PNF: Functional Neuromuscular and Motor Control Training

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Super Early-Bird: Register 60+ days before the course & save $100!

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.  Printed copy of virtual manual.

    One pillow and 2 pillow cases.

    Towel

  • 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.

    To determine if any additional state approvals have been obtained, please check facility information for a specific course. (Select more info for the specific course at the bottom of this page and then select Facility Information tab.  Any additional approval will appear in the top left of the tab below the facility name.)

  • Price Information

    Earlybird Price: $725 / Regular Price: $805

    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

    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.

  • 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

    While we continue to cope with the presence of COVID-19, the IPA shall adhere to ongoing CDC guidelines related to food and beverage consumption at each course.  To avoid community spread, participants are requested to bring their own drink and any desired snack.  Each participant will be requested to step out of the room while consuming drink or food or create a socially acceptable distance from 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

  • Hunter College
    New York, NY

    Apr 5, 2024 EDT - Apr 7, 2024 EDT
    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
  • John Goetze Physical Therapy
    Jacksonville Beach, FL

    Apr 12, 2024 EDT - Apr 14, 2024 EDT
    Cristiana Kahl Collins
    Schedule Location Date & Time
    Course:
    Check-in
    Location:
    John Goetze Physical Therapy
    Jacksonville Beach , FL
    Date:
    Starts at 8:00 am EDT
    Ends at 8:30 am EDT
    Course:
    Friday Instruction
    Location:
    John Goetze Physical Therapy
    Jacksonville Beach , FL
    Date:
    Starts at 8:30 am EDT
    Ends at 6:30 pm EDT
    Course:
    Saturday Instruction
    Location:
    John Goetze Physical Therapy
    Jacksonville Beach , FL
    Date:
    Starts at 8:30 am EDT
    Ends at 6:30 pm EDT
    Course:
    Sunday Instruction
    Location:
    John Goetze Physical Therapy
    Jacksonville Beach , FL
    Date:
    Starts at 8:00 am EDT
    Ends at 4:00 pm EDT
  • ReLive Physical Therapy
    Bloomingdale, IL

    Apr 19, 2024 CDT - Apr 21, 2024 CDT
    Jinny McGivern
    Schedule Location Date & Time
    Course:
    Check-in
    Location:
    ReLive Physical Therapy
    Bloomingdale , IL
    Date:
    Starts at 8:00 am CDT
    Ends at 8:30 am CDT
    Course:
    Friday Instruction
    Location:
    ReLive Physical Therapy
    Bloomingdale , IL
    Date:
    Starts at 8:30 am CDT
    Ends at 6:30 pm CDT
    Course:
    Saturday Instruction
    Location:
    ReLive Physical Therapy
    Bloomingdale , IL
    Date:
    Starts at 8:30 am CDT
    Ends at 6:30 pm CDT
    Course:
    Sunday Instruction
    Location:
    ReLive Physical Therapy
    Bloomingdale , IL
    Date:
    Starts at 8:00 am CDT
    Ends at 4:00 pm CDT
  • Georgetown University Hospital - MedStar
    Washington, DC

    May 3, 2024 EDT - May 5, 2024 EDT
    Seth Blee
    Schedule Location Date & Time
    Course:
    Friday Instruction
    Location:
    Georgetown University Hospital - MedStar
    Washington , DC
    Date:
    Starts at 12:00 pm EDT
    Ends at 12:30 pm EDT
    Course:
    Check-in
    Location:
    Georgetown University Hospital - MedStar
    Washington , DC
    Date:
    Starts at 12:30 pm EDT
    Ends at 9:30 pm EDT
    Course:
    Saturday Instruction
    Location:
    Georgetown University Hospital - MedStar
    Washington , DC
    Date:
    Starts at 8:30 am EDT
    Ends at 6:30 pm EDT
    Course:
    Sunday Instruction
    Location:
    Georgetown University Hospital - MedStar
    Washington , DC
    Date:
    Starts at 8:00 am EDT
    Ends at 4:00 pm EDT
  • ClearCut Ortho Rehab and Diagnostics
    Ft. Worth, TX

    May 17, 2024 CDT - May 19, 2024 CDT
    Ann Kaminski
    Schedule Location Date & Time
    Course:
    Check-in
    Location:
    ClearCut Ortho Rehab and Diagnostics
    Ft. Worth , TX
    Date:
    Starts at 8:00 am CDT
    Ends at 8:30 am CDT
    Course:
    Friday Instruction
    Location:
    ClearCut Ortho Rehab and Diagnostics
    Ft. Worth , TX
    Date:
    Starts at 8:30 am CDT
    Ends at 6:30 pm CDT
    Course:
    Saturday Instruction
    Location:
    ClearCut Ortho Rehab and Diagnostics
    Ft. Worth , TX
    Date:
    Starts at 8:30 am CDT
    Ends at 6:30 pm CDT
    Course:
    Sunday Instruction
    Location:
    ClearCut Ortho Rehab and Diagnostics
    Ft. Worth , TX
    Date:
    Starts at 8:00 am CDT
    Ends at 4:00 pm CDT
  • Orange Coast Memorial Medical Center
    Fountain Valley, CA

    May 17, 2024 PDT - May 19, 2024 PDT
    Foster King
    Schedule Location Date & Time
    Course:
    Check-in
    Location:
    Orange Coast Memorial Medical Center
    Fountain Valley , CA
    Date:
    Starts at 8:00 am PDT
    Ends at 8:30 am PDT
    Course:
    Friday Instruction
    Location:
    Orange Coast Memorial Medical Center
    Fountain Valley , CA
    Date:
    Starts at 8:30 am PDT
    Ends at 6:30 pm PDT
    Course:
    Saturday Instruction
    Location:
    Orange Coast Memorial Medical Center
    Fountain Valley , CA
    Date:
    Starts at 8:30 am PDT
    Ends at 6:30 pm PDT
    Course:
    Sunday Instruction
    Location:
    Orange Coast Memorial Medical Center
    Fountain Valley , CA
    Date:
    Starts at 8:00 am PDT
    Ends at 4:00 pm PDT
  • Emory University Hospital
    Atlanta, GA

    Jun 7, 2024 EDT - Jun 9, 2024 EDT
    Vicky Saliba Johnson Cheryl Wardlaw
    Schedule Location Date & Time
    Course:
    Check-in
    Location:
    Emory University Hospital
    Atlanta , GA
    Date:
    Starts at 8:00 am EDT
    Ends at 8:30 am EDT
    Course:
    Friday Instruction
    Location:
    Emory University Hospital
    Atlanta , GA
    Date:
    Starts at 8:30 am EDT
    Ends at 6:30 pm EDT
    Course:
    Saturday Instruction
    Location:
    Emory University Hospital
    Atlanta , GA
    Date:
    Starts at 8:30 am EDT
    Ends at 6:30 pm EDT
    Course:
    Sunday Instruction
    Location:
    Emory University Hospital
    Atlanta , GA
    Date:
    Starts at 8:00 am EDT
    Ends at 4:00 pm EDT
  • On the Move PT & Pilates
    Belmont, CA

    Jun 21, 2024 PDT - Jun 23, 2024 PDT
    Sara Tanza
    Schedule Location Date & Time
    Course:
    Check-in
    Location:
    On the Move PT & Pilates
    Belmont , CA
    Date:
    Starts at 8:00 am PDT
    Ends at 8:30 am PDT
    Course:
    Friday Instruction
    Location:
    On the Move PT & Pilates
    Belmont , CA
    Date:
    Starts at 8:30 am PDT
    Ends at 6:30 pm PDT
    Course:
    Saturday Instruction
    Location:
    On the Move PT & Pilates
    Belmont , CA
    Date:
    Starts at 8:30 am PDT
    Ends at 6:30 pm PDT
    Course:
    Sunday Instruction
    Location:
    On the Move PT & Pilates
    Belmont , CA
    Date:
    Starts at 8:00 am PDT
    Ends at 4:00 pm PDT
  • Long Island University
    Brooklyn, NY

    Sep 6, 2024 EDT - Sep 8, 2024 EDT
    Cristiana Kahl Collins
    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
  • Elite Sports Physical Therapy
    Fremont, CA

    Sep 13, 2024 PDT - Sep 15, 2024 PDT
    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
  • Texas Children’s Hospital -Feigin Center
    Houston, TX

    Sep 20, 2024 CDT - Sep 22, 2024 CDT
    Foster King
    Schedule Location Date & Time
    Course:
    Check-in
    Location:
    Texas Children’s Hospital -Feigin Center
    Houston , TX
    Date:
    Starts at 8:00 am CDT
    Ends at 8:30 am CDT
    Course:
    Friday Instruction
    Location:
    Texas Children’s Hospital -Feigin Center
    Houston , TX
    Date:
    Starts at 8:30 am CDT
    Ends at 6:30 pm CDT
    Course:
    Saturday Instruction
    Location:
    Texas Children’s Hospital -Feigin Center
    Houston , TX
    Date:
    Starts at 8:30 am CDT
    Ends at 6:30 pm CDT
    Course:
    Sunday Instruction
    Location:
    Texas Children’s Hospital -Feigin Center
    Houston , TX
    Date:
    Starts at 8:00 am CDT
    Ends at 4:00 pm CDT
  • Hardin-Simmons University PT Program
    Abilene, TX

    Oct 4, 2024 CDT - Oct 6, 2024 CDT
    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
  • Agile Physical Therapy - AL
    Vestavia Hills, AL

    Oct 11, 2024 CDT - Oct 13, 2024 CDT
    Jinny McGivern
    Schedule Location Date & Time
    Course:
    Check-in
    Location:
    Agile Physical Therapy - AL
    Vestavia Hills , AL
    Date:
    Starts at 8:00 am CDT
    Ends at 8:30 am CDT
    Course:
    Friday Instruction
    Location:
    Agile Physical Therapy - AL
    Vestavia Hills , AL
    Date:
    Starts at 8:30 am CDT
    Ends at 6:30 pm CDT
    Course:
    Saturday Instruction
    Location:
    Agile Physical Therapy - AL
    Vestavia Hills , AL
    Date:
    Starts at 8:30 am CDT
    Ends at 6:30 pm CDT
    Course:
    Sunday Instruction
    Location:
    Agile Physical Therapy - AL
    Vestavia Hills , AL
    Date:
    Starts at 8:00 am CDT
    Ends at 4:00 pm CDT
  • Water and Sports Physical Therapy
    San Diego, CA

    Oct 11, 2024 PDT - Oct 13, 2024 PDT
    Sara Tanza
    Schedule Location Date & Time
    Course:
    Check-in
    Location:
    Water and Sports Physical Therapy
    San Diego , CA
    Date:
    Starts at 8:00 am PDT
    Ends at 8:30 am PDT
    Course:
    Friday Instruction
    Location:
    Water and Sports Physical Therapy
    San Diego , CA
    Date:
    Starts at 8:30 am PDT
    Ends at 6:30 pm PDT
    Course:
    Saturday Instruction
    Location:
    Water and Sports Physical Therapy
    San Diego , CA
    Date:
    Starts at 8:30 am PDT
    Ends at 6:30 pm PDT
    Course:
    Sunday Instruction
    Location:
    Water and Sports Physical Therapy
    San Diego , CA
    Date:
    Starts at 8:00 am PDT
    Ends at 4:00 pm PDT
  • IPA Physio Portland
    Portland, OR

    Oct 11, 2024 PDT - Oct 13, 2024 PDT
    Foster King
    Schedule Location Date & Time
    Course:
    Check-in
    Location:
    IPA Physio Portland
    Portland , OR
    Date:
    Starts at 8:00 am PDT
    Ends at 8:30 am PDT
    Course:
    Friday Instruction
    Location:
    IPA Physio Portland
    Portland , OR
    Date:
    Starts at 8:30 am PDT
    Ends at 6:30 pm PDT
    Course:
    Saturday Instruction
    Location:
    IPA Physio Portland
    Portland , OR
    Date:
    Starts at 8:30 am PDT
    Ends at 6:30 pm PDT
    Course:
    Sunday Instruction
    Location:
    IPA Physio Portland
    Portland , OR
    Date:
    Starts at 8:00 am PDT
    Ends at 4:00 pm PDT
  • The Gait Center
    Richmond, VA

    Nov 1, 2024 EDT - Nov 3, 2024 EST
    Seth Blee
    Schedule Location Date & Time
    Course:
    Check-in
    Location:
    The Gait Center
    Richmond , VA
    Date:
    Starts at 12:00 pm EDT
    Ends at 12:30 pm EDT
    Course:
    Friday Instruction
    Location:
    The Gait Center
    Richmond , VA
    Date:
    Starts at 12:30 pm EDT
    Ends at 9:30 pm EDT
    Course:
    Saturday Instruction
    Location:
    The Gait Center
    Richmond , VA
    Date:
    Starts at 8:00 am EDT
    Ends at 7:00 pm EDT
    Course:
    Sunday Instruction
    Location:
    The Gait Center
    Richmond , VA
    Date:
    Starts at 8:00 am EST
    Ends at 4:00 pm EST
  • Burke Rehabilitation Hospital
    White Plains, NY

    Nov 8, 2024 EST - Nov 10, 2024 EST
    Cristiana Kahl Collins
    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