A method for controlling energy applied to tissue as a function of at least one detected tissue property includes the initial step of applying energy to tissue. The method also includes the steps of initially adjusting the energy applied to tissue and determining a direction of change of the at least one detected tissue property. The method also includes the steps of subsequently adjusting the energy applied to tissue in the same direction as the initially adjusting step if the at least one detected tissue property is changing in a first direction and in the opposite direction to the initially adjusting step if the at least one detected tissue property is changing in a second direction and further adjusting the energy applied to the tissue in the same direction as the initially adjusting step if the at least one detected tissue property is changing in the second direction and in the opposite direction to the initially adjusting step if the at least one detected tissue property is changing in the first direction.