What is Muscle Energy Stretching?
Muscle energy Testing is a non-invasive method of manual therapy that helps restore body balance in the soft tissues and skeletal structure. It uses precise positioning of the body in conjunction with very light muscle contractions to re-educate muscles whose dysfunctional tone distorts the body and causes asymmetry. The technique is gentle and can effectively relieve a variety of musculoskeletal dysfunctions by repositioning or mobilizing joints, reducing inflammation, lengthening short muscles, strengthening weak muscles, and relieving tissue congestion.
How it Works?
The technique is based on the theory of reciprocal inhibition, meaning that the muscles on one side of a joint relax when the muscles on the other side of the joint contract. The patient contracts his/her muscles to have the desired effect on the opposite side of the joint by pushing against pressure provided by therapist. Each contraction further stretches the muscle.
Where it is used?
Muscle Energy testing has a wide range of applications, including the treatment of somatic dysfunction, decreased range of motion, scoliosis, sciatica, muscle pain and stiffness, muscular shortening, low back pain, muscle injury, respiratory dysfunction, tension, and uneven hips, legs, and arms.
