An indispensable element in working with neurological and orthopedic patients is the PNF method, i.e. proprioceptive neuromuscular movement priming. The purpose of the method is to restore the lost functions as much as possible. During the therapy, the physiotherapist recreates the correct movement patterns using propriopereception. It is the patient who sets a goal that is a priority for him to achieve - it may be going for a walk, picking up a cup of water or washing his hair. The therapy is focused on an individual goal defined by the patient. The techniques used in this method are painless and in the absence of movement in the affected part of the body, it is possible to use strong and healthy parts so as to pave the correct pattern of movement in the weaker section (irradiation).
The therapy is carried out in various positions, from simple positions, e.g. lying on the back, to more difficult ones in kneeling, ending in movement with a task to be performed. PNF proposes natural movements, similar to everyday activities, which are carried out in three planes, along diagonal (oblique) axes of movement and involve many muscle groups. During the therapy, many stimuli perceived by the patient are summed up, which constitutes a strong polysensory stimulation. The exercises activate eyesight, hearing, touch receptors, balance receptors, deep feeling and many others. The basis that enables activity around the perimeter (in the limbs) is a strong, stable center, i.e. the torso, therefore great importance is attached to exercises that stabilize the muscles, especially the lower parts of the body.
The leitmotif of the therapy is the so-called positive approach, i.e. positive motivation.
Why PNF?
The PNF method in patient rehabilitation uses a number of stimulations:
- tactile - manual contact (the therapist's appropriate grip stimulates the patient's skin receptors and accurately determines the direction of the movement)
- visual - eye contact (control and correction of movement by the patient; strengthening of muscle tone)
- verbal - description of the movement (making the patient aware of a specific movement through short, clear commands)
- manual resistance - always properly dosed and adapted to the patient's needs (its use allows for movement improvement, improvement of stability
- motor control - improves patient awareness of movement
- stimulating proprioreceptors that are found in muscles, tendons or joint capsules (through the use of traction, approximation and stretching)
In which conditions is PNF used?
- orthopedics: conditions after fractures, sprains, sprains, after implantation of hip, knee and shoulder prostheses, after arthroscopy, meniscus removal, ligament reconstructions, sports injuries, tendon rupture, amputations
- neurology: strokes, craniocerebral injuries, spinal cord injuries, multiple sclerosis, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, spinocerebellar ataxia, cerebellar diseases, polyneuropathies, muscular dystrophies, Parkinson's disease, disorders after neurosurgical procedures, disorders of vegetative functions (breathing, swallowing, trigeminal and facial neuralgia)
The PNF method is also used in pediatrics in the case of:
- cerebral palsy
- genetic syndromes
- meningeal hernia
- spinal muscular atrophy and other neuromuscular diseases
- Demyelinating diseases of the nervous system
- posture defects
- scoliosis
