Overview

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.

Full Product Details

Author:   John Gibbons
Publisher:   Human Kinetics Publishers
Imprint:   Human Kinetics Publishers
Edition:   Second Edition
Weight:   0.454kg
ISBN:  

9781718254534

ISBN 10:   1718254539
Pages:   176
Publication Date:   10 December 2025
Audience:   Professional and scholarly ,  Professional & Vocational
Format:   Paperback
Publisher's Status:   Active
Availability:   Available To Order  
We have confirmation that this item is in stock with the supplier. It will be ordered in for you and dispatched immediately.

Table of Contents

Abbreviations and Terms Part I. Theory Chapter 1. Structure and Function of Skeletal Muscle Overview of the Skeletal Muscle Structure Motor Unit of a Skeletal Muscle Muscle Reflexes Isometric and Isotonic Contractions Chapter 2. Introduction to Muscle Energy Techniques Some of the Benefits of METs Physiological Effects of METs MET Method of Application MET Procedure Chapter 3. Muscle Imbalances Posture Muscle Activity Before and After Stretching Chapter 4. Myofascial Slings and Core Muscle Relationships Form Closure Force Closure Force Couple The Inner Unit: The Core The Outer Unit: The Integrated Sling System Posture and Positional Deviations Part II. Practice – Upper Body Chapter 5. Upper Trapezius and Levator Scapulae Trapezius Assessment of Upper Trapezius MET Treatment of Right Upper Trapezius Levator Scapulae Assessment of Levator Scapulae MET Treatment of Levator Scapulae Chapter 6. Sternocleidomastoid and Scalenes Sternocleidomastoid Assessment of SCM MET Treatment of Right SCM Scalenes Assessment of the Right Scalenes MET Treatment of the Right Scalenes Chapter 7. Pectorals and Coracoid Muscles Pectoralis Major Assessment of Pectoralis Major MET Treatment of Pectoralis Major Pectoralis Minor Biceps Brachii Coracobrachialis Observational Assessment of Pectoralis Minor MET Treatment of Pectoralis Minor Chapter 8. Latissimus Dorsi and Teres Major Latissimus Dorsi Teres Major Assessment of Latissimus Dorsi MET Treatment of Right Latissimus Dorsi Chapter 9. Rotator Cuff – Subscapularis and Infraspinatus Role of the Shoulder Complex Supraspinatus Subscapularis Assessment of the Subscapularis MET Treatment of Subscapularis Infraspinatus Teres Minor Assessment of Infraspinatus MET Treatment of Infraspinatus Combined Motion: Scapulohumeral Rhythm (2:1) Neutral Position of the Scapula and the Scapular Plane Scapulothoracic Motion Part III. Practice – Lower Body Chapter 10. Gastrocnemius and Soleus Gastrocnemius Assessment of Gastrocnemius MET Treatment of Gastrocnemius Soleus Assessment of Soleus MET Treatment of Soleus Chapter 11. Hamstrings Hamstrings General Assessment of the Hamstrings MET Treatment of the Hamstrings (Non-Specific) Assessment of the Medial Hamstrings (Semitendinosus and Semimembranosus) Assessment of the Lateral Hamstrings (Biceps Femoris) Chapter 12. Tensor Fasciae Latae and Iliotibial Band Tensor Fasciae Latae and Iliotibial Band Assessment of the TFL and ITB MET Treatment of the TFL and ITB Chapter 13. Adductors Adductors Assessment of the Adductors MET Treatment of the Adductors Part IV. Practice – Trunk and Pelvis Chapter 14. Iliopsoas and Rectus Femoris Iliopsoas Assessment of the Iliopsoas MET Treatment of the Iliopsoas Rectus Femoris Assessment of the Rectus Femoris MET Treatment of the Rectus Femoris Chapter 15. Hip Complex and Piriformis Piriformis Observation Assessment of the Position of the Hip Passive Assessment of the Piriformis MET Treatment of the Piriformis Chapter 16. Quadratus Lumborum and Erector Spinae Quadratus Lumborum Assessment of the QL MET Treatment of the QL Erector Spinae Assessment of the Erector Spinae Specific Test for the Length of the Lumbar Erector Spinae MET Treatment of the Lumbar Erector Spinae Part V. Applications Chapter 17. Self-Lengthening Techniques for the Shoulder Complex Self-Lengthening Protocol for the Shoulder Complex Chapter 18. Muscle Weakness Testing and the Gluteals Gluteus Maximus Hip Extensions Firing Pattern Test Gluteus Medius Assessment of Gmed Hip Abduction Firing Pattern Test Serratus Anterior Assessment of the Serratus Anterior Trapezius Assessment of Lower Fibers of Trapezius Appendix 1. Anatomical Movements Appendix 2. Common Postural Deviations Appendix 3. Tables for Dysfunction Testing Bibliography

Reviews

Author Information

John Gibbons is a registered osteopath, author, and lecturer. He specializes in the assessment, treatment, and rehabilitation of sports injuries and supports over 75 sports teams in his busy clinic at the prestigious University of Oxford, as well as teaching physical therapists throughout the world. Gibbons is also the author of A Practical Guide to Kinesiology Taping, The Vital Nerves, The Vital Glutes, Functional Anatomy of the Pelvis and the Sacroiliac Joint, and The Vital Shoulder Complex.

Tab Content 6

Author Website:  

Countries Available

All regions