MUSCLE ENERGY TECHNIQUES FOR THE LUMBAR SPINE, SACROILIAC JOINT AND PELVIS

By: Theresa A. Schmidt, DPT, MS, OCS,LMT,CEAS

Course Description

Muscle Energy Technique (MET) is an evidence-based manual therapy intervention for correcting somatic dysfunctions which contribute to back pain and disability. MET is incorporated to restore proper biomechanics and functional movement for lumbosacral and pelvic joint dysfunctions. MET is gentle enough to apply without the need for forceful manipulation procedures. Precise muscle contractions and positions are used to normalize muscle tension and restore functional movement in joints with faulty biomechanics. MET may be incorporated clinically with soft tissue techniques and home exercise programs to manage joint pain and improve functional mobility for lumbosacral and pelvic dysfunctions. Teaching methods include powerpoint lecture, live demonstration and lab practice, and discussion.

Learning Objectives: NY State PT Board: 15 contact hours

Upon completion of this program, participants will be able to:

1. Discuss the role of proprioceptive reflexes and the muscle spindle in mediating neuromotor facilitation and inhibition.
2. Define common types of somatic dysfunction/ mobility impairment for the lumbosacral spine and pelvis.
3. Perform a structural examination to identify somatic dysfunction/ mobility impairment using palpation and specific joint motion testing of the lumbosacral spine and pelvis.
4. Explain the role of muscle energy technique (MET) to manage somatic dysfunction/ mobility impairment of the lumbosacral spine and pelvis.
5. Apply MET intervention and manual therapy as part of a plan of care to correct somatic dysfunction mobility impairment / of the lumbosacral spine and pelvis.

Course title: Muscle Energy Techniques for the Lumbar Spine, Sacroiliac Joint and Pelvis

Learning Objectives/Outcomes NCBTMB, Inc. 14.5 contact hours

Upon completion of this program, participants will be able to:

1. Define muscle energy technique (MET)
2. Discuss the role of proprioceptive reflexes and the muscle spindle in mediating neuromotor facilitation and inhibition.
3. List three indications and three contraindications for MET
4. List two outcomes of MET interventions
5. Describe how long to hold an isometric contraction during MET for acute injuries
6. Discuss three precautions when using MET
7. Demonstrate a MET procedure to improve hip range of motion
8. Name three components of somatic dysfunction
9. Perform a structural assessment to identify somatic dysfunction using palpation and specific joint motion testing of the lumbosacral spine and pelvis.
10. State the positional diagnosis of a FRSL dysfunction
11. State the positional diagnosis of an ERSL dysfunction
12. Perform a MET intervention to manage Lumbar FRSL
13. Perform four sacroiliac/iliosacral joint examinations
14. Apply MET to correct anterior or posterior ilium
15. Apply MET to correct anterior or posterior sacral torsion
16. Incorporate MET intervention and manual therapy as part of a plan of care to correct somatic dysfunction of the lumbosacral spine and pelvis.

Contact hours: 14.5-15, depending on State Board

Course type: Home study or Live

Teaching methods:  Live: Lecture, slide presentation, handouts, demonstration and hands-on lab practice of exam skills, question and answer session.

Audience: health professionals

Level: Beginner, intermediate

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