Massage & Bodywork

JULY | AUGUST 2015

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ALTERNATIVE MET TREATMENT OF THE RECTUS FEMORIS Some clients may find that the previous MET for the rectus femoris puts a strain on their lower back. An alternative and possibly more effective MET for the rectus femoris is based on the Modified Thomas Test position, as described in assessment. The therapist controls the position of the client's right thigh, then slowly and passively flexes the client's right knee toward her bottom. A bind will be reached very quickly in this position, so take extra care when performing this technique for the first time. From the position of bind, the client is asked to extend her knee against a resistance applied by the therapist (Image 10). After the 10-second contraction, and on the relaxation phase, the therapist passively takes the knee into further flexion (Image 11). This is a very effective way to lengthen a tight rectus femoris. Massage & Bodywork Digital EXTRA j u l y / a u g u s t 2 0 1 5 John Gibbons is a registered sports osteopath, author, and lecturer for the Bodymaster Method. He specializes in sports-related injuries specifically for the University of Oxford athletic teams. Having lectured in the field of sports medicine and physical therapy since 1999, Gibbons (www.johngibbonsbodymaster.co.uk) delivers advanced therapy training to qualified professionals internationally. His books, Vital Glutes: Connecting the Gait Cycle to Pain and Dysfunction (© Lotus Publishing, 2014) and Muscle Energy Techniques: A Practical Guide for Physical Therapists (© Lotus Publishing, 2014), from which this article is adapted, are available at www.amazon.com. The therapist palpates the rectus femoris, and the client extends her knee. The therapist passively flexes the client's knee to lengthen the rectus femoris. 10 11

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