PNF assumes that the patient will go back to normal functional movements, diagonal and spiral movements included, and that the brain is responsible for major movements. The goal is to improve motor function and facilitate maximal muscle contraction. PNF revolves around eight treatment principles. Number one, cephalocaudal and proximodistal, this outlines that the OT should start from upper extremity muscles and work their way down and start from muscles closest to the body and work their way down the limbs. Number two, Primitive reflex, means that reflexes need to be checked so make sure all the primary reflexes, as an adult or child) are intact. Stage three is testing and checking that the same otogenic rules as rood are also intact for example if the client can not walk can they stand, crawl, lay on their back, side or stomach by …show more content…
Stage five, limiting agonist muscle and allowing the antagonist muscle to work, for example using the triceps instead of the bicep. Stage six, is the overlap of motor development, checking to see if your client can do all motor development skills or how many they can do at once. Can the client go from standing to walking to moving into a crawl? Stage number seven is adding different senses into the previous stages talk to your patient while, turn the radio on, even call their phone. Finally number seven is the functional approach this is simply making sure the activities being done are relevant and meaningful to the client. PNF tools include postural patterns, such as the client moving at different angles with the help of the OT or actively by themselves. Another tool includes repeatedly doing a movement such as touching their left foot with their right hand, constantly repeating motor learning skills and rhythmic skills such as walking, with maximal to minimal help. Verbal tools are used as well but must be short and very clear, this is to get all senses involved, and make sure movements remain forceful but smooth. For example asking your patient to move their finger to their nose. Other tools to get senses involved include visual to work on guidance and coordination and finally tactile and hands on to reinforce other tools and