Muscle Energy Technique in Physical Therapy

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Questions and Answers

What happens when the muscle contracts and the GTO is activated?

It strengthens the contraction

It responds by inhibiting the contraction (correct)

It has no effect on the contraction

It causes the muscle to relax

What is the location of the muscle spindle?

Within the muscle belly (correct)

Outside the muscle belly

At the muscle-tendon junction

In the antagonist muscle

What is the effect of Post Isometric Relaxation (PIR) on muscle tone?

It fluctuates muscle tone

It has no effect on muscle tone

It decreases muscle tone (correct)

It increases muscle tone

What is the percentage of contraction required for Post Isometric Relaxation (PIR)?

10-20% Signup and view all the answers

What is the main difference between Post Isometric Relaxation (PIR) and Post Facilitation Stretch (PFS)?

PFS is more aggressive than PIR Signup and view all the answers

Who developed the technique of Post Isometric Relaxation (PIR)?

Lewitt Signup and view all the answers

What happens to the antagonist muscle when the muscle spindle is activated?

It relaxes Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of taking the hypertonic muscle to a length just short of pain in Post Isometric Relaxation (PIR)?

To find the point of resistance Signup and view all the answers

Who developed the Muscle Energy Technique (MET) in 1948?

Fred Mitchell Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary goal of Muscle Energy Technique (MET)?

To relax the muscles and lengthen the muscle Signup and view all the answers

What is the type of contraction used in Muscle Energy Technique (MET)?

Isometric contraction Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of the Golgi tendon organ (GTO) in Muscle Energy Technique (MET)?

Senses muscle tension Signup and view all the answers

What is Reciprocal Inhibition MET?

A sub-maximal contraction of a muscle followed by stretching of the opposite muscle Signup and view all the answers

What is the difference between Muscle Energy Technique (MET) and static stretching?

MET is active, while static stretching is passive Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of the muscle spindle in Muscle Energy Technique (MET)?

Helps in managing muscular control and coordination Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of Muscle Energy Techniques (METs)?

To improve the function of the musculoskeletal system and reduce pain Signup and view all the answers

What is the initial state of the hypertonic and shortened muscle in the PFS technique?

Between a fully stretched and a fully relaxed state Signup and view all the answers

What happens to the patient's effort in the PFS technique after 5-10 seconds of contraction?

The patient relaxes and releases the effort Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary concept behind Reciprocal Inhibition MET?

Reciprocal Inhibition Signup and view all the answers

What is the position of the affected muscle in the Reciprocal Inhibition MET technique?

Mid-range position Signup and view all the answers

What is one of the indications of MET techniques?

Lengthening a shortened, contractured, or spastic muscle Signup and view all the answers

What is a contraindication of MET techniques?

Fracture Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of the therapist's resistance in the Reciprocal Inhibition MET technique?

To completely resist the patient's effort Signup and view all the answers

How many times is the procedure typically repeated in the PFS technique?

Between three to five times Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Muscle Energy Technique (MET)

Developed by Fred Mitchell in 1948
A form of manual therapy that uses gentle isometric contractions to relax muscles and lengthen them
Active technique, where the patient is an active participant

Principles of MET

Based on Autogenic Inhibition and Reciprocal Inhibition
Autogenic Inhibition: relaxation of a muscle after a sub-maximal contraction
Reciprocal Inhibition: contraction of one muscle followed by stretching of the opposite muscle

Types of MET

Autogenic Inhibition MET:
- Post Isometric Relaxation (PIR)
- Post Facilitation Stretching (PFS)
Reciprocal Inhibition MET:
- Contraction of one muscle followed by stretching of the opposite muscle

Post Isometric Relaxation (PIR)

Developed by Karel Lewitt
Technique to decrease muscle tone after a brief period of submaximal isometric contraction
Works on the concept of autogenic inhibition
Steps:
- Take the hypertonic muscle to a length just short of pain
- Perform a sub-maximal contraction away from the barrier for 5-10 seconds
- Relax and exhale, then apply a gentle stretch to take up the slack till the new barrier

Post Facilitation Stretch (PFS)

Developed by Janda
Technique based on autogenic inhibition
Steps:
- Place the hypertonic and shortened muscle between a fully stretched and a fully relaxed state
- Contract the agonist using maximum effort for 5-10 seconds
- Relax and release the effort, then apply a rapid stretch to a new barrier and hold for 10 seconds

Reciprocal Inhibition MET

Different from PIR and PFS in that it involves the contraction of one muscle followed by stretching of the opposite muscle
Steps:
- Place the affected muscle in a mid-range position
- Push towards the restriction/barrier while the therapist resists (isometric) or allows movement (isotonic)
- Relax and exhale, then apply a passive stretch to the new barrier

Indications and Contraindications

Indications:
- Lengthen a shortened, contractured, or spastic muscle
- Reduce pain
- Stretch tight fascia
- Reduce localized edema
- Enhance proprioception and motor control
- Improve local circulation
- Guard against future injuries
Contraindications:
- Fracture
- Tendon ruptures
- Muscle Inflammation
- Acute sprains
- Acute strains
- Dislocations
Precautions:
- Osteoporosis
- Hypermobility

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Description

Learn about Muscle Energy Technique, a manual therapy developed by Fred Mitchell in 1948, which uses gentle isometric contractions to relax muscles. Compare it with static stretching and understand its benefits.