PNF: Functional Neuromuscular and Motor Control Training

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Early-Bird: Register 30-60 days before the course & save $50!

Efficient, purposeful movement is the treatment goal for all patients.  Locomotion is a human trait historically necessary to survive, and therefore a strategic expression of our genetics.  Through the expression of our genetics, humans develop a neuro/myofascial/skeletal system which supports anti-gravity postures and movements.  Research supports that efficient postures and movements require the presence of an Automatic Core Engagement (ACE) and that loss of proprioception and kinesthetic awareness negatively impact movement. Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation (PNF) effectively combines motor control theory and advanced manual skills to restore proprioceptive and kinesthetic awareness and facilitate CoreFirst® Strategies of posture and movement.

PNF is more than PNF patterns, it is a dynamic motor control system that is based on human genetics of growth and development.  PNF utilizes existing neuromuscular pathways and motor patterns which drive the development of CoreFirst strategies of human function and locomotion.  PNF patterns are universal, yet uniquely expressed within each individual. This class will exponentially develop your manual skills of palpation as you explore the individual application of each pattern and how it reveals the mechanical capacity, neuromuscular function and task-oriented motor control for each patient.  

This PNF class will instill confidence in you to manually differentiate between a CoreFirst® versus a phasic driven motor response. Mastering PNF will also enhance your mobilization techniques by training your ability to utilize specific active or resisted contractions to perform Functional Mobilization™.

During dynamic supervised lab sessions, each participant will learn to:

  • Restore, Retrain, Activate CoreFirst® Postures and Movements
  • Maximize integrated function/control between the extremities and the trunk
  • Promote Automatic Core Engagement (ACE) during intentional or responsive stabilizing activities and movement
  • Enhance balance, stability, strength, and endurance by optimizing posture and movement strategies
  • Apply PNF manual skills and techniques within the Functional Manual Therapy® clinical reasoning system

Testimonials

A dancer was diagnosed with left talar dome contusions.  I used the PNF lower trunk series: A/E for Core Initiation, A/D for ROM, and then P/D coupled with hip Ext/Abd/IR!  He was so excited when he stood up, saying he felt like his legs had been sucked in under his pelvis and had become one unit with his trunk.  He’s now cleared to return to dance.  Thank you for making PNF so functional for such elite athletes!!

Sheyi Ojofeitimi

PT, DPT, OCS, CFMT

I am amazed at the results I see when incorporating PNF into my treatments; improved ROM, strength, patient’s motor control, and overall patients just feel better!  I understand why you couldn’t stop smiling when you were teaching us!

Ashley Saltzman

DPT, New Professional

Objectives

  • Identify and discuss motor learning principles of human motor control
  • Demonstrate the PNF system of whole to parts and parts to whole
  • Examine the interdependence of mechanical capacity, neuromuscular function, and motor control within each part of a functional task
  • Identify the developmental progression of core control throughout normal human growth and developmental tasks, postures and movements
  • Correlate growth and developmental core control to the PNF patterns of facilitation
  • Practice and acquire manual skills of facilitation necessary to promote appropriate motor strategies with each patient
  • During supervised lab sessions, demonstrate the manual skill necessary to assess passive movement and determine if the movement is efficient or impaired by mechanical or neuromuscular impairments
  • During supervised lab sessions, demonstrate the manual skill necessary to differentiate between a phasic dominant motor strategy and a CoreFirst® motor strategy
  • Evaluate and assess the role of the interconnecting segments (the scapula and pelvis) for efficient locomotion and self-care tasks
  • Analyze and discuss clinical evidence and current literature related to the PNF material

Requirements & Additional Information

  • Required Course Preparation

    • Prior to the classroom portion of this course, all students must complete the required course preparation which includes videos, quizzes, and articles. Once enrolled in a course, required course preparation can be found by logging on to your IPA account and selecting “My Upcoming Courses.”  If you have any trouble accessing the required course preparation please email [email protected] for assistance.  Prep time varies by course so be sure to review required course work immediately following your purchase to allow for sufficient time to complete assignments prior to the start of the course.  To receive CEUs all required course preparation must be completed prior to course commencement.
    • This 3 day class is quite demanding and intense.  Please come well rested.
    • Please have your fingernails filed and trimmed.

  • Required Equipment

    • Release of Liability Form: Complete the Release of Liability Form and bring it to the course.
    • Course Manual: PDF or printed course manual.
    • 5″ x 5″ Dycem Premium or Regular Dycem
    • One Pillow: We suggest that you bring the pillow you normally sleep on for direct feedback and learning.
    • Two Pillowcases 
    • Towel: Large enough to provide lumbar or cervical support.

     

    Optional Equipment:

    • Spiral Bound Manual:  Optional printed & spiral bound manual may be purchased with the course (PDF manual included with tuition).
    • Water Bottle: Water is not always immediately available.
    • Coffee / Snacks: You are welcome to bring your own coffee, tea and snacks, as these will not be provided.

  • CEU Information

    28 Contact Hours: Includes in person and pre-course video review and quizzes

    To receive CEUs all required course preparation must be completed PRIOR to course commencement.

    Approved for PTs in NY, IL, and CA.  For a different state, please check with your state board for reciprocity of CEU approval from one of these states.  IPA will provide the standard documentation needed for individual state approval if your state does not accept reciprocity.  OTs, and PTAs should check with their approving body to determine if the PT approval is acceptable.

    For ATCs – This course has been approved by the BOC for Category A contact hours.

  • Price Information

    Earlybird Price: $825 / Regular Price: $875

    Earlybird Discounts: Register at least one month prior to course commencement and receive a discount of approximately 10%.  Register early and save!

    Student / New Professional Discounts: Students and First Year New Professionals can receive a 20% discount. Full details here.

    Repeat Discounts: IPA makes two (2) spots in each in-person course available at half-price for those repeating a course within five (5) years.  Registration for the half-price spots is on a first-come basis.  You must register by phone to receive a half-price repeat spot.  Registering online will result in you being charged full price. Credits cannot be issued once your transaction is complete.  Half-price tuition does not include a course manual or any supplies distributed at the course. Full details here.

  • Recommended Reading and Viewing
  • Audience & Attendance

    PT, PTA, OT, OTA, SPT, OTS, ATC & Allied Health Professionals 

    Attendees agree to utilize all skills of evaluation, assessment and treatment learned in this course to the extent allowed under the regulations of their professional practice act. By registering you acknowledge that your attendance does not represent authorization by the IPA, or any of its officers, to utilize any of the material learned which may lie outside of the strict interpretation of your practice act.

    Each attendee is expected to complete the required pre-course work before the course begins, and attend all hours of instruction to receive a certificate of completion. Any exceptions to this policy must be pre-approved in writing by the Directors.

    For more details about our Allied Health Professional offerings click on the link. https://instituteofphysicalart.com/faq/#how-can-other-allied-health-providers-register-for-ipa-courses

  • Lab Clothing

    Wear comfortable clothing for lectures and sitting labs.  Participants’ bodies must be accessible for observation and treatment. Please refrain from wearing large or sharp jewelry. Because there is a great deal of kneeling during this course, you may want to bring knee pads. Also, please bring proper shoes for Sundays’ Gait lab.

    Women: Sports top or loose fitting shirt so scapula is accessible, and shorts with loose waist.

    Men: Shorts or swim trunks with loose waist.

    ALL:  Warm-up suits or other clothing worn over the above described attire is advised to ensure comfort between demonstrations as temperatures in the room may vary.

  • Breaks

    Meals are not provided. You are welcome to bring your own coffee, tea and snacks, as these will not be provided by the facility.  Please be mindful of your snack choices as you will be consuming them among the other participants.

  • Instructor Note

    While specific instructors are scheduled for each course, circumstance may necessitate instructor changes. In addition, the final number of instructors is determined by enrollment.  Course refunds or transfers are not granted related to changes in the designated instructor or number of instructors.

     

    Instructor/Participant Ratio:

    • 1 Instructor:  ≤ 20 participants
    • 2 Instructors:  22 – 32 participants
    • 3 Instructors:  ≥ 34 participants

Dates & Locations

  • Encompass Physical Therapy LLC
    Annapolis, MD

    Mar 20, 2026 - Mar 22, 2026
    Seth Blee
    Schedule Location Date & Time
    Course:
    Check-in
    Location:
    Encompass Physical Therapy LLC
    Annapolis , MD
    Date:
    Starts at 8:00 am EDT
    Ends at 8:30 am EDT
    Course:
    Friday Instruction
    Location:
    Encompass Physical Therapy LLC
    Annapolis , MD
    Date:
    Starts at 8:30 am EDT
    Ends at 6:30 pm EDT
    Course:
    Saturday Instruction
    Location:
    Encompass Physical Therapy LLC
    Annapolis , MD
    Date:
    Starts at 8:30 am EDT
    Ends at 6:30 pm EDT
    Course:
    Sunday Instruction
    Location:
    Encompass Physical Therapy LLC
    Annapolis , MD
    Date:
    Starts at 8:00 am EDT
    Ends at 4:00 pm EDT
  • Hunter College
    New York, NY

    Mar 20, 2026 - Mar 22, 2026
    Jinny McGivern
    Schedule Location Date & Time
    Course:
    Check-in
    Location:
    Hunter College
    New York , NY
    Date:
    Starts at 8:00 am EDT
    Ends at 8:30 am EDT
    Course:
    Friday Instruction
    Location:
    Hunter College
    New York , NY
    Date:
    Starts at 8:30 am EDT
    Ends at 6:30 pm EDT
    Course:
    Saturday Instruction
    Location:
    Hunter College
    New York , NY
    Date:
    Starts at 8:30 am EDT
    Ends at 6:30 pm EDT
    Course:
    Sunday Instruction
    Location:
    Hunter College
    New York , NY
    Date:
    Starts at 8:00 am EDT
    Ends at 4:00 pm EDT
  • Barrows Physical Therapy-Fresno
    Fresno, CA

    Mar 20, 2026 - Mar 22, 2026
    Sara Tanza
    Schedule Location Date & Time
    Course:
    Check-in
    Location:
    Barrows Physical Therapy-Fresno
    Fresno , CA
    Date:
    Starts at 8:00 am PDT
    Ends at 8:30 am PDT
    Course:
    Friday Instruction
    Location:
    Barrows Physical Therapy-Fresno
    Fresno , CA
    Date:
    Starts at 8:30 am PDT
    Ends at 6:30 pm PDT
    Course:
    Saturday Instruction
    Location:
    Barrows Physical Therapy-Fresno
    Fresno , CA
    Date:
    Starts at 8:30 am PDT
    Ends at 6:30 pm PDT
    Course:
    Sunday Instruction
    Location:
    Barrows Physical Therapy-Fresno
    Fresno , CA
    Date:
    Starts at 8:00 am PDT
    Ends at 4:00 pm PDT
  • Therapy Excellence
    Arlington, TX

    Apr 17, 2026 - Apr 19, 2026
    Ann Kaminski
    Schedule Location Date & Time
    Course:
    Check-in
    Location:
    Therapy Excellence
    Arlington , TX
    Date:
    Starts at 8:00 am CDT
    Ends at 8:30 am CDT
    Course:
    Friday Instruction
    Location:
    Therapy Excellence
    Arlington , TX
    Date:
    Starts at 8:30 am CDT
    Ends at 6:30 pm CDT
    Course:
    Saturday Instruction
    Location:
    Therapy Excellence
    Arlington , TX
    Date:
    Starts at 8:30 am CDT
    Ends at 6:30 pm CDT
    Course:
    Sunday Instruction
    Location:
    Therapy Excellence
    Arlington , TX
    Date:
    Starts at 8:00 am CDT
    Ends at 4:00 pm CDT
  • Campbell Clinic Orthopaedics
    Collierville, TN

    Apr 24, 2026 - Apr 26, 2026
    Jinny McGivern
    Schedule Location Date & Time
    Course:
    Check-in
    Location:
    Campbell Clinic Orthopaedics
    Collierville , TN
    Date:
    Starts at 8:00 am CDT
    Ends at 8:30 am CDT
    Course:
    Friday Instruction
    Location:
    Campbell Clinic Orthopaedics
    Collierville , TN
    Date:
    Starts at 8:30 am CDT
    Ends at 6:30 pm CDT
    Course:
    Saturday Instruction
    Location:
    Campbell Clinic Orthopaedics
    Collierville , TN
    Date:
    Starts at 8:30 am CDT
    Ends at 6:30 pm CDT
    Course:
    Sunday Instruction
    Location:
    Campbell Clinic Orthopaedics
    Collierville , TN
    Date:
    Starts at 8:00 am CDT
    Ends at 4:00 pm CDT
  • Mountain State Hand & Physical Therapy
    Arvada, CO

    May 1, 2026 - May 3, 2026
    Ann Kaminski
    Schedule Location Date & Time
    Course:
    Check-in
    Location:
    Mountain State Hand & Physical Therapy
    Arvada , CO
    Date:
    Starts at 8:00 am MDT
    Ends at 8:30 am MDT
    Course:
    Friday Instruction
    Location:
    Mountain State Hand & Physical Therapy
    Arvada , CO
    Date:
    Starts at 8:30 am MDT
    Ends at 6:30 pm MDT
    Course:
    Saturday Instruction
    Location:
    Mountain State Hand & Physical Therapy
    Arvada , CO
    Date:
    Starts at 8:30 am MDT
    Ends at 6:30 pm MDT
    Course:
    Sunday Instruction
    Location:
    Mountain State Hand & Physical Therapy
    Arvada , CO
    Date:
    Starts at 8:00 am MDT
    Ends at 4:00 pm MDT
  • Reform Physical Therapy
    Westlake Village, CA

    May 15, 2026 - May 17, 2026
    Vicky Saliba Johnson
    Schedule Location Date & Time
    Course:
    Check-in
    Location:
    Reform Physical Therapy
    Westlake Village , CA
    Date:
    Starts at 8:00 am PDT
    Ends at 8:30 am PDT
    Course:
    Friday Instruction
    Location:
    Reform Physical Therapy
    Westlake Village , CA
    Date:
    Starts at 8:30 am PDT
    Ends at 6:30 pm PDT
    Course:
    Saturday Instruction
    Location:
    Reform Physical Therapy
    Westlake Village , CA
    Date:
    Starts at 8:30 am PDT
    Ends at 6:30 pm PDT
    Course:
    Sunday Instruction
    Location:
    Reform Physical Therapy
    Westlake Village , CA
    Date:
    Starts at 8:00 am PDT
    Ends at 4:00 pm PDT
  • ReLive Physical Therapy
    Elmhurst, IL

    Aug 21, 2026 - Aug 23, 2026
    Ann Kaminski
    Schedule Location Date & Time
    Course:
    Check-in
    Location:
    ReLive Physical Therapy
    Elmhurst , IL
    Date:
    Starts at 8:00 am CDT
    Ends at 8:30 am CDT
    Course:
    Friday Instruction
    Location:
    ReLive Physical Therapy
    Elmhurst , IL
    Date:
    Starts at 8:30 am CDT
    Ends at 6:30 pm CDT
    Course:
    Saturday Instruction
    Location:
    ReLive Physical Therapy
    Elmhurst , IL
    Date:
    Starts at 8:30 am CDT
    Ends at 6:30 pm CDT
    Course:
    Sunday Instruction
    Location:
    ReLive Physical Therapy
    Elmhurst , IL
    Date:
    Starts at 8:00 am CDT
    Ends at 4:00 pm CDT
  • Elite Sports Physical Therapy
    Fremont, CA

    Sep 18, 2026 - Sep 20, 2026
    Sara Tanza
    Schedule Location Date & Time
    Course:
    Check-in
    Location:
    Elite Sports Physical Therapy
    Fremont , CA
    Date:
    Starts at 8:00 am PDT
    Ends at 8:30 am PDT
    Course:
    Friday Instruction
    Location:
    Elite Sports Physical Therapy
    Fremont , CA
    Date:
    Starts at 8:30 am PDT
    Ends at 6:30 pm PDT
    Course:
    Saturday Instruction
    Location:
    Elite Sports Physical Therapy
    Fremont , CA
    Date:
    Starts at 8:30 am PDT
    Ends at 6:30 pm PDT
    Course:
    Sunday Instruction
    Location:
    Elite Sports Physical Therapy
    Fremont , CA
    Date:
    Starts at 8:00 am PDT
    Ends at 4:00 pm PDT
  • Long Island University
    Brooklyn, NY

    Sep 25, 2026 - Sep 27, 2026
    Jinny McGivern
    Schedule Location Date & Time
    Course:
    Check-in
    Location:
    Long Island University
    Brooklyn , NY
    Date:
    Starts at 8:00 am EDT
    Ends at 8:30 am EDT
    Course:
    Friday Instruction
    Location:
    Long Island University
    Brooklyn , NY
    Date:
    Starts at 8:30 am EDT
    Ends at 6:30 pm EDT
    Course:
    Saturday Instruction
    Location:
    Long Island University
    Brooklyn , NY
    Date:
    Starts at 8:30 am EDT
    Ends at 6:30 pm EDT
    Course:
    Sunday Instruction
    Location:
    Long Island University
    Brooklyn , NY
    Date:
    Starts at 8:00 am EDT
    Ends at 4:00 pm EDT
  • Hardin-Simmons University PT Program
    Abilene, TX

    Oct 2, 2026 - Oct 4, 2026
    Ann Kaminski
    Schedule Location Date & Time
    Course:
    Check-in
    Location:
    Hardin-Simmons University PT Program
    Abilene , TX
    Date:
    Starts at 8:00 am CDT
    Ends at 8:30 am CDT
    Course:
    Friday Instruction
    Location:
    Hardin-Simmons University PT Program
    Abilene , TX
    Date:
    Starts at 8:30 am CDT
    Ends at 6:30 pm CDT
    Course:
    Saturday Instruction
    Location:
    Hardin-Simmons University PT Program
    Abilene , TX
    Date:
    Starts at 8:30 am CDT
    Ends at 6:30 pm CDT
    Course:
    Sunday Instruction
    Location:
    Hardin-Simmons University PT Program
    Abilene , TX
    Date:
    Starts at 8:00 am CDT
    Ends at 4:00 pm CDT
  • Capacity Performance Therapy
    Bend, OR

    Oct 16, 2026 - Oct 18, 2026
    Sara Tanza
    Schedule Location Date & Time
    Course:
    Check-in
    Location:
    Capacity Performance Therapy
    Bend , OR
    Date:
    Starts at 8:00 am PDT
    Ends at 8:30 am PDT
    Course:
    Friday Instruction
    Location:
    Capacity Performance Therapy
    Bend , OR
    Date:
    Starts at 8:30 am PDT
    Ends at 6:30 pm PDT
    Course:
    Saturday Instruction
    Location:
    Capacity Performance Therapy
    Bend , OR
    Date:
    Starts at 8:30 am PDT
    Ends at 6:30 pm PDT
    Course:
    Sunday Instruction
    Location:
    Capacity Performance Therapy
    Bend , OR
    Date:
    Starts at 8:00 am PDT
    Ends at 4:00 pm PDT
  • Orange Coast Memorial Medical Center
    Fountain Valley, CA

    Nov 6, 2026 - Nov 8, 2026
    Vicky Saliba Johnson
    Schedule Location Date & Time
    Course:
    Check-in
    Location:
    Orange Coast Memorial Medical Center
    Fountain Valley , CA
    Date:
    Starts at 8:00 am PST
    Ends at 8:30 am PST
    Course:
    Friday Instruction
    Location:
    Orange Coast Memorial Medical Center
    Fountain Valley , CA
    Date:
    Starts at 8:30 am PST
    Ends at 6:30 pm PST
    Course:
    Saturday Instruction
    Location:
    Orange Coast Memorial Medical Center
    Fountain Valley , CA
    Date:
    Starts at 8:30 am PST
    Ends at 6:30 pm PST
    Course:
    Sunday Instruction
    Location:
    Orange Coast Memorial Medical Center
    Fountain Valley , CA
    Date:
    Starts at 8:00 am PST
    Ends at 4:00 pm PST
  • Burke Rehabilitation Hospital
    White Plains, NY

    Nov 13, 2026 - Nov 15, 2026
    Jinny McGivern
    Schedule Location Date & Time
    Course:
    Check-in
    Location:
    Burke Rehabilitation Hospital
    White Plains , NY
    Date:
    Starts at 8:00 am EST
    Ends at 8:30 am EST
    Course:
    Friday Instruction
    Location:
    Burke Rehabilitation Hospital
    White Plains , NY
    Date:
    Starts at 8:30 am EST
    Ends at 6:30 pm EST
    Course:
    Saturday Instruction
    Location:
    Burke Rehabilitation Hospital
    White Plains , NY
    Date:
    Starts at 8:30 am EST
    Ends at 6:30 pm EST
    Course:
    Sunday Instruction
    Location:
    Burke Rehabilitation Hospital
    White Plains , NY
    Date:
    Starts at 8:00 am EST
    Ends at 4:00 pm EST