Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation (PNF) was developed at the Kabat – Kaiser Institute, later renamed Kaiser Foundation Rehabilitation Center, over a period of 5 years, 1946 – 1951, by Herman Kabat, MD, a clinical neurophysiologist, and Physical Therapist, Margaret “Maggie” Knott.

Originally PNF was developed for patients with neurological deficits, especially Poliomyelitis. Later, the PNF concept was expanded into a treatment philosophy and approach which could be used for musculoskeletal as well as neurological deficits.

Course Description: Introduction to PNF concepts including Philosophy, Basic Principles and Procedures, PNF techniques, PNF Patterns, Mat Activities, Gait Analysis and Gait training. ICF, motor learning and motor control are discussed in relation to PNF. Patient demonstrations using PNF will provide a basis for introducing the student’s understanding of PNF treatment planning. During PNF 2, participants have the opportunity to work directly with patients under instructor supervision.

Participants: Licensed Physical Therapists, Licensed Occupational Therapists, MDs Other health related professionals may attend with instructor approval. However, these participants may only receive a “certificate of hours completed”

Prerequisites: none

Clothing: Please wear appropriate lab clothing and shoes

Hours of Attendance: total of 75 hours

Course Rules:
1. The participant may not miss more than 4 hours of the course. If participants miss more than 4 hours, they cannot receive a course certificate
2. PNF 2 must be completed within 2 years after the completion of PNF 1

Recommended reading: Please check with each individual course organizer to determine if the IPNFA instructor has a reading list.

Detailed Schedule