Athletes are individuals who are prone to sports related injuries due to the strenuous activities involved in their day to day routine. Each pressure battered to any part of their body has its own consequences in the form of injuries in the long run. However, special massage therapies were developed and designed for the treatment and prevention of injuries in athletes and for anyone who is in need of therapy from an injury.

Proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation or PNF is designed for this type of treatment. Most athletes resort to this type of therapy due to its effectiveness in bringing back the mobility and flexibility of the muscles. The method used in this type of natural and alternative medical care is through the manipulation of the nervous system with proper stretching and isometric contractions. The affected muscle groups are targeted with both passive and active stretching in order to promote and improve the range of motion as well as to strengthen the injured area. PNF is also effectively used in conditioning the various muscle groups of the athlete’s body in order to perform at its optimum level.

This type of technique can be performed by athletic trainers, massage therapists and physical therapists. However, this type of therapy includes risks and contraindications that require certain precautions in order to avoid and prevent worsening the current condition of the client. Conditioning prior to the actual stretching therapy is essential for a successful and injury-free therapy session. By conditioning the muscle groups, the muscle tissues becomes relaxed and prepared for the 60 percent training required in proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation. Keep in mind that stretching can be strenuous and draining when done as a form of physical conditioning. What more if you stretch while experiencing pain in that area?

Proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation requires a lot of training for the therapist in order to deliver a successful therapy for the client. It is important that the therapist and the client work together comfortably and in good coordination to prevent injuries and to accomplish each technique with the best benefits.

PNF stretching involves five important techniques that contribute great results in every therapy session. These are Rhythmic Initiation, Rhythmic Stabilization, Hold Contract, Contract-Relax with antagonist contract (CRAC), and Hold-relax-swing/hold-relax-bounce. All of these are essential for the same goal of improving the range of motion, mobility, flexibility, and to regain the lost strength of the affected area.

Timing on how long the contractions on the muscle groups take really depends on the therapist you are working with. A PNF therapist bases his or her decision depending on the need of the client as each individual case differs from each other. The therapist also teaches the client how to properly perform active stretching that can be used to improve the condition of the injured area of the body. This allows the recovery rate to become more progressive as the therapy can be continued without the assistance of the therapist due to the active movement and stretching of the client. Significant results can be expected right after each therapy session.

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

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