Why would MET techniques be used in therapy?

Muscle Energy Techniques (MET) are utilized in therapy primarily to enhance joint mobility and improve overall function by facilitating the body's innate healing processes. When MET is employed, the therapist instructs the client to actively contract specific muscles against resistance, which can effectively prepare soft tissues for subsequent treatments like High-Velocity Low-Amplitude (HVLA) manipulations. This preparation is crucial as it ensures that the tissues are adequately primed, resulting in a more effective and safer application of HVLA techniques.

The use of MET for this purpose highlights its role in promoting muscle relaxation and improving flexibility, which are essential before performing more intense manipulative techniques. Ensuring that tissues are well-prepared reduces the risk of injury and discomfort that may arise during HVLA and can enhance the overall effectiveness of the therapy.

In contrast, the other options do not align with the purpose of MET. Increasing muscle tension, creating pain, or limiting muscle movement do not represent the therapeutic goals of MET. Instead, the aim is to create a balanced state within the musculoskeletal system, allowing for improved mobility and function.