Muscle Energy Technique
Sharon Hopkins
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.
About The Author: Sharon Hopkins features articles for
http://www.massagehealththerapy.com , which explains various
massage techniques. This article introduces you to LaStone
Therapy, a massage technique using stones. She also writes on
Yoga, Aromatherapy, Hair-n-Skin Care and many more sites.
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