Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation (PNF)

Proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation (PNF) is a technique that uses nervous system reflexes to help relax a muscle. For example, as you contract your quadriceps, the opposite muscle (hamstring) relaxes to allow normal motion of the knee joint.

PNF techniques were developed by Dr. Herman Kabat and Ms. Margaret Knott.

Introduction to the technique of PNF
:: Resistance and stretch - to stimulate the proprioceptor
:: Application in patterns of mass movements - Diagonal & spiral

Pattern of facilitation
:: The patterns of movement used are spiral & diagonal and are closely allied to normal functional movement.
:: Each pattern has 4 components.
- D1 = Flexion + adduction + external rotation
- D2 = Flexion + abduction + external rotation
- D1 = Extension + abduction + internal rotation
- D2 = Extension + adduction + internal rotation

Techniques of PNF

:: Repeated Contractions
- Do again and again for weak muscle with resistance
- Effects : correct the imbalance of muscle strength
: Demand relaxation of angonistic muscles
: Improve Range Of Motion

:: Slow Reversal
- Changing to opposite
- Resists angonist pattern then resist the antagonist pattern without relaxation.
- Effects : Strengthen & build up endurance
: Develop co-ordination

:: Rhythmic stabilization
- Hold for maintain
- Hold at the end of ROM = Increase ROM
- Hold at the middle of ROM = Relieve pain
- Effects : builds up excitation
: improve circulation
: more heat production
: improve ROM
: Relieve pain
: Co-ordination

:: Hold - Relax ( PNF Strecth )
- Ask the patient to contract
- Therapist resists the movement
- Ask the patient to relax
- Move to new level / range
- Repeats this procedure
- Effects : facilitation of opposite muscle
: lengthening the muscle ( angonist )
: increase ROM ( pain free , comfortable )

:: Rhythmic Initiation
- suitable for rigidity of Parkinson's disease.
- Passisvely pattern of movements
- Assists the muscle movement
- Actively movemnet ( patient do )
- Effects : Relaxation of rigid muscle
: Improve initiation of movement.