What are Muscle Energy Techniques?
Muscle Energy Technique (MET) is a form of manual therapy that uses muscle contraction and force to relax muscles via autogenic or reciprocal inhibition. Reciprocal inhibition is the theory that when one muscle is activated or contracting the opposite muscles are relaxing. Autogenic inhibition is a protective mechanism that prevents a muscle from exerting more force than their bones or tendons can tolerate. Therefore, sub-maximally contracting a muscle and then relaxing can facilitate a deeper stretch. Physical therapists can take advantage of this mechanism to stretch or relax muscles, improve joint range of motion, decrease pain, and strengthen weak muscles.
Who would benefit from MET?
MET can be used for any condition or joint in the body to work on relaxing or lengthening muscles in order to improve joint range of motion. MET can also be used as an alternative to manipulations particularly in the neck and back when there are range of motion limitations present.
Do it yourself!
MET is also a technique you can use at home to stretch and improve range of motion! Your physical therapist can instruct you in the set-up and technique for self-administered MET exercises to target the muscle or joint of interest.
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