What is this ?

THE myotensive techniques Or muscle energy techniques were developed by theosteopath American Fred L. Mitchell in the 1950s.

They use the active patient participation by performing muscular contractions against the resistance of the practitioner, in a certain direction.

Mode of action

These techniques are based on the principle of reciprocal innervation by the English physiologist Charles Sherrington.

It states that with each excitation and contraction of a agonist muscle corresponds to an inhibition and therefore a release of sound antagonistThe antagonist is the muscle that exerts an action opposite to the agonist.

Studies have shown that these techniques provide a pain reduction, a greater tolerance to stretching, A drainage of edema present locally as well as modifications of the viscoelastic properties of tissues.

When to use them?

These techniques are frequently used in loss of mobility, stretching and muscle relaxation, for the venous and lymphatic drainage, as well as in the reduction of painful symptoms.

They are to be favored for the tensions musculo-aponeurotic, which are long duration, or even old and which often lead to a change in postural balance of the patient.

They showed very convincing results for the acute and chronic lower back pain as well as the chronic neck painThey are also suitable in the management of epicondylitis Or " tennis elbow ".

Who are they aimed at?

These techniques are sweet, atraumatic and can be used on all patients without exception, as well as on the children that on the elderly people.

Sources:

• The efficacy of muscle energy techniques in symptomatic and asymptomatic subjects: a systematic review. (2019) Thomas E, Cavallaro AR, Mani D, Bianco A, Palma A.
• Treating muscle tension with manual therapy (2011), Gilles BARETTE Arnaud CÉRIOLI, Xavier DUFOUR, Fabrice BARILLEC