What Are Muscle Energy Techniques (MET's), & How Can They Help Me?

Muscle Energy Techniques (MET's) are a type of manual therapy technique, originally associated with Osteopathy which is used to lengthen, strengthen and increase the range of movement (ROM) of muscles.
It works by the therapist resisting the contraction of a specific, isolated muscle by the patient (typically for 10 seconds and using 20% effort), and then this is repeated after a short rest, typically with three repetitions.

So what is the theory behind this treatment?
MET's are based on reciprocal inhibition, which means that if a muscle is contracting, the opposite muscle in the joint is relaxing. Therefore, the contracting muscle being resisted by the therapist is linked with an opposing muscle that at this same time is being stretched. Therefore, muscles can be stretched to their full potential and 'normalise' a new range of motion that is difficult or impossible to achieve by stretching alone. Through repetition the body then adapts to this new movement range.

How can it benefit Sports Therapy clients?
Many injuries are caused by muscle imbalances with some muscles being prone to shortening and tightening and others prone to lengthening and weakening. Using targeted MET's (alongside prescribed exercise and soft tissue treatment) is a great way to restore balance to the body and achieve more normal function, decreasing the chance overload on specific muscles.

Depending on the context and the variation of MET employed, the objectives of MET's can include:
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■ Restoring normal tone in hypertonic muscles
■ Strengthening weak muscles
■ Preparing muscles for subsequent stretching
■ Increasing joint mobility
■ Boosting local circulation
■ Improving musculoskeletal function

By David Watson BSc. (Hons), Dip BmP