muscle energy

Muscle EnergyThe Principles

Muscle Energy Principles

Obtain an accurate, segmental diagnosis using muscle energy terminology.

This allows you to know what you are trying to treat and how to approach it.

Motion BasicsVertebral Motion

Motion BasicsVertebral motion is named for the

rotation of the anterior portion of the vertebral

body

If no rotation is present, the transverse processes and the

facet pairs will feel “even” when palpated.

Body Transverse Process

Facet

Motion Basics

Right rotation gives a deep left TP and a prominent right TP

Motion Basics

Left rotation gives a prominent left TP and a deep right TP

Motion Basics

Sidebending motion is named for the low (convex) side (TP) of the vertebra

LEFT RIGHT

Which Vertebra is Dysfunctional?

Which Vertebra is Dysfunctional?

Muscle Energy Principles

Accurately position the patient at the feather edge of the barrier using either direct or indirect positioning.

Remember, muscle energy can be a direct or indirect treatment.

The feather edge of the barrier is the beginning of maximal tension or ease.

Muscle Energy Principles

Utilize an unyielding counterforce against the patients effort.

This does not take much force, but it should balance the patients effort.

Muscle Energy Principles

Utilize the correct amount of force - the appropriate direction, vector, amount, and duration.

This is the key to getting good results.

Muscle Energy Principles

Have the patient completely relax.

This step is the crucial one. It the patient does not relax completely, the treatment is much less effective.

Muscle Energy Principles

Retest

To see if what you did worked and if you need to do more.

Muscle Energy Principles

Reassess and repeat the steps until no further change is noted.

If you achieve a 30% change in the tissues, the patients body will do the rest.

The Upper Half of the Body

Using Muscle Energy

Muscle Energy Treatment

Cervicals:

O/A

A/A

C3-C7

Muscle Energy Treatment

Thoracics:

Flexed

Extended

T12

Ribs:

Inspired

Expired

Muscle Energy Treatment

Upper Extremity:

Shoulder

Radius

Ulna

Wrist

Hand

Muscle Energy Treatment

Can you treat the viscera with ME?