Muscle Energy Technique: A Gentle Osteopathic Approach to Restore Balance and Movement

Osteopath applies Muscle Energy Technique to a client, aiming to alleviate muscular tension and improve joint mobility.

Muscle Energy Technique (MET) is a hands-on osteopathic method that gently restores movement, reduces joint stiffness, and relieves muscular tension. At Posture Blueprint, located inside The Glen Shopping Centre in Glen Waverley, we use MET as part of a whole-body approach to treat spinal and postural conditions.

MET is a gentle yet powerful technique suitable for all ages. Unlike spinal manipulation, MET does not involve any thrust or cracking sound. Instead, it uses the patient’s own muscle contractions—guided and resisted by the practitioner—to rebalance joint and muscle function.

An Osteopath carefully performs a Muscle Energy Technqiue, gently supporting and assessing a patient's ankle with a folded blue towel for added comfort.

The History and Development of MET

Muscle Energy Technique was developed in the United States by osteopath Dr. Fred L. Mitchell Sr., and later refined by his son, Dr. Fred Mitchell Jr., and grandson Kai Mitchell. I had the opportunity to learn from Kai Mitchell directly, who helped me understand how MET was designed not only for local joint correction but for restoring motion throughout the body.

The approach was further expanded by Professor Philip E. Greenman, one of the most influential osteopathic physicians in manual medicine. I had the honour of studying under Professor Greenman in the U.S., learning how MET can be integrated with exercise therapy and postural correction.

Their work laid the foundation for modern osteopathic care and continues to guide how I evaluate and treat patients today.

Students walking towards a historic building, reminiscent of the universities where groundbreaking techniques like the Muscle Energy Technique (MET), developed by the Mitchell family, were studied and taught.

How MET Is Used in Osteopathic Treatment

At Posture Blueprint, MET is used after a full postural and musculoskeletal assessment. Common indications include:

• Back pain

• Neck stiffness

• Joint restrictions

• Pelvic asymmetry

• Spinal dysfunction

• Scoliosis and Scheuermann’s disease

• Postural muscle imbalance

During treatment, the patient is asked to contract specific muscles in a controlled direction, while I apply gentle counterforce. This neurologically resets the muscle tone and allows restricted joints to regain motion.

A practitioner demonstrates Muscle Energy Technique (MET) at Posture Blueprint, focusing on addressing back pain, joint restrictions, and postural muscle imbalance following a comprehensive assessment.

What Makes MET Different from Stretching or Spinal Manipulation

MET differs from passive stretching because it activates the nervous system. Instead of just lengthening muscles, MET engages the brain-body connection through proprioceptors—specialised nerve endings that regulate muscle tone and joint motion.

Compared to spinal manipulation (which may involve rapid movements or audible releases), MET is a much gentler option. It's particularly useful for:

• Seniors

• Children and adolescents

• Patients recovering from injury

• Those with spinal conditions where thrusting is not appropriate

• Anyone preferring low-force treatment

Applying Muscle Energy Technique (MET): Enhancing neuromuscular coordination through targeted manipulation and proprioceptive engagement.

What We Look For Before Using MET

Each MET treatment is based on specific findings during examination. I look for:

• Restricted joint motion

• Abnormal muscle tone or spasm

• Postural asymmetry

• Spinal somatic dysfunction

• Limited range of movement during active tests

These findings are then addressed using a customised MET protocol, often followed by targeted exercises sent via Physitrack to support long-term progress.

A practitioner performs Muscle Energy Technique (MET) to enhance spinal and pelvic mobility and alleviate pain through guided movement and manipulation.

Scientific Support for MET

Research supports the use of MET for improving mobility and reducing pain, particularly in the spine and pelvis. Key findings show:

• Increased range of motion in lumbar and cervical regions

• Reduced low back and neck pain

• Improvements in posture and functional mobility

• Positive effects on pelvic and spinal alignment

These outcomes make MET a reliable part of modern osteopathic practice, especially when combined with clinical reasoning and movement retraining.

A professional demonstrates muscle energy techniques (MET) in a workshop setting, highlighting its benefits for mobility and pain relief in the spine and pelvis.

Book Your Free 15-Minute Posture Analysis

If you’re experiencing spinal stiffness, back pain, or poor posture, MET may be part of your solution. Book your free 15-minute posture analysis at Posture Blueprint today. We’ll assess your posture, spinal movement, and explain whether osteopathic treatment—such as MET—may help.

👉 Visit www.postureblueprint.com📞 (03) 8290 0228📍 Ground Floor, The Glen Shopping Centre, Glen Waverley VIC 3150

Visit Posture Blueprint at The Glen Shopping Centre to book your free 15-minute posture analysis and enhance your spinal health with potential osteopathic treatment.

Disclaimer:

This blog is for general educational purposes only and does not replace personal medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. While the research referenced supports the potential benefits of Muscle Energy Technique (MET) for conditions like low back pain and neck pain, individual outcomes may vary. Results reported in clinical studies may not reflect every person’s experience. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before starting any new treatment. This content does not make claims of guaranteed results.

References

Al Matif, S., Alfageer, G., ALNasser, N., Alabbas, G., Al Sawidan, H., & ALhareth, H. (2023). Effectiveness of muscle energy technique on pain intensity and disability in chronic low back patients: A systematic review. Bulletin of Faculty of Physical Therapy, 28, Article 24. https://doi.org/10.1186/s43161-023-00135-w:contentReference[oaicite:3]{index=3}

Joshi, R., & Patil, D. (2022). The effect of muscle energy technique and posture correction exercises on pain and function in patients with non-specific chronic neck pain having forward head posture: A randomized controlled trial. International Journal of Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork, 15(2), 14–23. https://doi.org/10.3822/ijtmb.v15i2.7108:contentReference[oaicite:7]{index=7}

Mazidavi, A., et al. (2023). Muscle energy technique effect on chronic low back pain. Physical Therapy Journal, 13(4), 245–252. https://ptj.uswr.ac.ir/article-1-583-en.pdf:contentReference[oaicite:11]{index=11}

Fryer, G., Ostelo, R. W. J. G., & Kamper, S. J. (2015). Muscle energy technique for non-specific low-back pain. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, 2015(2), CD009852. https://doi.org/10.1002/14651858.CD009852.pub2:contentReference[oaicite:15]{index=15}

Perng, G. C. (n.d.). Muscle energy technique for lower back pain. Longdom Publishing. https://www.longdom.org/open-access-pdfs/muscle-energy-technique-for-lower-back-pain.pdf:contentReference[oaicite:19]{index=19}