Issue link: https://www.massageandbodyworkdigital.com/i/1208028
Ta k e 5 a n d t r y A B M P F i v e - M i n u t e M u s c l e s a t w w w. a b m p . c o m / f i v e - m i n u t e - m u s c l e s . 89 You get the idea. A muscle is targeted, and that muscle is asked to contract (in a PNF) or its antagonist is asked to contract (in an RI). The muscle is then stretched, increasing its extensibility and, hence, increasing the client's range of motion. It's a beautiful technique. But why does it work? WHY PNF WORKS There are four physiological mechanisms at play that are largely looked at in research articles around this topic. They are wordy, complex, and, if read without the assistance of a strong cup of coffee and a good night's sleep, can make your head spin. The mechanisms I am referring to are autogenic inhibition, reciprocal inhibition, stress relaxation, and the gate control theory. I know, I know . . . one of the mechanisms shares the same name as the actual technique. You can start to see how these articles can be frustrating. Let me shift your attention away from the perplexing and toward Occam's razor (the idea that when presented with a handful of solutions to a problem, the simplest one is the most likely answer). In this case, the answer might be an idea not often explored in analytical investigations. There are dozens of scientific theories as to how a PNF will recruit more muscle fibers, activate myelinated neurons in the dorsal horn of the spinal cord, and decrease nociception. But none of these are simple. A broader perspective might offer some insight—and might actually be a lot easier to comprehend. Instead of directing our focus on recruiting more muscle fibers, let us instead acknowledge the possibility of recruiting more neurons. When a PNF is used in a session, perhaps the reason for its undeniable success is the mere fact that drawing a person's awareness toward their physiological capabilities calls into action a series of neurological responses that shift how the tissues act. In other words, given that most people operate on autopilot, a focused attention combined with isolated movements offers the client an improved internal communication. Movement, and more importantly command of movement, then becomes easier. In turn, this increases self-awareness, which (as we all know) is the first step toward healing. Perception is a funny thing. We can be in a certain frame of mind and have no idea how it might be limiting us. There is, indeed, a lot of science to back up why PNFs are the key to so much success in tissue health, but the psychology of healing is much more fascinating. Shifting awareness can open doors that we did not even know were closed. Now you've got a new key. Go ahead. Open a few doors. Every time you are tempted to react in the same old way, ask if you want to be a prisoner of the past or a pioneer of the future. —Deepak Chopra Allison Denney is a certified massage therapist and certified YouTuber. You can find her massage tutorials at YouTube.com/RebelMassage. She is also passionate about creating products that are kind, simple, and productive for therapists to use in their practices. Her products, along with access to her blog and CE opportunities, can be found at www.rebelmassage.com. Watch "What is a PNF? " Resources • Dilek, Banu et al. "Efficacy of Proprioceptive Exercises in Patients with Subacromial Impingement Syndrome." American Journal of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation 95, no. 3 (March 2016): 169– 82. https://doi.org/10.1097/ PHM.0000000000000327. • Hindle, Kayla B. et al. "Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation (PNF): Its Mechanisms and Effects on Range of Motion and Muscular Function." Journal of Human Kinetics (March 31, 2012): 105–13. https://doi. org/10.2478/v10078-012-0011-y. • Lucas, Ranna C. and Robert Koslow. "Comparative Study of Static, Dynamic, and Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation Stretching Techniques on Flexibility." SAGE Journals 58, no. 2 (1984): 615–8. https://doi. org/10.2466/pms.1984.58.2.615. • Papadimitriou, Konstantinos et al. "Effects of Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation (PNF) on Swimmers Leg Mobility and Performance." Journal of Physical Education and Sport 17, no. 2 (2017): 663–8. https://doi. org/10.7752/jpes.2017.02099.