Muscle Energy Technique (MET) - Using the Body’s Own Effort for Alignment and Balance

The Power of Participation: How MET Uses Your Own Muscles to Heal

Muscle Energy Technique (MET) is an active form of manual therapy where the patient uses their own muscle contractions—guided by the practitioner—to correct joint restrictions, lengthen muscles, and restore symmetry.

Rather than forcing the body into new positions, MET engages the patient in the healing process. After identifying a restricted joint or shortened muscle, the practitioner positions the patient just before the resistance barrier. The patient then performs a gentle isometric contraction against resistance. Following the contraction, the muscle is passively stretched into a new range.

Muscle Energy Techniques may be based on either reciprocal inhibition or post-isometric relaxation, depending on the direction of effort and clinical goal. In reciprocal inhibition, engaging the opposing muscle leads to reflexive relaxation of the targeted muscle group. In post-isometric relaxation, a gentle isometric contraction of the tight muscle is followed by a period of decreased tone, allowing the practitioner to safely stretch it further.

Embryology and Voluntary Control

As the neuromuscular system develops, voluntary control over muscles becomes essential for posture, locomotion, and coordination. MET taps into these neuromuscular pathways to "re-educate" dysfunctional areas through active participation, rather than passive manipulation.

Contract, Relax, Reposition: The MET Flow

MET typically follows this flow:

• Assess – Identify joint/muscle restriction or asymmetry.

• Engage – Patient performs a gentle muscle contraction (~10–20% effort).

• Relax – After 5–10 seconds, the patient relaxes.

• Reposition – The joint or muscle is taken further into its new range.

This cycle is repeated 2–3 times until symmetry is improved.

When Muscle Energy Technique Helps

MET is commonly used for:

• Pelvic misalignment or sacroiliac dysfunction

• Shortened or tight muscles (e.g., hamstrings, psoas)

• Cervical, thoracic, or lumbar restrictions

• Rib dysfunction and breathing limitations

• Postural imbalance and gait asymmetry

MET is ideal for patients who are motivated and able to engage physically, and who benefit from a collaborative approach to care.