Muscle Energy Technique & the Stanley Paris Technique
As physical and occupational therapists, our approach is to be “hands-on” with patients, to create personalized treatment plans and to achieve the best results. At Advanced Physical Therapy Center, we utilize several different types of manual therapy techniques. In previous posts, we touched on a couple other manual therapy techniques. In this post, we would like to feature Muscle Energy Technique (MET) and the Stanley Paris Technique (mobilization of the joints).
What is MET and what does it do?
Muscle Energy Technique (MET) is a direct hands-on therapy originally developed by Dr. Fred Mitchell, Sr., Osteopathic Physician. It utilizes the patient’s own gentle muscle contractions and body positioning to normalize joint motion. It can be used to lengthen a shortened contracted or spastic muscle; to strengthen a physiologically weakened muscle or group of muscles; to reduce localized edema to relieve passive congestion and to mobilize an articulation with restricted mobility.
Who can benefit?
People who are restricted in their movements or have recently experienced a trauma. Conditions include:
- Back pain
- Sciatica
- Scoliosis
- Muscle shortening
- Pelvic imbalance
- Somatic dysfunction
- Limited range of motion
- Headaches
- Edema
What is The Stanley Paris Technique (mobilization of the joints) and what does it do?
Joint mobilization is a treatment technique used to manage musculoskeletal dysfunction. Mobilizations are used to restore joint play that has been lost due to injury or disease. Stanley Paris, PT, PhD, FAPTA, FNZSP was the first to introduce manipulative physical therapy into the United States, and he is one of the most recognized figures in physical therapy today. APTC therapists use a variety of his mobilization techniques.
Who can benefit?
Joint mobilization can be performed on any articulation in the body from the temporomandibular joint to the spine and from the fingers to the toes. Therefore, it can be used on any patient where range of motion is lacking in a joint.
