PNF 1: Introduction to PNF

Introduction to Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation

Course Description

This entry level course prepares the adult and/or pediatric therapist to evaluate movement patterns in patients with neurological and orthopedic disorders and to use Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation (PNF) to treat the dysfunction.  The instructor will review evidence for the efficacy in using PNF to treat both adult and pediatric patients, and compare/contrast that with other known practices.  This course will integrate current knowledge with case examples of patients that are typically encountered in the clinic and apply the basic principles and philosophy of PNF to those examples.  

The participants will have opportunities to learn PNF techniques both during lecture and lab formats, as well as with patient scenarios throughout the course.  Less than 50% of the contents of the course deal with evaluation and therefore this course is open for registration to physical therapists, occupational therapists, and physical therapy assistants.

Objectives

Course participants will:

• Describe basic principles and philosophy of PNF
• Demonstrate basic performance of scapular, pelvic, and upper and lower extremity  PNF patterns
• Identify and describe abnormal movement patterns seen in children and adult patients during functional activities including rolling, transfers, sit to stand, and gait
• Identify and describe intervention strategies for abnormal movements using principles, philosophy, and patterns
• Describe typical trunk responses during performance of PNF patterns

Program Schedule

8:00 a.m.	Registration
8:30 a.m.	Introduction to Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation (PNF): History of PNF, PNF Philosophy, PNF Basic Principles, Motor learning principles and PNF
9:30 a.m.	Research Evidence for PNF and Neurofacilitation in Adults and Pediatrics
10:00 a.m.	Break
10:15 a.m.	Introduction to PNF techniques: Rhythmic Initiation, Replication, Dynamic Reversals (LAB)
10:30 a.m.	Introduction of PNF Scapular Patterns: Anterior Elevation; Posterior Depression; Anterior Depression; Posterior Elevation (LAB)
11:30 a.m.	Introduction of PNF Pelvic Patterns: Anterior Elevation; Posterior Depression (LAB)
12:00 p.m.	Lunch (on your own)
1:00 p.m.	PNF Upper Extremity Patterns Flexion/Abduction; Extension/Adduction; Flexion/Adduction; Extension/Abduction (LAB)
2:00 p.m.	PNF Lower Extremity Patterns Flexion/Adduction; Extension/Abduction (LAB)
2:45 p.m.	Break
3:00 p.m.	Integration of developmental sequence and rolling (LAB)
3:30 p.m.	Questions and Discussion
4:00 p.m.	Adjourn

Instructors

Brian Hickman, PT, DPT, NCS, GCS, IPNFA Certified PNF Therapist

Dr. Brian Hickman is a physical therapist working in an acute rehabilitation hospital within Alameda Health System in San Leandro, California.  He works with patients after stroke, brain injury, spinal cord injury, and multiple traumas, as well as patients with progressive neurological disorders.  Dr. Hickman has worked in multiple acute rehabilitation hospitals, as well as in skilled nursing, acute hospital, and outpatient settings.  Dr. Hickman is actively involved in the California Physical Therapy Association and is currently the Chair of the Nominating Committee for the Golden Gate District, as well as a Representative to the Assembly of the California Physical Therapy Association.

In 2014, Dr. Hickman received his Neurological Clinical Specialist (NCS) Certification from the American Board of Physical Therapy Specialities (ABPTS), and his Geriatric Specialist Certification GCS in 2015.  Between 2010 and 2011, he completed the Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation (PNF) residency at Kaiser Vallejo Hospital in Vallejo, CA and received his IPNFA Certified PNF therapist distinction.  He received his Doctor of Physical Therapy from Samuel Merritt University in 2010.

Sherman Auyeung, PT, DPT, OCS, FAAOMPT, IPNFA Certified PNF Therapist

Dr. Sherman Auyeung is a physical therapist who has worked at Kaiser Vallejo, in Vallejo, CA. Dr. Auyeung primarily treats adult and pediatric patients with primarily orthopedic dysfunction where he incorporates a variety of treatment techniques including PNF. Dr. Auyeung has been an adjunct faculty member at Samuel Merritt University in the department of physical therapy since 2014 working in the orthopedic, neuroradiology, and medical screening courses.

In 2014, Dr. Auyeung received his Orthopedic Clinical Specialist (OCS) Certification from the ABPTS. Dr. Auyeung completed his fellowship in Manual Therapy and Musculoskeletal Primary Care in Kaiser Vallejo in 2013. Between 2010 and 2011, he completed the Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation (PNF) residency at Kaiser Vallejo Hospital in Vallejo, CA and received his IPNFA Certified PNF therapist distinction. He received his Doctor of Physical Therapy from Samuel Merritt University in 2010.