Cervical muscle energy treatment
Page created: March 17, 2021
Notes
Cervical spine
Cervical muscle energy treatment
Refer to the “Diagnosing cervical spine somatic dysfunction” learn page to obtain a proper diagnosis prior to beginning cervical muscle energy treatment.
CERVICAL MUSCLE ENERGY
All cervical muscle energy is performed with the patient in the supine position. After placing the patient into their restrictive barrier, instruct them to move into their motion of ease, opposite your counterforce, for 3–5 seconds. Then, gently place the patient into the new “feather edge” of the barrier and ask them to contract appropriately again against your counterforce. Repeat this process 3–5 times.
| CERVICAL MUSCLE ENERGY TREATMENT | |||||
| REGION | DIAGNOSIS | INITIAL POSITION (RESTRICTIVE BARRIER) | PATIENT FORCE (POST-ISOMETRIC RELAXATION) | ||
| OA joint | F SLRR | Side bend and rotate head and neck to E SRRL | Move head and neck away from restrictive barrier | ||
| AA joint | RL | Rotate head and neck to RR | Move head and neck away from restrictive barrier | ||
| C2–C7 | C4 E SRRR | Side bend and rotate head and neck to C4 F SLRL | Move head and neck away from restrictive barrier | ||
Author: Arman Israelyan, OMS-III
Editor: Matt Lipinski, DO
Editor: Robyn Hughes, MScBMC
Key Takeaways
Cervical muscle energy treatment is a type of manual therapy that uses a series of gentle stretches and pressure to release tension in the muscles and soft tissues of the neck. It is said to be beneficial for conditions such as headaches, neck pain, and Whiplash.
The therapist will use their hands to apply pressure and stretch the muscles around the cervical spine. It is said to help improve blood circulation, relieve tension, and reduce pain. Sessions usually last around 30 minutes and can be performed in a clinic or at home.