PNF, or proprioceptive neuromuscular movement facilitation, is a physiotherapeutic concept for working with and treating patients with neurological disorders. The exercises are designed to increase muscle strength and joint mobility ranges. The method is based on the neurophysiological principles of motor activity. In the method, we use complex movement patterns that occur in activities of daily living.
PNF therapy improves muscle strength, coordination and balance. During the therapy, a mechanism is used to transfer the strength of stronger muscle groups to weaker ones – irradiation.
Depending on the condition and the patient’s condition, exercises can take place on a therapy table, mat or in a sitting and standing position.
The primary aim of PNF therapy is to work on the function that the patient needs. Muscle strength, range of movement – the things that are important in traditional therapeutic management are only a means to an end which is function. How often we forget this in our daily practice. This concept recommends viewing the patient holistically, using strong and healthy regions of the body for therapy. This makes it possible to make full use of the body’s reserves, motivates the patient to keep going and, most importantly, ensures pain-free work, without any psychologically or physically traumatising sensations. The patient should be a partner of the physiotherapist, defining the scope and limits of the activity. It is he who sets the goals of the therapy. The therapist has an advisory role in this. Thanks to this approach, the patient, even with a high degree of dysfunction, remains well motivated and has a positive attitude towards working with the therapist.
