Muscle Energy Technique I & II

Pre-requisite: Somatic/CST I or Remedial Massage or Trigger Point Therapy.

Muscle Energy Technique (or MET) is based on the principals of reciprocal inhabition, a theory that explains that muscles on one side of a joint will always relax to accommodate the contraction of muscles on the other side of that joint when indirect pressure is applied. MET is often applied to patients who suffer from muscle spasms.

Muscle energy techniques are applied to a patient in order to lengthen shortened, or spastic, muscles, to improve weakened ligament and muscle strength, and to improve range of motion. This procedure is performed when a patient is asked to contract a muscle for approximately 5 seconds against an anti-force applied by the therapist. The muscle contraction is performed by the client 2 or 3 times in a row in the hopes to stretch the muscles further each time.

Muscle Energy Technique is derived from the study of the musculoskeletal system by Dr Fred Mitchell, Sr and his son Dr Fred Mitchell, Jr. The theory behind MET suggests that if a joint isn’t used to its full range of motion, its function will lessen and it will be at risk of suffering strains and injuries. This form of muscular therapy makes use of a patient’s own muscle energy (the force); while the therapist presents a stationary surface (or anti-force) the patient will contract their muscle against in order to stretch the muscles and joint to its full potential.

Muscle Energy technique can be applied safely to almost any joint in the body. Many athletes use MET as a preventative measure to guard against future muscle and joint injury. However, it’s mainly used by individuals who have limited range of motion due to back, neck and shoulder pain, scoliosis, sciatica, asymmetrical legs, hips or arms (for example when one is longer or higher than the other), or to treat chronic muscle pain, stiffness or injury.

Muscle energy techniques have been refined by clinical practice and are now avaliable to all who practice manual therapy.

You will learn a variety of musculoskeletal techniques to treat a wide variety of musculoskeletal disorders during this workshop.

Muscle Energy Technique I

Pelvis & Lumbar Spine - 4 day seminar

Treating the dysfunctions:

• high ilium
• SIJ shears (“upslip”, “downslip”)
• symphysis pubis shears
• anterior/posterior pelvic rotations
• sacral torsions
• flexed & extended sacrum
• lumbar type 1s and 2s (sidebend/rotation)
• flexed & extended lumbars

Course Fee: $695

Muscle Energy Technique II

Cervical and Thoracic Spine & Ribs - 4 day seminar

Treating the dysfunctions:

• O/A
• A/A
• C3-7
• Thoracic spine
• Superior rib 1
• Anterior/posterior thoracic ribs
• Other rib work if time permits

Course Fee: $695