Mobilising - Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation (PNF)

Question 1

What is PNF?

- incl. principles

Answer 1

A series of techniques that use the following principles in order to effect a specific change in the function of the patient:

• voluntary and sensory sources and utilises voluntary and reflex movements
• Proprioceptors increase and reinforce the demands of the voluntary system
• Reflex reactions are stimulated to initiate and reinforce voluntary movement.

Question 2

Contract-relax technique

• What is it?
• General outline?

Answer 2

Method of stretching
Typically to stretch two-joint muscles
Maximal resisted contraction of the antagonist at end range, muscle relaxed and passively moved further into range

Question 3

Contract-relax technique

- Procedure?

Answer 3

1. Position P with muscle to be stretched at end range.
2. Therapist at mechanical advantage - to provide resistance
3. Instruct P to relax and as they do, move limb passively further into range - hold 30 sec
4. Without releasing the tension; repeat technique until no more range gained.
   > Always teach home stretch exercise too.

Question 4

Passive movements

- Physiological

Answer 4

Can also be performed actively by the patient

Question 5

Passive movements

- Accessory

Answer 5

Gliding or rotational movements which can only be performed passively; therefore not actively.