Muscle Energy Techniques (MET) are usually used to treat:

• impaired or altered function (somatic dysfunction)

• decreased range of motion

• muscular hypertonicity

• localised pain

The Golgi tendon reflex is activated by resisted contraction and the muscles relax by neurophysiological reflex.

I first palpate the hypertonic muscle while testing the range of movement of the restricted joint. Then I usually ask the patient to move the relevant part of the joint towards the position of ease while I am providing isometric counterforce. This is held for 3 to 5 seconds. After complete relaxation, I move the joint further into a new barrier and I repeat the whole procedure as often as is necessary until the physiologic limits are restored.

References:

DiGiovanna E, Schiowitz S, Dowling D (2005) "An Osteopathic Approach to Diagnosis and Treatment"

ECOP (2011) "Glossary of Osteopathic Terminology". American Association of Colleges of Osteopathic Medicine.