Contract Relax VS Hold Relax

PNF Technique

A quick reminder about PNF:

Proprioceptive: involving the sensory receptors that supply the central nervous system with information as to movement and position of the body parts
Neuromuscular: relating to the nerves and muscles
Facilitation: assisting, making easier

Adapted from: PNF in Practice: An Illustrated Guide

Contract Relax

Resisted isotonic (dynamic) contraction of the restricted (shortened) muscles followed by relaxation and movement into the increased range of motion.

• The athlete’s body segment is moved to the end of the passive range of motion (ROM). It can be done with a little resistance.
• The athlete is asked for a strong contraction of the restricted muscle/muscle chain.
• The contraction should be held for five to eight seconds.
• Sufficient motion is allowed for the therapist to be sure that all the muscles in the restricted muscle chain are contracting.
• After enough time, the athlete is told to relax.
• The body segment is re-positioned to achieve more range of motion (ROM).

Repeat until no further increase in ROM is gained.

Hold Relax

Resisted isometric (static) contraction of the restricted (shortened) muscles followed by relaxation and movement into the increased ROM.

• The athlete’s body segment is moved to the end of the passive and pain-free ROM. It can be done with a little resistance made by the therapist.
• The athlete is asked for an isometric (static) contraction of the restricted muscle/muscle chain.
• The contraction should be held for five to eight seconds.
• The resistance should be increased slowly.
• No motion is allowed by the therapist or the athlete.
• After holding the contraction for enough time, the athlete is told to relax.

Both the athlete and the therapist relax gradually.

Contract Relax and Hold Relax Difference

Thus, we can see that “Hold-Relax” technique refers to an isometric (STATIC) muscle contraction, and no motion is attempted by the athlete or the therapist while doing the technique. The contraction is built up gradually.

On the other hand, “Contract-Relax” PNF technique is DYNAMIC and allows the motion for the therapist to be done.