PNF stands for Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation, which means supporting and facilitating movement while taking into account the sense of one’s own body.
The PNF method is intended mainly for preschool children. Working with PNF, we identify the strengths and weaknesses of the young patient and then, together with the parent and the child, set the goal of therapy. Exercises are chosen individually for each child, appropriate to their age and abilities. We work on:
- changing the quality of muscle tone according to the child’s functional needs
- natural movements in all planes, i.e. those used every day
- body stability
- body awareness
- adopting correct body positions
- manipulative hand skills
- making everyday activities easier for the child, such as self-care (dressing, eating, hygiene)
- changes of position (rolling, sitting up, standing up, moving around)
- improving the walking pattern
- improving the quality of breathing
We work with the child on learning a given movement or improving its quality. PNF therapy is painless. Various techniques are used: for example, we relax or stretch the muscles, show the child how to perform an activity, or the child performs a movement while the physiotherapist provides resistance. We work with the child in different positions, e.g. lying on the side, on the back, on the stomach, kneeling, sitting and standing, as well as during changes of position (e.g. rolling, sitting up, standing up, walking).
With the PNF method, the child can:
- learn to perform a given functional movement
- increase muscle strength
- improve hand-eye coordination
- improve balance.