PROPRIOCEPTIVE NEUROMUSCULAR FACILITATION

Proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation (PNF), developed by Dr. Kabat in 1940s, aims to promote functional movement through facilitation, inhibition, strengthening, and relaxation of muscle groups. The techniques use concentric, eccentric, and static muscle contractions. These muscle contractions, with properly graded resistance and suitable facilitatory procedures, are combined and adjusted to fit the needs of each client.

  PNF is mostly known as type of neuromuscular stretching technique, which uses the effects of autogenic and reciprocal inhibition (induced by static or concentric muscle contraction of adequate muscle) to achieve higher level of relaxation of a muscle, and increased range of motion in the joint. However, PNF also contains other specific techniques that have the aim to increase the strength, joint stability, improve coordination and motor control, increase endurance, decrease pain, etc.