What is Muscle Energy?

Muscle Energy a direct and active technique. This technique utilizes the restrictive barrier of the dysfunction, also known as the “feathers edge.” The Feather’s Edge is defined as point where tension increases significantly. When muscle energy is applied the feathers edge will shift until barriers return to neutral.

Muscle Energy Techniques

Post-isometric Relaxation (PIR)

1. Gently move to the “feather’s edge” of the restrictive barrier.
2. Ask the patient to gently exert a reciprocal force to what you are applying or ask them to move to a neutral position (direction of ease) for 3-5 seconds against your resistance, then relax completely.
3. Wait for 2 seconds (count out loud) and then gently position the patient into the next restrictive barrier.
4. Repeat 2 or more times until you feel that the gross range of motion has increased and muscle tension has decreased.
5. Passive stretch.
6. Reassess.

Respiratory Assist (RA)

1. As above, move into “feather’s edge” of the restrictive barrier, have patient take a big deep breath and exhale.
2. During exhalation, move body part more into restrictive barriers (note: muscles relax during exhalation).  
3. Repeat 2-5 times.
4. Reassess.

Reciprocal Inhibition (RI)

1. As above, move into the “feather’s edge” of the restrictive barrier, but have the patient tighten up agonistic muscles (move towards the barrier as doctor resists) and hold 3-5 seconds.
2. Then move them further into the barrier.
3. Repeat 2-5 times.
4. Reassess.

Oculocervical (Oculocephalogyric) Reflex

*Only works with cervical somatic dysfunction

1. As above, move into “feather’s edge” of the restrictive barrier.
2. Ask patient to turn eyes in the direction of restriction and keep them there for 3-5 seconds while you gently encourage movement into the barrier.  
3. Have patient “relax” and allow eyes to go back to neutral (forward relative to head position) and/or close eyelids.  
4. Repeat 2-5 more times.
5. Reassess.