In physical prompting, the person's body is gently but physically guided through the successful accomplishment of the task. The instructor should determine if the person finds physical touch to be aversive. If efforts toward desensitization are unsuccessful, gestural prompts should be tried. Physical prompting is desirable, however, because the muscles and brain functions can be guided toward establishing a physiological pattern of the desired behavior. This is an effort to take advantage of the fact that the brain can sometimes develop new or better neurological pathways when repeated physical practice occurs. It is critical to understand that all physical movement assistance with a person should be performed gently, especially with individuals who may have physical problems such as muscle contractures or osteoporosis. Contractures occur when muscles have been significantly underutilized for any reason; for example, the muscle related to a joint such as the hand can become extremely tight, and physical therapy might be necessary. Osteoporosis is incorrectly perceived to be an issue only for older people. Weak bone status related to osteoporosis can develop in individuals of any age due to limited mobility, diet, and various other reasons. When in doubt as to how much pressure can be applied to an individual's limbs or neck, the instructor should first seek advice and clearance from a medical professional. Physical prompts need to be faded (i.e., the amount of pressure needed to guide the student should be reduced slowly until almost no physical assistance is given). Normally, this reduction occurs slowly over a number of sessions.