Muscle Energy – St. Cloud, FL
Gentle Relief for Stiff Muscles
Do you continually deal with muscle or joint stiffness? If your condition is the result of poor posture or routinely manipulating your body into an undesirable position, you might benefit from Muscle Energy, which is otherwise known as the Muscle Energy Technique. This form of osteopathic manipulative treatment is designed to relieve pain, relax stiff muscles, and increase mobility. Read on below to learn more about Muscle Energy in St. Cloud, FL.
Why Choose Holistic Medicine Wellness Center for Muscle Energy?
- Highly Trained Osteopathic Doctor
- Fast Pain Relief
- Increase Mobility
What Is the Muscle Energy Technique?
The Muscle Energy Technique (MET) is a form of active osteopathic manipulation. As defined by the Education Council on Osteopathic Principles (ECOP) it is, “a form of osteopathic manipulative diagnosis and direct treatment in which the patient’s muscles are actively used on request, from a precisely controlled position, in a specific direction, and against a distinctly executed counterforce.”
In other words, MET requires the patient to make voluntary muscle contractions while their body is in a specific position. MET produces muscle relaxation and pain relief by activating special structures in the muscles, called Golgi tendon organs and muscle spindles. They play a big role in muscle coordination and control.
How Does MET Work?
To get started with your treatment, Dr. Murphy will perform a thorough screening to identify areas of hypomobility. Areas with the greatest degree of restriction are targeted during the MET session. You will be placed in a specific position, and then you will be asked to contract your muscles, either pushing against or toward a precisely placed barrier. At the end of the session, you will be assessed again. You are likely to notice a fast increase in mobility, a reduction in pain, and a reduction in uncomfortable muscle spasms.
There are two general types of MET: post-isometric relaxation and reciprocal inhibition. They use slightly different techniques, and the one that is best for you will depend on the specific issues that you are dealing with. Post-isometric relaxation can be used to address chronic conditions. It involves stretching and lengthening muscles following contractions. Reciprocal inhibition can help to minimize pain and aggravation in injured muscles and soft tissues. It requires you to push against a barrier; the muscles opposite of the ones you contract are then able to relax more fully.
Would you like to learn more about Muscle Energy? Dr. Murphy and our team are ready to answer your questions. Contact us today!
Muscle Energy Technique FAQs
Do you believe that MET could benefit you? If so, Dr. Murphy and our team are ready to help. But if you are still on the fence about whether you want to schedule a consultation, we invite you to read the answers to some FAQs about this form of treatment. What you discover may help you make a confident decision about moving forward with MET. If you still have questions after reading the below information, you are welcome to contact us directly.
What Are the Side Effects of Muscle Energy Technique?
The goal of MET is to relieve pain and help the muscles to relax. However, in rare cases, patients may experience unpleasant side effects. For example, some have noticed new or worsening low back pain. Stiffness, muscle spasms, and decreased range of motion may also occur. These issues usually resolve within a few days.
Some side effects are the result of overtreatment of a targeted area. Dr. Murphy is careful to monitor patients in order to minimize the risk of increasing a patient’s pain.
What Is the Muscle Energy Technique for Low Back Pain?
Low back pain is extremely common, affecting up to 80% of the population at some point in their lives. MET has helped many such individuals, including those who suffer from both chronic pain and acute pain. It may even provide pain relief when there is no readily identifiable cause of back pain.
Of course, it is worth noting that more research is necessary in order to determine the effectiveness of MET when compared to other forms of treatment for low back pain, such as exercise, heat therapy, and ultrasound. In many cases, a combination of treatments provides optimal results for people who suffer from persistent back aches.
Should You Power Through Back Pain?
No, you should not power through back pain and simply hope that it goes away. In fact, carrying on in your normal routine when you have back pain may worsen tissue damage and extend the length of time that you are suffering. This is particularly true if you are accustomed to participating in activities that can stress your back, such as running, lifting weights, or doing certain cleaning tasks. You should strive to adjust your physical movements so your back can rest as much as possible.
It is also wise to seek professional care. Dr. Murphy can assess the situation and recommend a treatment that will, hopefully, get you back to feeling your best as soon as possible. MET is often part of such a treatment plan.
Who Invented Muscle Energy Technique?
MET was originally invented by Drs. Fred Mitchell, Sr. and Fred Mitchell, Jr., osteopathic physicians who were seeking to help their patients mobilize their joints, reduce pain, and improve circulation. It was first developed in the late 1940s, and since then, it has gained an excellent reputation among many osteopaths and other conservative care providers.