PNF in Practice

Proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation (PNF) is a method of treatment started by Dr. Herman Kabat in the 1940s. Dr. Kabat and Margaret (Maggie) Knott continued to expand and develop the treatment techniques and procedures after their move to Valle­ jo, California in 1947. After Dorothy Voss joined the team in 1953, Maggie and Dorothy wrote the first PNF book, published in 1956. Dr. Sedgewick Mead, who replaced Dr. Kabat, supported the con­ tinued growth of the PNF concept. PNF was originally used as treatment for patients with poliomyelitis. With experience it be­ came clear that this treatment approach was effective in for pa­ tients with a wide range of diagnoses. The three- and six-month PNF courses in Vallejo began in the 1950s. Physical therapists from all over the world have come to Vallejo to learn the theoretical and practical aspects of the PNF concept. In addition, Knott and Voss traveled in the United States and abroad to give introductory courses in the con­ cept. When Maggie Knott died in 1978 her work at Vallejo was car­ ried on by Carolyn Oei Hvistendahl, who is now living in Norway, and by Hink Mangold, the present director of the PNF program. Sue Adler, Gregg Johnson, and Vicky Saliba continued Maggie's work as teachers of the PNF concept.

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