What is the basic mechanism and sequence of muscle energy technique (MET) for somatic dysfunction?

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MET uses the patient’s own muscle energy to release a dysfunctional muscle by combining a brief, isometric contraction with a controlled relaxation and lengthening. The practitioner positions the body part at the restricted barrier, then the patient contracts the affected muscle against the physician’s gentle counterforce for about 3–5 seconds. After that short contraction, the patient relaxes, and the physician slowly reassesses and allows the tissue to lengthen, moving toward a new barrier. This sequence is repeated several times to progressively improve tissue length and joint motion. The mechanism hinges on post-isometric relaxation and neuromuscular relaxation that facilitates easier lengthening when the muscle is allowed to release. It's different from a direct thrust, which is HVLA; from a long-held or passive stretch, which lacks the active patient contraction; and from passive ROM without an active contraction, which relies on the physician rather than the patient to drive release.