Re: Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation (PNF)?!


Question: Wikipedia defines PNF like this:

A combination of passive stretching & isometric contractions. "However, it can also weaken muscles, decrease endurance, slow neuromuscular control & coordination, & decrease joint stability."

When resistance is applied, as in the case of Hold-Relax, it should be the max amount of resistance that allows for pain-free movement. "PNF exercises can be applied to patients of all ages. Research shows it is superior to static stretching."

I understand what "passive stretching" & "isometrics" are, but can someone explain the contradiction I see in the two above sentences? Maybe its not a "contradiction", but I'm looking for other people's thoughts on PNF. They talk about it the my DVD, "Viniyogatherapy For The Upper Back, Neck & Shoulders". I've got a torn rotator cuff & biceps tendon that caused my shoulders to tighten up over a period of months. Now I have a "clicking" in my neck with minimal pain that I'm trying to work out. No insurance. Thanks


Answers: Wikipedia defines PNF like this:

A combination of passive stretching & isometric contractions. "However, it can also weaken muscles, decrease endurance, slow neuromuscular control & coordination, & decrease joint stability."

When resistance is applied, as in the case of Hold-Relax, it should be the max amount of resistance that allows for pain-free movement. "PNF exercises can be applied to patients of all ages. Research shows it is superior to static stretching."

I understand what "passive stretching" & "isometrics" are, but can someone explain the contradiction I see in the two above sentences? Maybe its not a "contradiction", but I'm looking for other people's thoughts on PNF. They talk about it the my DVD, "Viniyogatherapy For The Upper Back, Neck & Shoulders". I've got a torn rotator cuff & biceps tendon that caused my shoulders to tighten up over a period of months. Now I have a "clicking" in my neck with minimal pain that I'm trying to work out. No insurance. Thanks

Hm. It sounds to be pretty effective. Rotator cuff injuries can be quite painful. I would have advised you to do either pushups and pullus to minimize injury, but with the injuries you described, it would not be wise to try those exercises. My friends and I have a belief that working against your own weight (pushups, pullups, lunges, etc.) is probably the safest way to exercise. But some doubt that it is the most effective method of exercise. I would say that very very light stretching would be your best bet. From your past questions, it appears as if you need to go extremely light in the beginning. In your case, I would walk short distances for a while before even attempting to jog. Jogging and running are also hard on the knees. I used to be a pretty good cross country runner and have heard that many long distance runner's careers were shortened by knee injuries. The years of pounding take their toll and eventually the joints are damaged; even if one is using the proper technique. I have heard good things about isometrics and passive stretching. It sounds as if that would be beneficial in your case. Remember to go very very light. Don't rush anything. Safe, minimal exercise would be much better than risking any further injury.





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