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Muscle Energy Techniques for Therapists: Steps & Benefits

A sports massage tutor demonstrates muscle energy technique on the adductors (inner thigh), showing both post-isometric relaxation and reciprocal inhibition. Each round has its own chapter: a passive stretch to the first resistance, a gentle 10-second resisted contraction, relaxation, and then taking the stretch a little further.

Muscle Energy Techniques for Therapists: Steps & Benefits · Pressure Point Sports Massage Training · YouTube

Video: Muscle Energy Techniques for Therapists: Steps & Benefits, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JpFpNUkkjL8

Length7:33
RatingClarity 5/5 · Credibility 4/5 · Relevance 5/5
UK sports massage tutor. Every stage is chaptered; demonstrated on the adductors rather than the hamstrings.
Coverstechniques/muscle-energy-technique · techniques/post-isometric-relaxation · muscles/adductors
Watchhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JpFpNUkkjL8

Chapters

  1. 0:00 Intro
  2. 0:14 Muscle Energy Techniques
  3. 0:28 Post-Isometric Relaxation
  4. 0:33 Reciprocal Inhibition
  5. 0:40 Stabilise hip
  6. 0:50 Passive stretch
  7. 1:30 Contraction
  8. 1:50 Relaxation
  9. 2:05 Round 2
  10. 2:30 Round 3
  11. 2:55 30 second stretch
  12. 3:30 Groin stretch
  13. 3:50 RI
  14. 4:05 Passive stretch
  15. 4:27 Hold
  16. 4:50 Round 2
  17. 5:20 Round 3
  18. 5:45 Recap
  19. 6:00 PIR
  20. 6:30 RI
  21. 7:14 Subscribe

Key points

  • Stabilise the pelvis before you stretch (here the other leg hangs off the table).
  • Take the limb only to the first point of resistance and check with the client’s face and words.
  • The client pushes against you at about 20% effort for about 10 seconds while nothing moves (an isometric contraction).
  • After they relax, take up the new slack a few degrees; repeat for about three rounds.
  • In reciprocal inhibition the client contracts the opposite muscle instead.
  • Use your body (for example, your hip) to support the limb rather than your arm strength.

Cautions

  • Watch for cramping or pain and stop if either occurs.
  • A remedial technique beyond basic Cert IV relaxation massage.