Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation (PNF)
Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation is an advanced form of flexibility training, which involves both stretching and contraction of the muscle group being targeted to treat by the practitioner of this expertise. As with many things, this art was originally conceived to rehabilitate the patient, but went on to be a priority treatment with its excellent results. It targets specific muscle groups and aids in enhancing the flexible nature of the body and of course, builds muscle strength.
Proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation stretches could also put additional pressure on a specific muscle group chosen for treatment therefore it is advisable to take precautionary measures like warming up with a conditioning phase. This form of therapy is again quite simple by nature and the manipulation and maneuvering techniques are very effective. First, the chosen muscle group to be stretched is positioned so that the muscles are stretched and under tension then the patient contracts the stretched muscle group for a small period of time while a support could be a companion or an object could keep it in position obstructing movement. Once that is done, the relaxation of the muscle groups is done again for a short period of time and then enough space is given for that recover and this process is repeated a few times to achieve optimum results. Shortly, it focuses on stretching; first contracting then relaxing, stiff or painful muscles in the body. Proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation uses proprioceptive, which means capable of receiving stimuli originating in muscles, tendons, and other internal tissues input to improve motor function and it naturally enhances flexibility, ambulation or positioning and strength and also aids in alleviation of pain.
Proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation therapy technique also looks at the psychological part, the body-mind awareness, it asks for feedback from the client, both verbal and physical. In physical form, the body’s response would determine the force to be applied and in verbal, the patient has the right to say what they feel and what is the limit of force they could bear and are comfortable with. These nuances help the therapist of this expertise to concentrate more knowing the parameters and therefore give the ailing patient the relief he seeks for. This therapy session is also an education in itself. In that, you would get to know the correct body movements and minimize the risk of injuries and therefore allow yourself to lead a pain-free good life.
