Muscle Energy

Question 1

Muscle energy

Answer 1

Form of OMT in which the patient’s muscles are actively used on request, from a precisely controlled position, in a specific direction, and against a distinctly executed counterforce

1. Dev by Fred Mitchell, Sr., DO
2. Taught in all osteopathic schools

Question 2

Muscle energy indications

Answer 2

1. Relax hypertonic muscles
2. Stretch thigh fascial planes
3. Mobilize joints w/ restricted motion
4. Strengthen muscles that are weak or hypotonic
5. Regain overall muscle balance
6. Dec pain caused by imblanaces

Question 3

Muscle energy contraindications

Answer 3

1. Fractures
2. Dislocation
3. Tissue damage
4. Uncooperative pt or pt unable to follow directions
5. Active hematologic diseases causing inflammation
6. Positioning that causes inc neurological/vascular symptoms
7. Muscle spasm caused by CNS disorder
8. Infection muscle tissues, joints, ligaments, tendons
9. Pts w/ low vitality (recent MI or post surgical pt)

Question 4

Post isometric relaxation

Answer 4

Type of muscle energy
1. Dysfunctional body part moved toward restrictive barrier
2. Pt contracts muscles moving away from barrier
A. You hold pt in place
3. Pt relaxes
4. Stretch hypertonic muscles to normal resting length

Question 5

Reciprocal inhibition

Answer 5

Type of muscle energy

1. Contracts antagonistic muscle
2. Agonist muscle forced to relax

Question 6

Joint mobilization using muscle force

Answer 6

Type of muscle energy

1. Restores normal ROM of joint by moving one bone in specific direction relative to adjacent bone

Question 7

Crossed extensor reflex

Answer 7

Type of muscle energy

1. Pt contracts right quad, you stretch out left quad

Question 8

Relaxation in Me

Answer 8

1. First relaxation = voluntary
  A. Ask pt to stop force
  B. Muscle relaxes
2. Second relaxation = therapeutic
  A. Involuntary relaxation -> inc motion and dec restrictive barrier

Question 9

Myofascial shortening

Answer 9

1. Build up of fibrous CT
2. Anatomic barrier stays the same
3. Might inc PROM
   A. Body builders who don’t stretch

Question 10

ME tx reactions

Answer 10

1. Muscle stiffness/soreness
   A. Usually self-limiting
   B. Resolves 1-2 days

Question 11

Somatovisceral reflexes

Answer 11

Somatic problem can -> visceral structure changes

Question 12

Viscerosomatic reflexes

Answer 12

Visceral problem -> neuromuscular dysfxn