What is the Difference Between Autogenic and Reciprocal Inhibition?

Autogenic and reciprocal inhibition are two different techniques used in muscle energy therapy (MET) to treat musculoskeletal issues. Both techniques involve muscle stretching, but they differ in the specific muscles being stretched and the mechanism of inhibition.

Autogenic Inhibition:

• Involves the isometric contraction of the involved muscle.
• The muscle spindle is activated, causing a reflexive contraction in the agonist muscle.
• Self-induced, inhibitory, and negative feedback mechanism.
• Examples of autogenic inhibition MET techniques include Post Isometric Relaxation (PIR) and Post Facilitation Stretching (PFS).

Reciprocal Inhibition:

• Involves the isometric contraction of the antagonist's muscle.
• The Golgi tendon organ (GTO) is activated, causing inhibition of the agonist muscle.
• Complementary actions occur between muscle pairs, such as one muscle contracting while its opposite muscle relaxes.
• Examples of reciprocal inhibition MET techniques include Reciprocal Inhibition MET, which involves the patient pushing towards the restriction/barrier while the therapist resists this movement.

In summary, the main difference between autogenic and reciprocal inhibition lies in the specific muscles being stretched and the mechanism of inhibition. Autogenic inhibition involves the isometric contraction of the involved muscle and the activation of the muscle spindle, while reciprocal inhibition involves the isometric contraction of the antagonist's muscle and the activation of the Golgi tendon organ. Both techniques are used in MET to address musculoskeletal issues and improve muscle function.

Comparative Table: Autogenic vs Reciprocal Inhibition

Autogenic and reciprocal inhibition are two types of reflex relaxations that occur in muscles. Here is a table comparing the differences between them:

Autogenic inhibition is mainly recognized by the Golgi Tendon Organ (GTO), while reciprocal inhibition is mainly recognized by the muscle spindles. Both types of inhibition help protect muscles from injuries and are used in various techniques, such as Post Isometric Relaxation (PIR) and Post Facilitation Stretching (PFS) for autogenic inhibition, and Reciprocal Inhibition MET for reciprocal inhibition.