Massage Therapy Journal Spring 2025

58 • Massage Therapy Journal

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Muscle Energy Techniques: How-To and Contraindications Muscle Energy Techniques (MET) are several different manual therapy techniques used by osteopathic doctors, chiropractors, physical therapists and massage therapists. The aim of these techniques is to reduce muscle tension, improve joint mobility and decrease musculoskeletal discomfort. MET was developed by Dr. Fred Mitchell, Sr. in 1948, and utilizes participation of the client. His goal was to increase musculoskeletal productivity by reducing rigidity of the joints and stretching tight muscles and fascia. This can help to lessen soreness and potentially improve circulation. Potential Contraindications or Cautions to Using Muscle Energy Techniques

Muscle energy technique

Potential Contraindications or Cautions to Using Pin and Stretch Techniques • Anticoagulant or antiplatelet medications • Local bacterial infections • Bruises • Local skin diseases • Areas of decreased sensation • Fragile skin Steps for Pin and Stretch Techniques 1. Assess the area for tissue density and immobility. 2. Bring the jointed area into a passive contracted state. 3. Pin the tissue. 4. Keeping the pressure continuous, take the jointed area into a stretch. 5. Remove pinned pressure. 6. Apply pin pressure to an area close to the first area. 7. Repeat steps 2, 3 and 4 three to five times. 8. Reassess tissue for changes.

• Recent trauma • Bone fracture • Joint dislocation • Local infection

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