proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation

proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation (PNF),

an activity, such as a therapeutic technique, that helps initiate a proprioceptive response in a person. An example is a slow rocking movement that relaxes an anxious person by stimulating vestibular and proprioceptive nerve receptors. Techniques are used to facilitate total body responses or selective postural extensors.

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facilitation [fah-sil″ĭ-ta´shun]

1. promotion or assistance.

2. the enabling of a process or leading of a group.

3. the increased excitability of a neuron after stimulation by a subthreshold presynaptic impulse; the resistance is diminished so that a second application of the stimulus evokes the reaction more easily.

forgiveness facilitation in the nursing interventions classification, a nursing intervention defined as assisting an individual to forgive and/or experience forgiveness in relationship with self, others, and higher power.

grief work facilitation in the nursing interventions classification, a nursing intervention defined as assistance with the resolution of a significant loss. See also grief.

grief work facilitation, perinatal in the nursing interventions classification, a nursing intervention defined as assistance with the resolution of a perinatal loss.

guilt work facilitation in the nursing interventions classification, a nursing intervention defined as helping another to cope with painful feelings of responsibility; actual or perceived.

learning facilitation in the nursing interventions classification, a nursing intervention defined as promoting the ability to process and comprehend information.

meditation facilitation in the nursing interventions classification, a nursing intervention defined as facilitating a person to alter his/her level of awareness by focusing specifically on an image or thought.

pass facilitation in the nursing interventions classification, a nursing intervention defined as arranging a leave for a patient from a health care facility.

proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation (PNF) a neuromuscular treatment method for restoring movement and mobility using sensory inputs to direct motions in diagonal patterns; it emphasizes that movements must be specific and directed toward a goal.

self-responsibility facilitation in the nursing interventions classification, a nursing intervention defined as encouraging a patient to assume more responsibility for his or her own behavior.

spiritual growth facilitation in the nursing interventions classification, a nursing intervention defined as facilitation of growth in a patient's capacity to identify, connect with, and call upon the source of meaning, purpose, comfort, strength, and hope in his/her life.

visitation facilitation in the nursing interventions classification, a nursing intervention defined as promoting beneficial visits by family and friends.

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proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation (prōˈ·prē·ō·sepˑ·tiv nerˈ·ō·musˑ·ky·ler f·siˈ·li·tāˑ·shn),

n techniques designed to call into action the body's receptors that influence relaxation, muscle tone, and muscle lengthening.