Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation (PNF)

PNF techniques were developed by Sister Elizabeth Kenney, an Australian nurse for people with polio, Dr. Herman Kabat, neurophysiologist and physician, Maggie Knott, PT, and Dorothy Voss. The techniques are designed to help develop muscular strength and endurance, joint stability, mobility, neuromuscular control and coordination–all of which are aimed at improving the overall functional ability of patients.

Among the many techniques in PNF, the one that is best realized by TheraTogs systems is rhythmic stabilization, in which proprioception (PPC) is used to build trunk control, and to facilitate sequential, isometric activation of opposing groups of muscles for gaining stability.

Example: To build trunk control, the client is told “Hold! Do not let me move you!” while the therapist quickly presses downward on the upper trunk (sitting or standing), or on the upper pelvis in standing, to deliver a PPC load to supporting joints and then attempts to displace the client in opposing directions, without resting between directions, developing rapid co-activation of the postural muscles.

For more information about PNF, read: PNF in Practice: An Illustrated Guide by Susan Adler, Dominiek Beckers, and Math Buck. Berlin: Springer Verlag, 2014.