Course Description:

Course Description: Muscle Energy Technique is one of the most effective and valuable manual techniques for the identification and correction of somatic asymmetry and hypomobility. These techniques can be used immediately to find and correct the causes of all types of pain. These are not cover up procedures, but rather techniques that cure the problem with dramatic results.
Unlike manipulative techniques, MET works via evidence-based neuropsychology using the muscle spindles to release tight muscles and decrease tone and excitability, thus restoring the bones and joints to normal mobility and returning them to symmetrical, smooth function.
Learning Objectives:
1.   Describe the basic concepts of muscles as they relate to the somatic dysfunctions.
2.   Apply the overwhelming advantages of MET vs. Manipulation.
3.   Assess spindle structures as well as its neuro-faciliatory functions.
4.   Examine by palpating a “barrier” and understand the physiologic significance.
5.   Identify gait/stance asymmetries as they relate to somatic dysfunction.
Schedule
8:00 AM-5:00PM: Muscle Energy Techniques for Pelvis, Sacrum, Lumbar Spine and Muscles of the Hip
Presented by Tom Ockler, PT
Saturday, March 28, 2026
8:00am – 5:00pm
7:30 – 8:00am — Registration & Sign-In
8:00 – 8:15
• Introductions, Opening Remarks, Course Logistics
8:15 – 9:15
• Definition of MET, History, Goals, MET vs Manipulations
9:15 – 10:15
• Anatomy Review, Muscle Spindle Physiology, Spindle Integration in MET
10:15 – 10:30
• Break
10:30 – 11:00
• Palpation Lab & Bony Landmarks
11:00 – 11:30
• Barrier Perception & Clearing Long Restrictors of the Hip
11:30 – 12:00
• Practice Lab
12:00 – 12:30 — Lunch Break
12:30 – 1:00
• Review & Integration of AM Session
— Normal vs Abnormal Biomechanics
— Gait Implications
— Planes of Pelvic Dysfunction
— Pathologic vs Non-Pathologic Patterns
— Paradoxes vs Non-Paradoxes
— Sequencing Logic
1:00 – 1:30
• Clinical Tests & Diagnostic Reasoning
— Four Tests for Hypomobility
— Evaluation for Asymmetry
— Clinical Decision Making & Sequencing
1:30 – 2:30
• Demonstration: Full Pelvic Techniques
2:30 – 3:45
• Lab: Pelvic Evaluation & Treatment
3:45 – 4:15
• Stabilization Strategies & Perpetuating Factors
4:15 – 4:30
• Intercourse Precautions & Related Considerations
4:30 – 5:00
• Ligament Recoil Applications
5:00-5:15
• Closing Remarks, Homework & Certificates
Sunday, March 29, 2026
8:00am – 5:00pm
7:30 – 8:00am — Registration & Sign-In
8:00 – 8:30
• Review of Previous Day & Q&A
8:30 – 9:15
• Anatomy of the Sacrum
9:15 – 10:00
• Lumbosacral Biomechanics in Normal & Abnormal Gait
10:00 – 10:15
• Break
10:15 – 10:45
• Naming Sacral Dysfunctions
— Osteopathic vs Non-Osteopathic Terminology
10:45 – 11:30
• Treatment Demonstrations
11:30 – 12:00
• Guided Practice Lab
12:00 – 12:30 — Lunch Break
12:30 – 1:15
• Evaluation & Treatment Sessions – Sacral Focus
1:15 – 1:45
• Sacral Review & Integration
1:45 – 2:15
• Overview: Lumbar Spine & Key Anatomy
2:15 – 3:00
• Fryette’s Laws & Spinal Biomechanics
3:00 – 3:15
• Break
3:15 – 3:45
• Evaluation of Spinal Motion & Screening for Hypomobility
3:45 – 4:30
• MET Treatment of Type I vs Type II Dysfunctions
4:30 – 4:45
• Complete System Review & Clinical Decision Integration
4:45 – 5:00
• Closing Q&A