What is Muscle Energy Technique?
Muscle Energy Technique is a form of massage therapy that utilizes the patient's muscle contractions and body positioning to normalize joint motion. It was originally developed by Dr. Fred Mitchell, a senior osteopathic physician, and his son Dr. Fred Mitchell, Jr. The main principle behind Muscle Energy Technique is that if a joint isn’t used to its full range of motion, its function will lessen and it will be at risk of suffering strains and injuries. Thus, it is a comprehensive manual therapy system for evaluating and treating joint restrictions of the spine, rib cage, pelvis, and extremities.
How does Muscle Energy Technique work?
During a typical Muscle Energy Technique session, the patient is asked to contract a muscle in the affected area for approximately five seconds while overcoming a resistance to this contraction which is applied by the therapist. This set of contractions may be performed two to three times in a row. These series of contractions helps to stretch and lengthen the shortened, contracted or spastic muscle. This in turn strengthens the muscle group in that area and brings about increased mobility and pain relief.
Muscle Energy Technique is also used as a diagnostic tool to identify restrictions in the articular range of motion and correct these restrictions. When a joint has restricted movement, no amount of massage will correct this problem until these restrictions are first addressed and removed. Muscle Energy Technique helps to restore the full range of movement to frozen joints and aids in the strengthening of the associated muscles.
Muscle Energy Technique can be used to treat most joints in the body, including the inter-vertebral joints, in a safe and effective manner.
There are two types of Muscle Energy Therapy:
· Post-Isometric Relaxation uses the patient’s muscle to stretch the same muscle by stretching it to the point of bind, then getting the patient to use this muscle by pushing against a resistance put the therapist. The therapist then asks the patient top relax the muscle and then moves it to re-align the muscle fibers.
· Reciprocal Inhibition is different from post-isometric relaxation in that it uses the patient’s muscle to stretch the opposing muscle. The therapist then takes the muscle being stretched to its point of bind. The patient then uses the opposing muscle by moving away from the therapist. The therapist then stretches the muscle fibers to re-align it when the muscle is relaxed.
Benefits of Muscle Energy Technique?
Muscle Energy Technique is used by athletes as a preventive measure to guard against future muscle and joint injury. It is also used to treat patients who have a limited range of motion due to back, neck and shoulder pain, scoliosis, sciatica, asymmetrical legs, hips or arms. It can also be used in the treatment of chronic muscle pain, joint stiffness or injury. It is also used to treat post traumatic conditions.
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