Muscle Energy Technique (MET), was developed by Dr. Fred Mitchell, Sr. D.O. MET will help reduce joint hypomobility, muscle tension, fascial tension, pain, swelling, and will help to restore proper joint biomechanics, functional ROM and postural alignment. MET is a direct manual therapy technique in which the practitioner positions the patient’s affected joint at its restrictive barrier. A gentle isometric contraction is used to relax and lengthen the muscle and/or fascial tension and normalize the joint dysfunction.
MET can be used in the treatment of back pain, sciatica, neck pain, headaches, rib pain, upper and lower extremity orthopedic dysfunctions, swelling, and postural deformities.
Because of the gentleness and effectiveness of MET, it is appropriate with the following patient populations: pediatrics, geriatrics, sports injuries, auto accidents, general orthopedic conditions, amputees, respiratory and neurological patients.
MET, like all other osteopathic manual techniques, begins with evaluation. We are evaluating for Somatic Dysfunction. To evaluate Somatic Dysfunction we use the principle of ARTS:
The A stands for Postural Asymmetry: The practitioner evaluates the patient in the sagittal, frontal, and transverse planes in both standing and sitting. Which body part displays the greatest asymmetry?
The R stands for Restriction in Range: The practitioner evaluates the range of motion (ROM) of the spine (cervical, thoracic, and lumbar), the rib cage, upper and lower extremities.
The T stands for Tension Tests: The practitioner will perform tension tests for the spine (cervical, thoracic, and lumbar), the rib cage, pelvis, sacrum, upper and lower extremities. Normally, when performing tension tests, there should be a soft, supple and springy end feel. If the sensation is hard and restrictive, this is indicative of somatic dysfunction.
The S stands for Special Tests: The practitioner will perform inhibitory balance and specific orthopedic tests to confirm your findings.
Muscle Energy Technique is taught as two courses (upper & lower quadrant).
METUQ: This course will teach you how to evaluate and treat
the cervical and thoracic spine, the rib cage, shoulder, elbow wrist and hand
for somatic dysfunctions.
Course Objectives:
- Gain an understanding of the history, principles, and neuromuscular basis of Muscle Energy Techniques
- Conduct
a thorough orthopedic evaluation for the spine (cervical and thoracic), rib cage, and upper extremities, and perform associated Muscle Energy Techniques
- Chart your results and formulate a treatment plan
- Be able to palpate a "muscle barrier", and bony landmarks of the spine, ribcage and upper extremities
- Decide on the proper sequence of treating Somatic Dysfunction
- Understand the clinical importance of Muscle Energy Techniques and the treatment of joint and muscular skeletal dysfunctions
- Integrate Muscle Energy Techniques with other treatment modalities
"Many years ago I asked my father (Dr. John E. Upledger, DO, OMM) why The Upledger Institute would want therapists to take a Muscle Energy Technique course. He replied that Muscle Energy was the best way for a therapist to mobilize a joint. As an osteopath, he was able to "pop" a neck or "crack" a back...but these techniques are not in the scope of practice for most other practitioners. And he said, sometimes no matter what modality you were using, Muscle Energy Technique was the best way to mobilize a joint restriction." - John Matthew Upledger, CEO of the International Alliance of Healthcare Educators
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