MET — Muscle Energy Technique

Presentation

The Muscle Energy Technique (MET) was formalized by Dr. Fred Mitchell Sr. in the 1950s. It is an active direct osteopathic technique: the patient actively participates by contracting their muscles against the practitioner's precise resistance. This isometric or isotonic contraction allows hypertonic muscles to relax, contracted structures to stretch and blocked joints to mobilize — without the characteristic impulse of the HVLA thrust.

Creator: Dr. Fred Mitchell Sr. (1950s), further developed by Philip Greenman

Core Principles

MET exploits the mechanisms of reciprocal inhibition and post-isometric relaxation: after a 3-7 second isometric contraction, the muscle briefly relaxes (refractory period), allowing greater passive lengthening. It corrects somatic dysfunction by rebalancing muscle tone around the joint and restoring the physiological motion barrier.

Main Indications

• Spinal dysfunctions in all regions
• Muscle contractures and shortening
• Sacroiliac dysfunctions
• Piriformis syndrome
• Costovertebral dysfunctions
• Cervical stiffness
• Postural imbalances
• Vulnerable populations (pregnancy, elderly, post-surgical)

Session Overview

The osteopath positions the joint in pre-tension at the motion barrier. The patient is asked to exert a light muscle contraction (20–30% of maximum force) in the opposite direction for 3–7 seconds while the practitioner blocks this movement. After release, the practitioner passively accompanies the gained mobility toward the new barrier. This cycle is repeated 3–5 times. The technique is painless and well tolerated.

Variations

• Isometric MET (Post-isometric Relaxation — PIR)
• Concentric isotonic MET
• Eccentric isotonic MET
• Mitchell sacral technique
• Direct or indirect articular MET

Contraindications

• Recent or suspected fractures
• Acute muscle or tendon tears
• Bone tumors or metastases
• Severe osteoporosis
• Local infectious process