Muscle Energy Technique (MET)

Muscle energy technique is a manual medicine treatment procedure that involves the voluntary contraction of patient muscle in a precisely controlled direction. At varying levels of intensity, against a distinctly executed counterforce applied by the operator. Muscle energy procedures have wide application and are classified as active techniques in which the patient contributes the corrective force. The activating force is classified as intrinsic. The patient is responsible for the dosage applied.

Muscle energy technique has many clinical uses. It can be used to lengthen a shortened, contracture, or spastic muscle; to strengthen a physiologically weakened muscle or group of muscles; to reduce localized edema and relieve passive congestion (the muscles are the pump of the lymphatic and venous systems); and to mobilize an articulation with restricted mobility. The function of any articulation in the body that can be moved by voluntary muscle action, either directly or indirectly, can be influenced by muscle energy procedures. The amount of patient effort may vary from a minimal muscle twitch to a maximal muscle contraction. The duration of the effort may vary from a fraction of a second to a sustained effort lasting several seconds.

Indications

  • Muscle relaxation
  • Neuromuscular re-education
  • Joint mobilization for hypomobility
  • Joint stabilization
  • Pain and tenderness

Reference: Principles of Manual Medicine(Third Edition) by Philip E. Greenman