Muscle Energy Technique
Muscle Energy Technique is used in osteopathic medicine to treat somatic dysfunction presenting as loss of range of motion secondary to muscular inhibition. There are several distinct techniques which may be called muscle energy techniques including reciprocal inhibition, and post-isometric relaxation.
Muscle Energy is an Active (requires patient utilization of force) Direct (engages the barrier) technique that promotes muscle relaxation by activating the golgi tendon reflex. It has also been proposed that temporary muscle fatigue blocks reflex-contraction thus allowing for an increase of range of motion to beyond the barrier.
Muscle energy is a manual therapy technique that helps restore balance and alignment in the body. This technique is performed by the patient generating gentle muscle contractions against resistance provided by the physical therapist. By shortening the muscle's site of origin and insertion, bony mal-alignments can be corrected.