treat somatic dysfunction, especially decreased range of motion, muscular hypertonicity, and pain. It is also used to treat a variety of pathological conditions and can be applied to asymptomatic subjects.
There are several different types of METs, including Post-Isometric Relaxation, Reciprocal Inhibition, Joint Mobilization using muscle force, and Oculocephalogyric Reflex. METs can be used to reposition a dysfunctional joint and treat the affected musculature. For example, in the case of a bilaterally extended sacrum, the patient is asked to push the pelvis and leg to help treat the sacral dysfunction.
Despite the many claims made about the efficacy of METs, there is limited knowledge about their effectiveness and only a few studies have shown significant improvements in functionality and decreased disability in patients with disorders such as low back pain. METs have also been associated with some anecdotal injuries, such as tendon avulsion in geriatric patients and rib fractures in those with osteoporosis.
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METs are used to treat somatic dysfunction, decrease disability, and improve functionality.
Muscle Energy Techniques (METs) describe a broad class of manual therapy techniques used to improve musculoskeletal function, joint function, and pain. METs are commonly used by manual therapists, physical therapists, occupational therapists, chiropractors, athletic trainers, osteopathic physicians, and massage therapists. METs are used to treat somatic dysfunction, especially decreased range of motion, muscular hypertonicity, and pain. Somatic dysfunction can be caused by trauma, accidents, overuse, strain, or sprain, and can present as decreased range of motion, pain, and tenderness in the affected area. METs are a direct and active technique that requires the patient's participation for maximal effectiveness. During treatment, the patient's muscles are actively used from a precisely controlled position and in a specific direction, working against a distinctly executed physician counterforce.
METs can be used to treat a variety of conditions, including muscular shortening, low back pain, pelvic imbalance, edema, limited range of motion, somatic dysfunction, respiratory dysfunction, cervicogenic headaches, and more. METs are inappropriate for patients with injuries such as fractures, avulsion injuries, severe osteoporosis, open wounds, or metastatic disease. They also require active patient participation, so they are not suitable for patients unable to cooperate.
METs can be applied to most areas of the body and typically involve eight essential steps. These steps include obtaining an accurate structural diagnosis, engaging the restrictive barrier, and performing isometric contractions with the correct force, direction, and duration. The patient then completes relaxation, and their position is adjusted to the new restrictive barrier. These steps are repeated until no further improvement is observed, and a final structural diagnosis is performed to evaluate the treatment's success.
While there are limited studies on the effectiveness of METs, some research suggests that they can significantly decrease disability and improve functionality in patients with disorders such as low back pain. METs can help reposition dysfunctional joints and treat the affected musculature, contributing to overall improved functionality and a reduced disability burden.
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METs can be applied to most areas of the body, except the cranium
Muscle Energy Techniques (METs) are a broad class of manual therapy techniques aimed at improving musculoskeletal function or joint function, and reducing pain. METs are commonly used by manual therapists, physical therapists, occupational therapists, chiropractors, athletic trainers, osteopathic physicians, and massage therapists.
METs are inappropriate for patients with injuries such as fractures, avulsion injuries, severe osteoporosis, open wounds, or metastatic disease. They are also not suitable for patients who are unable to cooperate, as these techniques require active patient participation.
There are several different types of METs, including Post-Isometric Relaxation, Reciprocal Inhibition, Joint Mobilization using Muscle Force, Oculocephalogyric Reflex, Respiratory Assistance, and Crossed Extensor Reflex. These techniques can be used to treat a variety of musculoskeletal issues and improve joint function.
The development of METs is credited to Fred Mitchell, Sr., DO, who first described the kinematic motion of the pelvis in 1948. Inspired by the work of neurophysiologist Charles Sherrington, Dr. Mitchell created a modality to treat muscular action dysfunction using the patient's muscle action. METs have since become a valuable tool for healthcare professionals in treating a range of musculoskeletal and joint issues.
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METs are used by manual therapists, physical therapists, athletic trainers, and more
Muscle Energy Techniques (METs) are used by a variety of medical professionals, including manual therapists, physical therapists, athletic trainers, and more. METs are a broad class of manual therapy techniques aimed at improving musculoskeletal function and joint function, as well as reducing pain. This technique was first described in 1948 by Fred Mitchell, Sr., who was inspired by the work of neurophysiologist Charles Sherrington.
METs are commonly used to treat somatic dysfunction, decreased range of motion, muscular hypertonicity, and pain. It is a direct and active technique that requires the patient's participation and involves the patient actively using their muscles on request to aid in treatment. For example, in the case of a decreased range of motion, the patient may be asked to push their pelvis and leg to help treat the sacral dysfunction.
METs can be applied to most areas of the body, except the cranium, and there are several different types of techniques within this broad class. These include Post-Isometric Relaxation, Reciprocal Inhibition, Joint Mobilization using muscle force, and Oculocephalogyric Reflex, among others. Each technique typically requires several essential steps, including obtaining an accurate structural diagnosis, engaging the restrictive barrier, and applying counterforce by matching the patient's force.
METs are used by manual therapists, physical therapists, and athletic trainers to improve their patients' conditions and quality of life. While there is limited knowledge about the effectiveness of METs and a lack of standardized definitions and protocols, they are still widely used and believed to be beneficial.
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METs are inappropriate for patients with injuries such as fractures, avulsion injuries, etc
Muscle Energy Techniques (METs) are a broad class of manual therapy techniques aimed at improving musculoskeletal function, joint function, and pain. METs are used by a variety of therapists and physicians to treat somatic dysfunction, decreased range of motion, muscular hypertonicity, and pain. While METs are effective for many conditions, they are not suitable for all types of injuries and should be avoided in certain cases, such as when a patient has injuries like fractures, avulsion injuries, severe osteoporosis, open wounds, or metastatic disease.
Fractures are breaks in bones that can occur in various parts of the body, including the femur, tibia, clavicle, humerus, elbow, ribs, and wrist. They can be classified as open or closed fractures, with open fractures being more severe as the bone breaks through the skin, increasing the risk of infection and complications. Fractures often require immobilization, surgery, or joint replacement for treatment, which are incompatible with the active patient participation required in METs.
Avulsion injuries are a type of fracture that occurs when the bone attached to a tendon or ligament is separated from the main bone. They are commonly seen in athletes and performers, such as football players and dancers, due to sudden changes in direction, leaping, and kicking. Avulsion fractures can be extremely painful and cause difficulty in walking or moving the affected limb. Similar to fractures, avulsion injuries may require immobilization, surgery, or the use of casts or splints for treatment, which are not compatible with the active patient participation required in METs.
METs involve the patient actively using their muscles against a physician's counterforce to improve joint function and treat somatic dysfunction. This technique is not suitable for patients with fractures or avulsion injuries as these conditions require stabilization, surgical intervention, or restricted movement during the healing process. METs, on the other hand, require active patient participation and the ability to contract muscles against resistance, which could potentially cause further damage or dislocation in patients with unstable fractures or avulsion injuries.
Additionally, the force applied during METs needs to be carefully controlled and precise. An inappropriate amount of force can lead to tendon avulsion, especially in geriatric patients. This risk is higher in patients with fractures or avulsion injuries as the bones and surrounding tissues are already weakened, making them more susceptible to further injury or avulsion. Therefore, it is crucial to consider the stability of the patient's condition and the potential risks before employing METs.
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Frequently asked questions
Fred Mitchell, Sr. first described the technique in 1948.
Muscle Energy Techniques (METs) is a form of osteopathic manipulative medicine used to improve musculoskeletal function and joint function, and reduce pain.
MET involves the active contraction of a muscle by the patient against a resistive force provided by a therapist.
MET is commonly used by manual therapists, physical therapists, occupational therapists, chiropractors, athletic trainers, osteopathic physicians, and massage therapists.
MET originated as an osteopathic technique in the late 1950s and early 1960s.
