Muscle Energy Techniques - MET
Theory
Works by creating post-isometric relaxation in
muscles, (i.e. Contract/Relax) which enables them
to be passively stretched beyond their previous
range of movement.
1. Take the muscle to point where it meets resistance
(point of bind) hold for 15-20 secs, then bring
back from that position slightly.
2. Isometric contraction of muscle to approximately
20% of strength capabilities.
3. Hold the contraction for 5-10 secs depending
on the size of the muscle.
4. Client relaxes fully and the muscle is passively
stretched to new position.
5. Hold stretch for 15-20secs in new position.
6. Repeat Contractions and progressions until
no further progress is made. (Usually 2-3 times).
N.B If there is tension in a traumatised muscle,
it may be too painful for direct MET. In this
instance, we can use the antagonist muscle to
provide the contraction and take advantage of
a reflex reaction, i.e. reciprocal inhibition.
MET stretching is quite a mild form of stretching
when compared to PNF. Therefore it is more appropriate
to rehabilitation.
Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation
– PNF
PNF Techniques work on a number of different
methods but the easiest to use is Contract / Relax.
This type of technique makes use of the Golgi
Tendon organs within the Muscular Tendenous Junctions
(MTJ). These receptors are capable of sensing
change in length and change of tension in a muscle.
In doing so, they stimulate sensory nerves that
take messages to the spinal chord. These messages
sent back by the motor nerves stimulates the effectors
to relax the muscle. Therefore, a period of isometric
contraction will induce a post-isometric relaxation.
This makes PNF very appropriate towards rehabilitation
from the point of view of strengthening and stretching
injured muscles.
1. Muscle is warmed up and taken to point of
bind.
2. Take muscle back from position of bind slightly.
3. The patient contracts the muscle against resistance
for 5 secs at 40% then increases for 5 secs at
80%.
4. This process is repeated 5 times.
5. The muscle is then taken to new point of bind
and held for 15-20 secs.
Sports specific PNF Techniques
1. Warm up muscles and take to point of bind.
2. Stay at the position of bind and client contracts
the muscles at 50% for 5 secs and at 100% for
5 secs.
3. Immediately upon relaxation, the therapist
takes the muscle to a new position of bind and
holds the stretch for 15-20 secs.
4. This process is repeated five times, each
time taking the stretch further to a new position
of bind.
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