Muscle Energy Techniques
Muscle Energy Technique is one of the most effective and valuable manual techniques for the identification and correction of somatic asymmetry and hypomobility aka joints out of alignment and reduced range of motion. These techniques can be used to find and correct the causes of all types of pain. They are pain free and highly effective techniques that attain resolution of the problem with dramatic results.
Unlike manipulative techniques, MET works via evidenced-based neuro-physiology using the muscle spindles to release tight muscles and decrease tone and excitability, thus restoring the bones and joints to normal mobility and returning them to symmetrical and smooth function.
Why manipulations should be avoided and MET used instead:
- Practitioners that use manipulations assume that the problem is within the spine as though it is “stuck”, yet there is no mysterious glue causing the dysfunction
- Spinal joints are out of place due to muscle’s that attach to them being, irritated, tight, short, or over stretched – to realign the spinal joints these muscles need to be returned to their normal resting length
- Spinal manipulations are an absolute contra indications if the patient presents with weak cervical artery, Spondylolisthesis (a forward displacement of a vertebra, most commonly occurring after a break or fracture), Spondylolysis (a defect that can easily turn into a break), disk bulge or herniation – many people will unknowingly have these dysfunctions
- “Undesirable events” otherwise called serious complications occur due to some methods of manipulations in 2% of reported cases. - 2% doesn't seem like much, but, would you like to be part of that 2%?
- Serious complications from manipulations include: broken back, herniated disk, ruptured artery leading to cerebral vascular accident (stroke) and death – for more information please go to neck911
- Repeated manipulations can weaken ligaments that support the spine, hindering the spine’s stability
- MET works by resetting muscle spindles, which control the muscle length, bringing the muscle back to its normal resting length and the spinal joint back into alignment. Once the joints are aligned, stabilizations exercises are taught to maintain the position of the joint.
Refer to Tom Ockler of Alternative Health Care Solutions for more information regarding MET
