Trattamento Riabilitativo Secondo il Concetto delle PNF

376 pages, 528 illustrations.

Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation (PNF) is both a method and a treatment philosophy. It was first developed in the 1940s by Dr Herman Kabat; in 1947, in Vallejo (California), Dr Kabat began collaborating with Margaret (Maggie) Knott, with whom he continued to refine and develop treatment techniques and procedures.

In 1953, Dorothy Voss joined the group and, together with Margaret Knott, published in 1956 the first book on PNF. Dr Sedgewick Mead, who succeeded Dr Kabat, supported the continued growth of the PNF concept.

Initially, PNF was used to treat patients with poliomyelitis, but experience showed that this approach could be useful in treating a variety of disabling conditions. In 1950, the first PNF course was held in Vallejo, lasting 3–6 months, attended by therapists from many countries to learn its content and application.

Knott and Voss themselves undertook several trips across the United States and to neighbouring countries to deliver introductory courses on this method. After Margaret Knott’s death in 1978, the work in Vallejo was continued by Carolyn Oei Hvistendahl, who currently lives in Norway.

In 1998, Carolyn retired from this activity, leaving the direction of PNF research to Hinke Mangold. The current director is Jim Jonsen. Sue Adler, Gregg Johnson and Vicky Saliba are currently PNF instructors. Sue Adler has obtained the title of Instructor of the International PNF Association (IPNFA).

Developments and updates in the PNF concept are followed worldwide. Today it is possible to attend PNF courses in many countries, delivered by qualified instructors recognised by the official association (IPNFA).

The content of this book focuses on innovative aspects introduced into PNF, starting from the work of Dr Herman Kabat and continued by Margaret Knott, Dorothy Voss and other collaborators. The authors express their appreciation and thanks to these contributors and to all those currently involved in the IPNFA, and they hope to encourage those who wish to continue this work.