Effective Stretching Incorporating Muscle Energy Techniques

Validated by IPTI - (Independent Professional Therapists International)

Accredited by Embody

This one-day workshop is designed for practitioners qualified in any form of Body Massage Therapy.

Most massage therapists are totally unaware of the incredible benefits of effective stretching. Armed with the knowledge of a variety of stretching techniques and an understanding of the difference between effective and ineffective stretching, you will be able to incorporate stretching techniques and an understanding of the difference between effective and ineffective streching, you will be able to incorporate stretching methods into your treatment as well as devise safe and appropriate stretching programmes for your clients to do between massage treatments.

Muscle Energy Technique is a gentle, non-invasive form of Neuromuscular Therapy designed to restore optimal function to joints whose normal range of motion has been compromised by shortening and/or spasm of the musculature surrounding those joints. Assessment consists of the precise application of active isometric and isotonic contractions and muscle balancing.

Muscle Energy Techniques (MET) are manipulative treatments in which a patient, on request, actively uses his or her muscles from a controlled position in a specific direction against a distinct counterforce.

The MET isometric and isotonic techniques are used to:
Strengthen weak muscles
Release hyper-tonicity
Stretch tight muscles and fascia
Improve musculoskeletal function
Mobilise joints in which movement is restricted
Improve local circulation

These techniques will extend your 'repertoire' and make your treatments more effective! They are adaptable and can be incorporated into any basic massage routine PLUS they can be used through clothing and are therefore ideally suited to complement on-site work, such as Indian Head Massage.

There are a range of Muscle Energy Techniques available to the therapist, one of which is known as Post Isometric Relaxation (PIR). During the workshop you will focus primarily on PIR and learn to apply it to the whole body in a safe and effective manner. After discussion of the theory behind this stretching technique, most of the day will be spent actively practicing this method of stretching which helps to improve joint range, lengthen tight muscles and help decrease tension in fascia. In the morning you will practice the technique on hamstrings, hip flexors, hip rotators and calf muscles. In the afternoon we move on to look at applications to muscles of the chest, rotator cuff, neck and trunk. You will also learn how to incorporate correct breathing techniques which will be demonstrated at the start of the day.

Join us for this action packed day where by the end of the day you will be able to:

• Understand the difference between active and passive stretching
• Demonstrate active stretches for all major muscle groups of the body
• Carry out passive stretches on all major muscle groups of the body
• Explain the procedure for developmental stretching
• Muscle energy techniques– What are they/How they work/When to use them
• Types of muscle contractions
• Stretch reflexes
• Joint mobility
• Range of movement assessment and ‘bind’ sensitivity
• Review major pairs of reciprocally antagonistic muscles to help identify restrictions in range of movement
• Incorporate a variety of stretching methods into your treatments
• Devise safe and appropriate stretching programmes for your clients

The workshop will be largely practical in content and students will be required to wear clinic wear for the duration of the day. You may wish to bring a camera along to record the techniques.
A certificate of attendance will be provided for this workshop.
This workshop is one of the optional modules within the MSCM Advanced Massage Diploma but it is also available as a stand-alone workshop

Please note: students will be required to examine each other during the practical sessions.
Course fees include:
A course workbook
Refreshments throughout the day
A certificate of attendance