Medical Exercise Therapy

Medical Exercise Therapy (MET) is a unique, progressivly graded exercise approach that utilizes specially designed equipment such as wall pulley, angle bench, and multi-purpose bench.  Published research 1,2 has shown that MET is effective at treating conditions of the shoulder including rotator cuff lesions and post-operative shoulder hemi-arthroplasty. 

 Patient performing resisted rowing with wall pulley

MET applies the basic exercise physiology principles of intensity, volume, frequency, and progression to specific musculoskeletal dysfunction.  All exercise is performed without pain or without an increased pain.  MET is individualized to the patient and is based on the patient's medical history, needs, and expectations, symptoms, and diagnosis.

Patient performing shoulder elevation with the assistance of counter weight

The Cornerstone of MET is the concept of optimal stimulation.  The term "optimal stimulation" refers to the external stimulus necessary to stress connective tissue enough to cause adaptation.  Optimal stimulation is accomplished through the proper grading of the exercise starting position, resistance, range of motion, speed, resistance, repetitions, and rest interval.  This allows active treatment intervention early in the rehabilitative process.

Patient performing resisted shoulder internal rotation on angle bench

Shoulder Conditions Treated by MET:

• Total shoulder anthroplasty
• Post-operative rotator cuff repair
• Rotator cuff tendinitis and tendinosis
• Post-operative proximal humeral fracture
• Shoulder hemi-arthroplasty
• Impingement syndrome
• Post-operative biceps tendon repair

Other Body Regions Treated by MET:

• Lumbar spine
• Cervical Spine
• Knee
• Ankle
• Hip