Suffering from a musculoskeletal injury can lead to a development in chronic pain. For individuals who suffer from pain associated with joint or muscle injury, it is important to find ways in which to naturally manage that pain so as to reduce the risk for additional health complications.

As the parent of a child who suffers from chronic pain, as associated with a musculoskeletal injury, it is important to seek medical attention, specifically therapy, very early in the healthcare treatment plan. Within the physical therapy program, may issues of chronic pain can be addressed and resolved without the need for high doses of narcotics and other pain relievers. One particular exercise, known as PNF, or proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation, has become increasingly more common in therapy programs. When placing your child into a physical therapy program, ask about the use of PNF exercise techniques. Teaching your child to stretch and utilize both the target muscle as well as the opposing muscle, may provide for greater strength and range of motion training. The goal of proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation, PNF, is in the advancement and improvement of not only muscle and tendon, but also upon the joint and soft tissue.

As part of PNF training, your child may learn new terminology in muscle strength and fitness training. As a parent, you will want to understand these terms as well as, in most cases, you child will be taught how to use PNF exercises at home. Most common terms you may hear involve contract relax, hold relax, and CRAC, or contract relax agonist contract. These terms refer to both passive and active exercises. To further promote range of motion, the therapist may also teach your child how to engage in addition exercises, in combination with PNF, that utilize a contraction shortening of the opposing muscle with static contraction of the target muscles. These supplemental exercises, while not part of PNF, provide for a maximal therapeutic benefit.

Physical therapy is an integral part to healing and recovery for musculoskeletal injuries. For many children, the complications associated with injury can be resolved with proper physical therapy, and may help to control pain factors. If you find your child is complaining of significant pain, as it relates to an injury, ask your physician about the use of physical therapy. Upon visit with the physical therapist, inquire about proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation, PNF, and exercises that involve contraction and relaxation of target and opposing muscle groups.