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client's right hip with his right hand, the therapist also puts his left hand just above the client's right knee. The client is asked to flex her right hip against the therapist's resistance for 10 seconds, as shown in Image 6. Following the isometric contraction, and on the relaxation phase, the therapist slowly applies a downward pressure. This will cause the hip to passively go into extension and will induce a lengthening of the right iliopsoas, as shown in Image 7. Gravity will also play a part in this technique, by assisting in the lengthening of the iliopsoas. Alternatively, it is possible to contract the iliopsoas from the flexed position, as shown in Image 8. This is normally used if the original method of activating the iliopsoas causes discomfort to the client. Allowing the hip to be in a more flexed position will slacken the iliopsoas, which will assist in its contraction and help reduce the discomfort. The client is asked to flex her right hip against a resistance applied by the therapist's left hand (Image 8). After a 10-second contraction, and on the relaxation phase, the therapist lengthens the iliopsoas by returning the hip to the extended position shown in Image 7. 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. MUSCLE ENERGY TECHNIQUES The therapist passively extends the hip to lengthen the iliopsoas, with the assistance of gravity. The client flexes her right hip against resistance from the therapist's left hand, while the hip is being stabilized by the therapist's right hand. The client resists hip flexion from a flexed position. 6 7 8 F r e e S O A P n o t e s w i t h M a s s a g e B o o k f o r A B M P m e m b e r s : a b m p . u s / M a s s a g e b o o k 81 For additional muscle energy techniques for the rectus femoris and the adductors, found only in our Massage & Bodywork July/August digital edition, go to www.massageandbodyworkdigital.com.