Introduction:

 The most prevalent joint condition, osteoarthritis (OA), mostly affects the diarthrodial joints and is linked to a growing socioeconomic burden as a result of population aging. Increasing age and obesity are the two main risk factors for primary OA, however there are other factors as well. From being thought of as a cartilage-limited condition to a multifactorial illness affecting the entire joint, the idea of the pathogenesis is continually changing.

Proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation, or PNF stretching, is a type of flexibility training that helps lessen hyper tonus, enabling muscles to loosen up and lengthen. In order to maximize motor performance and facilitate rehabilitation, proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation (PNF) stretching techniques are frequently employed in clinical and sporting settings to improve both active and passive range of motion.

 PNF methods aid in the development of joint stability, mobility, neuromuscular control, and coordination as well as muscle strength and endurance. In order to maximize motor performance and facilitate rehabilitation, proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation (PNF) stretching techniques are frequently employed in clinical and sporting settings to improve both active and passive range of motion. ²

Techniques-- Contract Relax: The restricted muscle is passively stretched into a stretched posture, and then it is isometrically contracted. In PNF stretching techniques, the majority of isometric contractions should be held for at least three seconds.

Hold Relax: This method is really comparable to Contract Relax. When the agonist is too weak to activate effectively, this is used. The patient is made to stretch their restricted muscle, and then they are made to contract isometrically. Most recognizable opponent for hold-relax. It can be applied to improve passive range of motion and extend tense muscles. Since the tight muscle in this approach is the antagonist, the agonist contracts.

Hold-Relax Agonist: Most familiar. It can be used to lengthen out tight muscle and increase passive range of motion. In this technique, the tight muscle is the antagonist, hence the agonist contracts.

The cornerstone of the treatment is physiotherapy. It includes stretching and strengthening exercises, thermotherapy, and electrotherapy (ultrasound, muscle stimulation). Additionally, braces and other supportive devices are used.

 The Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation (PNF) stretching technique has been demonstrated to enhance both passive and active range of motion while also increasing muscle flexibility. Proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation (PNF) stretching may be a preferred intervention for KOA rehabilitation. PNF stretching was more effective than traditional stretching for pain relief.