Muscle Energy Technique (MET)
Muscle Energy Technique (MET) is a gentle, active form of manual therapy used to improve joint mobility, reduce muscle tension, and restore balanced movement. Unlike most massage and manual therapy techniques, which are passive, MET is collaborative and involves gentle, guided muscle contractions performed by the client. These therapist-guided contractions help improve joint mobility while resetting neuromuscular patterns, reducing trigger points, and decreasing neuromuscular sensitivity and pain.
MET is widely used in orthopedic manual therapy and osteopathic-based approaches because it is effective, precise, and easily received by a wide range of clients.
How Muscle Energy Technique Works
During Muscle Energy Technique, the therapist positions a joint or muscle at a comfortable barrier—never into pain. The client then performs a gentle, controlled, and conscious muscle contraction against resistance for a few seconds. Following the contraction, the neuromuscular holding pattern is able to reset, allowing the muscle to relax and the therapist to guide the joint or tissue into improved alignment or range of motion.
This process may be repeated as needed and is always performed within the client’s comfort level.
Key Benefits of Muscle Energy Technique
- Improves joint mobility and range of motion
- Reduces muscle tension and guarding
- Helps correct muscle imbalances
- Supports postural and movement re-education
- Addresses trigger points and localized muscle tenderness
- Decreases neuromuscular sensitivity and pain
- Gentle and low-force, with no thrusting or cracking
How MET Is Used in a Treatment Session
Muscle Energy Technique is used as part of a collaborative treatment process. Clients are asked to gently engage specific muscles while the therapist provides guidance and resistance. Contractions are light—typically 10–30% of effort—and sessions are paced to allow the nervous system and tissues to adapt comfortably.
Because MET works directly with the nervous system, it often releases tension, improves range of motion, and decreases pain more quickly than many traditional passive techniques. This allows manual therapy sessions to be more efficient, and easier for clients to receive, while still remaining gentle, well tolerated and incredibly effective.
MET is always integrated with other manual therapy techniques to create a comprehensive, individualized treatment approach. Many clients notice improvements in movement and decreased pain, with continued progress developing over a series of sessions.