Facilitated PNF Stretching

Classification of CE Hours: Kinesthetic (course materials teach specific techniques to use on clients during a massage therapy session.)

PLEASE NOTE that this course is classified as General for CE Broker purposes, which means that only 5 CEs will apply to a Florida license renewal. Institute of Somatic Therapy will automatically report your hours to CE Broker in applicable states ONLY IF you have provided your license number in your online account with us.

1. Materials by mail: If you wish to receive the home study course materials by mail and take the test online, the tuition is $199 plus shipping. Your textbook will ship through an outside bookseller such as Amazon.com or Barnes and Noble. We will send you shipping information when it becomes available. Please allow approximately five business days for arrival. (Please note that we are not able to offer an online option for this course, due to our arrangement with the copyright holder. Students outside of the USA, please see the international shipping notice below.) We will special order the textbook to be shipped to you directly from the publisher or online bookseller, and will notify you of the estimated arrival date. Please notify us within one business day if the textbook has not arrived as scheduled so we can investigate. Finding a lost package becomes more difficult by the day, so please do not delay. Because this is a special order, no refunds are available.
2. Test only: If you obtain your own textbook elsewhere, such as through the publisher (including their online resources) or through a book reseller such as Amazon or Barnes and Noble (which allows you to save money by purchasing it as used or a rental), you can enroll for just the online test for $129. There are no additional materials that you will receive by mail or online. The "test only" option is just that - you are only getting the online test that you will complete based on your study of the textbook, so that you can earn continuing education credits.

Notice to international students:  If your package has been lost in delivery, it will be your responsibility to file a claim with the delivery carrier in your country for a refund. By ordering anything from our website for shipping outside of the USA, you are agreeing to these terms. You may prefer to see if you can purchase the textbook in your country, and use the "test only" option through us to earn a certificate for continuing education. 

Testing: You complete your test online, and immediately upon passing, print your certificate. To see how our online courses and testing work, we invite you to take our free sample course.

Approved by: Institute of Somatic Therapy (Judith Koch) is approved by the NCBTMB (Provider #280672-00) as a continuing education Approved Provider. Institute of Somatic Therapy is approved by Florida (#MCE-326), and New York (#0019). Our courses are also valid for AMTA, ABMP, and most individual states. Some states limit how many hours can be done online or by home study. Please refer to our State Guidelines section for specific information about your state. Laws can and do change, and your state will hold you responsible for knowing the laws that apply to you.

Attention Florida licensees:   Unless stated otherwise in the course descriptions, our courses are considered "General" for CEBroker purposes. To see a list of courses that count toward approved distance learning in place of live hours, please see our Package page for the Florida 2023 renewal package. 

CE Broker Reporting:  Institute of Somatic Therapy will automatically report your hours to CE Broker in applicable states ONLY IF you have provided your license number in your online account with us. You can verify your license information by logging on to our website, and reviewing your account information. If your license is not shown there, please select “edit” to include it. We generally report to CE Broker weekly.

(Tech support for online video is provided by the book publisher. Institute of Somatic Therapy is not able to provide tech support through their online platform.) 

Publisher's Description of Textbook:

Facilitated Stretching, Fourth Edition With Online Video, remains the most trusted resource for proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation (PNF) stretching, an effective and easy-to-use method that involves stretching the muscle, contracting it isometrically against resistance, and then stretching it again to increase range of motion. Featuring a full-color interior, streamlined organization, and a new online video package, the fourth edition brings PNF stretching beyond the treatment room with the inclusion of techniques for the gym, workout room, and home.

The fourth edition offers a visual demonstration of PNF stretching techniques with more than 320 photos and illustrations. It includes these updates:

•     A full-color interior provides readers with clear images of the techniques discussed
•     Graphic elements on selected photos highlight the muscles being stretched as well as the isometric effort for the stretcher and the partner
  
•     Reorganization streamlines the content into two parts, first focusing on the basics and then covering stretches
  
•     Expanded content demonstrates how to incorporate stretches, including strengthening routines, into nontherapy workouts to optimize functional training
  
•     An appendix showcases anatomical planes of motion, anatomical terms, and types of joints
  
•     Online high-definition video presents both treatment room techniques and simplified PNF stretches for nontherapy settings
  

Facilitated Stretching, Fourth Edition, examines techniques and guidelines for PNF stretches in a variety of settings. Stretches are demonstrated on a treatment table, mat on the floor, chair, cable-pulley machine, and weightlifting bench. Stretches are grouped according to each joint, and the majority of the stretches include both a partner stretch version and a self-stretch version. The accompanying online video then demonstrates more than 90 of these stretches to reinforce proper technique for each stretch as well as four sample stretching routines. Visual icons in the book indicate which stretches are shown in the video.

As in previous editions, specific routines are included for cycling, golf, running, swimming, throwing and racket sports, and now ice hockey. It also includes general stretches for everyday use, plus stretches for those with “rusty hinges.” These ready-made stretching routines make it easy to incorporate facilitated stretching into a workout regimen and take the guesswork out of organizing a stretching routine to match the needs of a specific sport.

For accomplished athletes or those just beginning a fitness program, the regular use of facilitated stretching can help improve flexibility and coordination and boost performance and enjoyment of sports. Manual therapists, massage therapists, athletic trainers, personal trainers, sport physicians, and coaches will find valuable information and techniques for optimizing flexibility, coordination, and performance. Facilitated Stretching, Fourth Edition, provides access to the latest PNF stretching techniques to help assess current muscle function, improve range of motion, increase strength, address overuse injuries, and enhance performance.

Contents

Online Video Contents
Preface
Acknowledgments

Part I. The Prerequisites

Chapter 1. Understanding the Basics of Stretching
Soft Tissues Affected by Stretching
Muscle Interactions
Muscle Contractions
Reflexes Relevant to Facilitated Stretching
Types of Stretching
Guidelines for Stretching
Chapter Summary

Chapter 2. Focusing on Facilitated Stretching
PNF History
PNF Basis: Spiral–Diagonal Movement
PNF Stretching Techniques
Facilitated Stretching Guidelines
Detailed Sequence for Facilitated Stretching
Safety Considerations for Facilitated Stretching
Chapter Summary

Chapter 3. Using the Spiral–Diagonal Patterns of PNF
When and Why to Use Spiral-Pattern Stretches
Learning the Patterns Through Free Motion
Facilitated Stretching Using the Patterns
Lower Extremity Stretches Using the Patterns
Upper Extremity Stretches Using the Patterns
Strengthening Exercises Using the Patterns
Chapter Summary

Part II. The Stretches

Chapter 4. Stretches for the Torso and Neck
Oblique Abdominals
Lower Back
Upper Trapezius
Sternocleidomastoid
Scalenes
Suboccipitals
Levator Scapulae

Chapter 5. Stretches for the Lower Extremity
Hip Extensors
Hip Flexors
Hip Lateral (External) Rotators
Hip Medial (Internal) Rotators
Hip Abductors
Hip Adductors
Knee Extensors
Ankle Plantar Flexors
Ankle Dorsiflexors
Toe Flexors
Toe Extensors
Ankle Evertors: Peroneal (Fibularis) Group
Ankle Invertors

Chapter 6. Stretches for the Upper Extremity
Rotator Cuff
Scapular Stabilizers
Additional Muscles That Move the Arm
Elbow
Wrist and Hand
Supinators and Pronators

Chapter 7. Stretching Routines for Specific Activities
Everyday Sequence
Cycling
Golf
Ice Hockey
Running
Swimming
Throwing and Racket Sports
Rusty Hinges

Appendix: Anatomical Terms
References
Index
About the Authors

Audiences: Resource for sports medicine and fitness professionals, including massage and manual therapists, athletic trainers, personal trainers, and coaches, as well as athletes at all levels; also a textbook for courses in these areas.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:

What exactly is PNF stretching, and how is it different from regular stretching?

PNF (Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation) stretching involves a cycle of stretching a muscle, performing an isometric contraction against resistance, and then stretching again to achieve greater range of motion. This method is more effective than traditional static stretching for improving flexibility, muscle balance, and neuromuscular control.

Does the course include techniques that can be used without a partner or outside of a treatment setting?

Yes. The course includes both partner-assisted and self-stretch versions of most techniques. It also covers how to apply facilitated stretching in non-clinical environments, such as on a mat, chair, or gym equipment—making it ideal for client self-care education and athletic populations.

Are there pre-designed routines I can use with clients who have specific sports or mobility needs?

Absolutely. The course offers full stretching routines tailored for activities like cycling, running, swimming, golf, and hockey. There's also a general-use “Everyday Sequence” and a “Rusty Hinges” routine ideal for older adults or those with limited mobility. These ready-to-use plans make implementation simple and practical for your practice.

Is this course appropriate for massage therapists who don’t work with athletes?

Absolutely. While PNF is widely used in sports medicine, this course includes routines and modifications for non-athletes, including clients with limited mobility, chronic tightness, or age-related stiffness. The “Rusty Hinges” routine and everyday flexibility sequences are perfect for general wellness clients.