Proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation

How does proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation (PNF) work?

PNF exercises and movements are based on the physiology of the stretch reflex caused by stimulation of the golgi tendon and muscle spindles. Stimulating these areas sends impulses to the brain that lead to muscular contraction and relaxation. 

When a body part is injured, stimulation of the muscle spindles and golgi tendons are delayed. Muscles become weaker overall. PNF exercises help to retrain the motor units that were lost due to the injury. Improved flexibility from PNF leads to better biomechanics, reduces fatigue, and helps to prevent overuse injuries.

How is PNF incorporated into sports chiropractic treatment?

PNF is a chiropractic and physical therapy technique that concentrates on function rather than simply addressing weakness. PNF exercises concentrate on the combination of movements rather than just one specific movement.

At Premier Sports & Spine Center, we know that life rarely moves in one plane. When we’re active in athletics or just moving around day-to-day, body parts are rarely moved in one direction alone. Even in a seemingly simple movement like walking, the legs move forward at the hips, bend at the knees, and move toward the midline. These movements must all happen smoothly and simultaneously. By addressing these complex movements with PNF, a patient can return to normal daily activities or sports more quickly.

PNF also includes a form of stretching that can be included in a patient’s home program. This form of stretching uses the physiology of muscles to promote relaxation while actively stretching. This type of stretching has been shown to create a larger change in muscle length than traditional stretching.

PNF exercises do not only restore muscle strength. They also help improve the range of motion and movement combinations of the injured body part, making each combined movement smooth and coordinated. This sports chiropractic therapy succeeds at bringing back and even increasing the overall performance of the injured athlete.