What are Muscle Energy Techniques?
Muscle energy techniques are derived from osteopathic medicine and involve submaximal isometric contractions to mobilize and manipulate soft tissues to address musculoskeletal dysfunction. In its most basic form, MET involves skillful positioning of the client's body, followed by an isometric contraction from the client meeting the resistance provided by the therapist. Upon relaxation from the isometric contraction, the therapist moves the body into the new barrier and repeats the sequence, usually for three to five repetitions. MET, when applied appropriately, can positively influence adaptive changes such as excessive neurological tone, fascial shortening, inflammation, and pain and help to restore optimal function of tissue and joints.
A Brief History of MET
Developed in the mid-20th century, MET involves the patient actively using their muscles on request against a precisely controlled counterforce applied by the practitioner.
The technique traces its roots to the work of Dr. Fred Mitchell Sr., an osteopathic physician who developed and refined the methods in the 1940s and 1950s after being influenced by the principles of manual therapy and osteopathy. Dr. Mitchell's approach emphasized the importance of muscle contractions in treating joint dysfunctions, using them to restore normal movement and alignment.
MET gained popularity and recognition in the following decades, evolving with further contributions from practitioners who expanded on Mitchell's original concepts. In 2003, it was reported that MET was one of the three most commonly used techniques by American Osteopaths (Johnson & Kurtz, 2003). More recently, a 2010 survey revealed that British osteopaths used MET in more than 80% of spine, pelvis, or sacroiliac dysfunction cases (Fryer et al., 2010). Today, MET is widely used in various forms of manual therapy to address issues such as muscle tightness, joint restrictions, and pain, promoting improved function and mobility in patients.
Incorporating MET into Massage Therapy
Massage therapists might want to incorporate Muscle Energy Techniques (MET) into their practice because these techniques offer several benefits that can enhance client outcomes and extend the therapist's skill set. MET is a form of manual therapy that uses the client’s own muscle contractions to facilitate relaxation, lengthen muscles, and improve joint mobility. Here are a few reasons why it can be valuable:
Increased Range of Motion: MET helps restore and improve joint range of motion by relaxing tight muscles and realigning joints. This can be particularly beneficial for clients with restricted mobility, allowing for more effective and comfortable movement.
Pain Relief: By addressing muscle imbalances and relieving tension, MET can reduce pain associated with conditions like low back pain, neck stiffness, and other musculoskeletal issues. This can be especially useful for clients with chronic pain or injuries.
Enhanced Muscle Function: MET can help re-establish neuromuscular connections and enhance muscle performance. It’s often used to "re-educate" muscles, which can improve postural alignment and muscle balance—essential for injury prevention.
Client Engagement: MET requires client participation in the process, as they apply a specific level of resistance against the therapist's pressure. This involvement can enhance the therapeutic experience, improve awareness, and foster active participation in their own recovery.
Complementary Technique: MET can be seamlessly integrated into a variety of other massage modalities, such as trigger point therapy and deep tissue massage, to create a more comprehensive treatment approach.
Reduced Therapist Strain: Because MET uses the client's own muscle contractions, it often requires less physical exertion from the therapist, which can reduce strain and prolong the therapist’s career.
Incorporating MET can help therapists provide more tailored, effective treatments that address not only symptoms but also underlying muscular dysfunction, improving overall client satisfaction and outcomes.
If you’d like to learn more about Muscle Energy Techniques and how to perform and incorporate them into your practice, take the Muscle Energy Technique Course.