Muscle Energy Techniques (MET) are an advanced type of stretch. They aim to restore normal range of motion to tight muscles.

METs are usually painless, quick and effective. You may not feel very much during the technique but afterwards, the muscle group in question should feel more relaxed and stretchy. They may help to reduce muscle pain.

Muscle Energy Techniques are used in conjunction with other techniques by massage therapists, osteopaths and other manual therapists. Usually you wouldn’t have a treatment of only METs.

METs are characterised by activating a muscle against resistance. The position of the muscle and force used can vary. Often the technique will finish by stretching the muscle in question, but this isn’t always necessary.

You can remember the sequence as:

This video demonstrates an MET to the hamstrings (muscles in the back of your thigh)

Muscle Energy Technique is essentially the same as Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation (PNF). Both techniques were developed at a similar time by different groups and are based on the same principles. There is little distinguishable difference between the two except for the name!

Many of our therapists use Muscle Energy Techniques, including:
Sylwia Labecka-Czarnik
Sylwia Lekan
Tatina Semprini
Sarah Oliver