W3 Muscle energy technique

Question 1

What are muscle energy techniques?

Answer 1

Form of manual therapy which uses a muscle’s own energy in the form of gentle isometric contractions to relax and then lengthen the muscle

Question 2

Basic application

Answer 2

1. Client active muscle contraction
2. Controlled joint position
3. Muscle contraction in specific direction
4. Operator applied distinct counterforce
5. Controlled contraction intensity

Question 3

Benefits of METs

Answer 3

• Restore tone of hypertonic muscles: Targets tight tissues
• ‘Strengthen weakened muscles: Contraction prior to lengthen
• Boost local circulation: Contraction and relaxation
• Increase joint mobility: Stiff joints vs stiff muscles

Question 4

Physiological effects

Answer 4

1. Stretching cues increased impulse to PHC in spinal cord
2. AHC transmits impulses to muscle spindle to protect and resist the stretch
3. GTOs sense tension and release impulses;se to PHC
4. Inhibit the impulses of AHC to relaxation

Question 5

Evidence behind METs

Answer 5

• Decreases perception of pain
• Isometric contractions and stretching stimulates the mechanoreceptors which decreases pain
• Can improve ‘stretch tolerance’
• Reduces fascial stiffness

Question 6

MET physiological principles

Answer 6

• Post isometric relaxation: Direct inhibition of agonist muscles
• Reciprocal inhibition: Reflexive reciprocal inhibition of antagonistic muscles

Question 7

Point of principles

Answer 7

Used to perform METs on specific target tissue or joint to improve tissue length, restore normal tone and increase range of motion