Muscle Energy Techniques: A Practical Guide for Physical Therapists

Revised and updated! A fresh new look to an established bestseller. An essential tool for physical therapists that offers unique insights into the versatile and highly effective method of muscle energy techniques. Muscle Energy Techniques is a must-have for any student or practitioner of physical therapy, osteopathy, physiotherapy, chiropractic, or massage therapy. This practical guide—packed with full-color photographs and illustrations—fully explains the theory and practice of a range of muscle energy techniques. The book is broken into five parts. In part I, author John Gibbons examines the theory and principles behind muscle energy techniques. These chapters explain muscle imbalances, myofascial slings, and core muscle relationships. Parts II to IV break down muscle energy technique by body area—upper body, lower body, trunk, and pelvis—with clear, descriptive explanations as well as color photographs with directional arrows. For each technique, the practitioner will learn how to maximize treatment benefits. Clear drawings allow the reader to understand the basic anatomy of each muscle. A concluding part V shows two applications of muscle energy techniques: self-lengthening techniques for the shoulder complex and muscle weakness testing of the glutes.