Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation

If injury, illness, or inactivity has impacted your mobility, Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation (PNF) may help restore strength, flexibility, and coordinated motion.

Here at Bounty Physio, our experienced physiotherapists use this evidence-based treatment approach as part of customised rehabilitation programs.

PNF utilises specific patterns of muscle contraction and stretch to stimulate and improve neuromuscular control. It re-educates the communication between your muscles and nervous system for optimal activation and relaxation timing.

This allows muscles to work synergistically for fluid, efficient movement.

For conditions affecting motor control, coordination, or range of motion, PNF techniques can facilitate recovery. Our skilled therapists incorporate PNF alongside other treatments to help you regain function.

PNF uses principles of proprioception, motor learning, and neuromuscular re-education. Key effects include:

• Intensifying communication along neural pathways to facilitate muscle innervation.
• Increasing muscle strength via irradiation into synergist muscle groups.
• Progressively overloading muscles as strength improves.
• Guiding limbs through functional diagonal patterns.
• Combining isometric contractions with stretching for flexibility gains.

As you practise controlled motions, coordination is restored for specific functional activities. PNF helps remap your movement strategies for everyday tasks.

We integrate PNF into treatment for conditions like:

• Stroke
• Spinal cord injury
• Brain injury
• Spinal muscular atrophy
• Cerebral palsy
• Multiple sclerosis
• Parkinson’s disease
• Muscular dystrophy
• Guillain-Barre syndrome
• Fractures
• Tendonitis
• Joint stiffness
• Poor balance
• And more

PNF benefits anyone aiming to enhance motor control, strength, and function.

Key advantages include:

• Improves muscle strength
• Increases active range of motion
• Enhances coordination
• Optimises posture and motor control
• Facilitates relearning functional tasks
• Provides pain relief through normalised movement
• Restores selective muscle activation
• Prevents compensatory movement patterns
• Carries over into activities of daily living

PNF allows patients to rebuild capacity and truly master recovered skills.

During your physiotherapy sessions, your therapist may utilise PNF techniques like:

• Repeated stretching and contracting of specific muscle groups
• Resistance against motions along functional diagonal patterns
• Quick stretches following isometric contractions
• Rhythmic stabilisation drills
• Alternating isotonics to build strength through full range
• Verbal and tactile cues to activate proper muscle sequencing

We also give you exercises to continue perfecting your motor engrams at home. Additional modalities like electrical stimulation may complement PNF.

The number of visits depends on your objectives. For short-term rehab after injury, 6-8 sessions may suffice. Neurological recovery often requires months of regular PNF therapy for maximal gains.

Your physiotherapist determines the ideal treatment duration based on your progress.

Our experienced therapists have advanced certification in PNF from accredited training programs. Benefits of working with us include:

• Proven protocols – Our PNF techniques align with evidence-based practice.
• Neuro rehab expertise – We use PNF extensively in our neuro therapy programs.
• Client-centred care – Your unique goals guide our customised PNF plans.
• Latest learning – We integrate contemporary clinical advancements.
• Holistic practice – PNF enhances our comprehensive treatment.
• Emphasis on education – We ensure you understand the purpose behind PNF.
• Caring approach – We help progress you safely each step of the way.

If an injury or condition has impacted your movement, PNF techniques can help optimise motor control and mobility.

Contact us today to learn more and book an initial assessment.