Muscle Energy Techniques in Cambridge (MET’s)
Muscle energy techniques, or MET’s, are a type of manual therapy used by our sports massage therapists. This technique involves the active use of the injured muscle by the individual, alongside a precise counterforce applied by the therapist to help increase range of motion.
This technique does not require a specific booking, as your therapist will assess whether it is needed during your sports massage. Our therapists may also use other massage techniques where needed to further treat the surrounding soft tissues. You can also learn more about how other hands-on treatments work in our guide to how does deep tissue massage work.
What is Muscle Energy Technique?
Muscle energy technique is a type of manual therapy where the injured muscle is moved in a specific direction and motion by the patient, while the therapist applies a precise counterforce. The muscle is engaged through this active and direct treatment, allowing it to move beyond its restrictive barrier. The main use of MET’s is to improve range of motion in a joint where it has been reduced.
Muscle Energy Technique benefits
There are a number of benefits of muscle energy technique, with the main one being relaxation of the injured muscle to help bring it back to a healthier state. Other benefits can include:
- Increased range of motion
- Improved function of muscles
- Pain relief
Maintaining flexibility and mobility can also support muscle health, and our guide explains more about the importance of stretching.
What to expect with Muscle Energy Technique
Patient participation is an important part of muscle energy technique, and the more precisely the movement is carried out, the better the outcome is likely to be. Your therapist will ask you to actively move your arms, legs or body into position, and they will place a force against you which you will be asked to resist for 5 to 10 seconds. This is usually repeated, encouraging further movement and improved range of motion each time.
It is important to listen to and follow the exact instructions given by your therapist, as this will help you get the full benefit of the technique.
Learn more about Muscle Energy Techniques
As our muscle energy techniques don’t require a specific booking, we strongly recommend you speak with a massage therapist so they can assess if this technique is right for you. You can book a consultation or request a free phone call to get some guidance on your next steps.
If you have any questions about any of the services we offer, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with us.
Learn more about our sports massage costs.