PNF

TECHNIQUES

Prepared by Earll Justin N. Data, PTRP

1. Rhythmic • For improving mobility c those c
impaired movement initiation,
Initiation coordination and relaxation
(RI) • Passive à Active-assisted à Active à
Resisted
• Watch out for appropriate mm
recruitment of specific muscles targeted
• Can be used c any pattern or activity
particularly as a TEACHING TOOL
• Ex. Rolling
2. Rhythmic • Application of passive mov’t in a

Rotation rotational pattern

• Mov’t is slow and rhythmic to
(RR) promote relaxation
• Helps decrease spasticity for
further active or passive joint
mobility
• Done PASSIVELY
 3. Hold • A.K.A. Replication Technique

Relax Active • Enhances functional mobility by

facilitating recruitment of mm
Movement contraction in the lengthened range of
(HRAM) the agonist
• Isotonic hold à Stretch à Isotonic
hold (repeat until end range
• Emphasize on one direction.
4. Hold • Increases passive joint
Relax mobility and decreases
movement-related pain
(HR) • Move to at limit of pain-free
range à resist antagonist by
“Holding the position”à
move to greater range (then
repeat)
• Ex. SLR stretch
5. Contract • Increases passive range and soft

Relax (CR) tissue length

• Effective when pain is not the
factor of the limitation
• Resist isotonic & isometric
contraction of short mm with
verbal cues à active or passive
stretch to new available range à
resist …
 • A.K.A. isotonic stabilizing reversals,
6. alternating holds
• Promotes stability, strength and endurance
Alternating of identified mm group or posture
Isometrics • Isometric contraction of both agonist and
antagonist mm group in alternating sequence
(AI) • Manual contact and verbal cues as primary
facilitatory elements
• Focuses on proximal jt or trunk stability /
developmental posture
• Agonist resist. à optimal response à
antagonist resist.
• Note: instruct px to avoid over shooting
 7. Rhythmic • A.K.A. isometric stabilizing reversals
• Enhances stability through co-
Stabilization contraction of mm surrounding the
(RS) target joint
• Enhance ability to maintain specific
developmental position
• Emphasize rotatory force
• One hand at anterior shoulder, other
on the posterior contralateral pelvis à
PT provide rotational resistance à Px
hold/resist while avoiding overshooting
 8. Slow • A.K.A. Reversal of Antagonist,
dynamic reversal
Reversal • For mm weakness, joint stiffness,
(SR) impaired coordination
• Use of manual contact and verbal
cues
• Resist concentric contraction of
agonist muscle à resist
concentric contraction of
antagonist muscle
 10. • A.K.A. combination of isometrics
• Facilitate functional movement
Agonistic throughout a pattern or task
Reversal (Controlled Mobility)
• Both concentric and eccentric of
(AR) agonist are used
• Improves strength, endurance,
coordination and eccentric control
• Concentric contraction à hold end
point à resist slow return to starting
position
11. Resisted • Skill level of task of locomotion

Progression • Increase strength and endurance,

develop normal timing reinforce motor
(RP) relearning
• Crawling, creeping/walking
 Diagonal • D1 Flexion

Patterns
• D1 Extension

1. Upper
Extremeties • D2 Flexion

• D2 Extension
2. Scapula • 1. Anterior Elevation
– Px in sidelying
– PT Behind face px diagonally
– (R) hand over the acromial process other hand over (R) \
– “Shrug your shoulder forward and up to your ear”
– PT moves/assist movements
2. Posterior Deopression
– Same body position c one hand placed
same and the other place at the inferior
and medial borders of scapula
– “ pull your shoulder blade down and back”
3. Posterior Elevation
– PT positioned posteriorly at the end of the
head of the bed facing the px diagonally
– (L) hand at the acromial process; (R) over
(L)
– “shrug your shoulder back and up”
4. Anterior Depression
– Same position as posterior
elevation and hand placement
– “Push shoulder blade down and
forward
– Shift wt. forward to support
movement.
 3. Lower • D1 Flexion

Extremities • D1 Extension

• D2 Flexion

• D2 Extension
D. Pelvis 1. Anterior Elevation
Px in sidelying, knee flexed on tested/involve LE
Position: behind the px, facing diagonally
(L): over the (R) ASIS
(R): Over the (L) hand
“ pull your pelvis forward and up”

2. Anterior Depression
Same position and hand placement
“Forward and down”
3. Posterior Depression
Same position
(R): Ischial Tuberosity
(L): over the (R) hand
“Sit back into my hands”

4. Posterior Elevation
Same position and hand placement with anterior
depression
“pull pelvis back and up”