Muscle Energy Technique
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Muscle energy technique (MET) is an affective way to stretch hypertonic muscles and ease pain. This technique requires a lot of effort from the person being massaged. It isn't a treatment were you can just lay there and relax. It is a way to stretch a particular muscle or muscle group. These techniques are used by athletes to decrease the risk of muscle injury, but can also be used on people who are experiencing pain and stiffness in muscles. It can be effective in treating a variety of chronic pain conditions.

MET can be used to lengthen shortened muscles and increase muscle strength. It can also improve tendon strength and stability. It can help increase the range of motion in any joint.

Muscle energy technique was developed by Dr. Fred Mitchell, an osteopathic physician. The techniques uses reciprocal inhibition to lengthen muscles. This is the idea that when the muscle on one side of the joint contracts, the muscle on the other side of the joint relaxes.

In order to use this technique effectively you must have a good knowledge of anatomy because you must know the muscles in the area you are treating and which movements contract and relax them. I recommend that you study the technique before attempting to use it. Once you do have a good understanding of it you'll be able to help a lot of people using it. Here's a quick explanation about how to use it.

To perform an MET, you must first determine which joint needs to be treated. To stretch the area have the person flex the joint and resist again pressure provided by your hand for a few seconds. Allow the person to relax, then flex again against your resistance. Repeat this about three times. Then have the person take a deep breath in and on the exhale stretch the muscle of the joint to the barrier. Repeat this sequence on the same joint several times. Each time you do, the muscle will stretch further on the final stretch.

Here's a video example of MET.

If you want to learn more massage strokes, check out my massage techniques page. If you are interested in more detailed instruction in massage try these Online Massage Video Lessons.