Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation And Passive Vertebral Mobilization For Neck Disability In Patients With Mechanical Neck Pain

Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation (PNF) techniques were applied to the cervical region using rhythmic initiation, dynamic reversals, and contract-relax methods. Movements followed diagonal cranio-cervical patterns including flexion/extension with rotational components. Each session lasted 15-30 minutes, delivered three times per week for four weeks. Repetitions and sets were progressively increased based on patient tolerance. The goal was to enhance neuromuscular coordination, improve cervical range of motion, and reduce pain through active facilitation techniques.

Passive Vertebral Mobilization (PVM) was administered using Maitland mobilization techniques applied to the cervical spine. Posteroanterior central and unilateral glides were performed with the participant in a prone position. Mobilizations started with Grades I-II during Weeks 1-2 and progressed to Grades III-IV in Weeks 3-4, depending on patient response. Each session lasted 15-20 minutes and was conducted three times weekly over four weeks. This passive manual therapy aimed to improve joint mobility, reduce muscle stiffness, and alleviate mechanical neck pain.