Massage has been the root of almost all types of therapeutic massage all over the world. Regardless of the styles and techniques used, it is never complete without using any massage method on the patient’s body. It is the predecessor of many therapies that we know and use today for the benefit of our body and mind.

Proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation is the type of bodywork used as a strengthening technique on most athletes who are suffering from all sorts of sports related injuries. This type of technique is perfect for the purpose of improving the flexibility, range of motion, and for regaining the lost strength due to the trauma. It manipulates active and passive stretching, active and passive movement, and exercises designed for the quick recovery of the client.

The history of this brilliantly designed type of therapy was put into idea in the early 1990s by Charles Sherrington. He believed that the neuromuscular system operates in a way of controlling the movement, flexibility and even the recovery if affected by trauma or injury. However, the use for the idea was not materialized not until Herman Kabat began to test and experiment the therapy to his polio patients.

It was in 1946 when he was successful in his trials with his patients who were gradually recovering from their movement disorders. The intensive stretching which requires about 60 percent as compared to muscle energy technique or MET’s 20 percent was effective in helping injured individuals as well as those with dysfunctions to be able to move their affected body parts. Active movement was also taught to his patients which is essential to improve their regained range of motion. It is also useful for the strengthening of the treated muscle groups.

Kabat began to introduce the technique to the public where he also taught other therapists the method and principles of PNF. In the 1960s, the therapy became popular that it was used by physical therapist and was recommended as a part of rehabilitation programs on disabled individuals. Since then, it was regarded as an important medical care. Its popularity and effectiveness to serve its purpose opened the door for Universities and massage institutions to begin offering PNF courses to those who are interested to learn the technique.

Since 1970s, the technique was used to treat athletes who are suffering from various conditions due to injuries relating to their sports. Although it wasn’t that very well received, it has gained recognition as a natural therapy which is effective in bringing back the form of the athlete.

Today, it is a common therapy used by our athletes to condition, regain strength, motion, and flexibility, as well as to prevent injuries.

If you are into this type of therapy, make sure that you get the service of a highly trained PNF therapist to avoid running into the risks of this therapy. The therapy involves higher risks as it works with the nerves and muscle tissues of the human body. Any wrong move on both the therapist and the client can and will result to injuries on the neuromuscular system.

Author Bio: I write for TIR Massage Stone, the leading hot stones supplies provider. They carry products such as basalt stones, as well as many other accessories for hot and cold stone therapy.

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