PNF is a technique that uses proprioceptive stimulation and facilitated neuromuscular responses to improve muscle function. It involves applying resistance to a muscle as it contracts and stretches in specific patterns, like diagonal shoulder flexion and extension. The goal is to enhance neuromuscular responses like reciprocal inhibition and successive induction through stimuli applied in various ways, such as manual contact, traction, and approximation. Common PNF patterns target upper and lower extremity muscles in diagonal flexions and extensions. Strengthening is done through rhythmic initiation while stretching utilizes PNF techniques as well.

1. Proprioceptive
Neuromuscular Facilitation
(PNF)
Dr. Muhammad Sohail Raza (PT)

2. What is PNF?
• Proprioceptive, means receiving stimulation within the
tissues of the body.
• Neuromuscular, means pertaining to the nervesand muscles.
• Facilitation, means the effect produced in nervetissue by the passage
of an impulse.
Definition:
Techniques of proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation may be
defined as “ Methods of promoting or hastening the response of the
neuromuscular mechanism through stimulation of the proprioceptors”.

3. Neurophysiological Principles of PNF Therapy:
After Discharge (Stimuli Response)
Temporal Summation ( More than one weak stimuli  Response)
Spatial Summation ( Stimuli  Diff. Body sides  Response)
Irradiation ( Stronger Muscles Group  Assist Wreakers  Response)
Successive Induction (Agonists Contract Max. Antagonists Activate)
Reciprocal Inhibition (Agonist Contraction followed by Antagonist
Inhibition)

4. Procedures :
• Resistance
• Irradiation or Reinforcement
• Manual Contact
• Body Mechanics
• Therapist’s Command
• Vision
• Traction
• Approximation
• Stretch
• Timing

5. PNF Patterns:
• Upper Extremity Diagonal Patterns:
D1 Flexion and D1 Extension
D2 Flexion and D2 Extension
• Lower Extremity Diagonal Patterns:
D1 Flexion and D1 Extension
D2 Flexion and D2 Extension

6. Upper Extremity
D1 Flexion D1 Extension

7. Upper Extremity
D2 Flexion D2 Extension

8. Lower Extremity
D1 Flexion D1 Extension

9. Lower Extremity
D2 Flexion D2 Extension

11. Strengthening Techniques

12. Rhythmic Initiation:

17. Stretching Techniques