Lecture #7 (Muscle Energy) Flashcards
What is muscle energy used to treat?
Joint alignments
What is muscle energy?
A manual technique that uses the muscles to pull the joint back into place. It uses a precise and controlled voluntary contraction of a muscle against a counterforce provided by clinician followed by a passive stretch.
Why do joint malalignments occur?
When the body becomes unbalanced (i.e. muscle spasms, weakened muscles, or decreased flexibility)
What are the two most common body parts that we use muscle energy on?
Pelvis and spine
What is the theory as to why muscle energy works?
The muscle contractions allow for improved relaxation and improved motion.
What types of muscle contractions can be used with this technique?
Concentric, eccentric, or isometric
True or false:
Muscle energy most likely won’t hurt a patient because they control the magnitude of the muscle contraction.
True…however they may be sore in the following days
What is the first part of the muscle energy procedure?
Accurate determination of the malalignment and its cause
Describe the procedure for muscle energy.
- place the part in the area where resistance is met
- apply resistance while the patient contracts the injured area
- the force that the clinician uses is directed with the proper direction, duration, and magnitude
- allow the muscle to be fully relaxed before placing it into a stretch to the “new” barrier
- repeat 3-5 times
What type of muscle contraction is typically used when dealing with the spine? How long and how much force is used for the spine?
Isometric–its just a light contraction, so no change in muscle length. Hold these for 5-10 seconds with only 2 ounces of force
What type of muscle contraction is typically used when dealing with the extremities? How should these move?
Isotonic–its higher in force in an even, controlled speed. Should move through the full ROM
What should a muscle exercise treatment be accompanied by?
Exercise and stretching to fully help resolve the problem
What are some other options if muscle energy doesn’t seem to be helping?
Try a different position or a different procedure (such as jont mobs)
What could be a contraindication for muscle energy?
Acute, healing, or nonunion fractures