What is Muscle Energy Technique?
Muscle energy technique is a form of manual therapy in which the muscle’s own energy is used to induce relaxation and promote pain relief. This technique is especially useful when the cause of pain and stiffness is muscles.
Once in spasm, the muscle fibers are held in a state of constant contraction limiting the range and causing tightness. By using the muscle energy technique, the therapist will make muscles relax and lengthen to an optimal level.
How does it work?
Muscle energy technique achieves pain relief and relaxation in muscles using a specialized structure in the muscles called the Golgi tendon organ. The golgi tendon organ senses changes in muscle tension and length. By controlling activation of the golgi tendon organ, our Vancouver physiotherapist will induce relaxation in the muscles, relieving the spasm.
How is it done?
Muscle energy technique involves careful positioning of an area of the body by the therapist. After positioning, you will be asked to contract the muscle or resist a movement done by the therapist. This will be followed by a stretch to lengthen the same or opposite muscle group.
During the treatment session, you will be asked to actively participate in facilitating and relaxing muscle groups. Under the direction of the therapist, you will learn to lengthen the shortened muscles, relieve muscle spasms and reduce tone in spastic muscles.
The expert clinician will pay special attention to optimal positioning of the treating body part, hold the contraction, and have the ability to sense relaxation/elongation.
In addition, muscle energy techniques can reduce chronic muscle tightness and post-surgery stiffness with little discomfort compared to traditional mobilization and stretching techniques.
Muscle energy techniques can be applied safely to almost any joint in the body. Many athletes use muscle energy techniques as a preventative measure to guard against injury. It can be extremely useful for mal-alignment in the spinal and sacro-iliac joints. By using the concept of levers and precisely directing the muscles to pull on the bones, muscle energy technique facilitates movement in the right directions to restore optimal alignment to the joints.
Would you like to know more about muscle energy techniques? Make a request from Physio For Life today and we will schedule an appointment and assess whether or not you’re a good candidate for muscle energy techniques. Our skilled physiotherapists will do a full assessment of your condition and needs.
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