Muscle Energy Technique is transformative. It can dramatically extend your clients range of movements (ROM), reverse chronic postural dysfunction and it really does change people's lives. So why is it that more therapists aren't using Muscle Energy Techniques?
Are you in a place where you studied Muscle Energy Techniques (MET), maybe you even use a few techniques routinely but don't feel you are harnessing the true potential? Perhaps you've forgotten the various techniques and positions.
Whatever the reason we can guarantee the reason MET isn't firing for you is due to one of the following steps being missed.
1 - EMBED
To truly unlock the potential of MET, it must be an integral part of your treatments, it can't be an after thought tagged on to the end of the treatment. This is something that comes with practice and combining it with other techniques to work for you. Using MET will make the work you do more effective and longer lasting for the client whilst also reducing the strain on your own body. A great example is combining MET with Cupping, both techniques work fantastically together and when combined with movement the results are incredible.
2 - HAVE PATIENCE
The moves should be performed gently, slowly and with intention. Don't be afraid to really take your time, pause and take a breath with your client and let the technique work it's magic.
3 - COMMUNICATE
This is a technique where the client is an active participant. Bring them into the treatment, educate and empower them to not only follow your instruction but also understand what is happening for them. Demonstrating the change in range of movement over the course of the treatment is one of the most powerful parts of what we do!