PNF / MET Stretching

Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation or PNF (also known as Muscle Energy Technique - MET) is a form of treatment that was devised to manually rehabilitate movement in specific patterns (Alter, 1988).

A principle of PNF stretching is that after a muscle maximally contracts it then maximally 'relaxes' allowing the practitioner to passively stretch that muscle to beyond previous limits.

PNF stretching can rapidly improve your flexibility for performance or in a slightly lighter version (Muscle Energy Technique, MET) as part of a rehabilitation programme post injury (Chaitow & Walker Delany, 2001).

The initial part of the session starts with a 15 minute massage to warm up the specific tissues to be stretched. PNF stretching then commences and lasts up to 45 minutes for a lower limb session.

PNF stretching is charged at £40 per session.

In accordance with standard practice, we regret that a charge will be levied for missed appointments or non-attendance unless at least 2 hours notice is given.

We also teach this technique to training partners, sports centres, teams and coaches.


For more information on stretching go to our Educational Links Database in theSports Massage Section

References
Alter, M.J. (1988). Science of Stretching. Human Kinetics, Champaign Illinois.

Chaitow, L. and Walker Delany, J. (2001). Clinical Application of Neuromuscular Techniques, Vol 1; the upper body. Churchill Livingstone. London