Neural Mobilization
Neural mobilization, or neurodynamics, is a movement-based intervention aimed at restoring the homeostasis in and around the nervous system. It has been shown that nerves move relatively independently from their surroundings, but when the ceases to be the case, symptoms including numbness, tingling, weakness, and muscle tension can occur.
Neurodynamics is an intervention aimed at restoring this homeostasis by mobilization of the nervous system itself or the structures that surround the nerves. Neural mobilization facilitates movement between neural structures and their surroundings through manual techniques or exercise.
Studies show that neural mobilization may reduce intraneural swelling, improve circulation to the nerve, reduce pain related to thermal and mechanical changes, and help reduce the immune response following a nerve injury.
Conditions may include but are not limited to:
- Ankle sprain
- Carpel Tunnel Syndrome
- Cervical and Lumbar Nerve Root Injury
- Colles Fracture
- Double Crush Syndrome
- Hamstring Injury
- Meralgia Paresthetica
- Myelopathy
- Plantar fasciitis
- Thoracic Outlet Syndrome
- Sciatica
- Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome
- Whiplash Associated Disorders
What to expect?
The physical therapist will first complete an initial evaluation to determine if these techniques are appropriate for you. They may test your reflexes, upper and lower limb nerve tension, sensation, and strength. They will most likely use a combination of manual neural mobilizations and give you exercises, or nerve glides, to practice at home.
If you feel you may benefit from neural mobilization, feel free to set up a detailed evaluation with one of our trained therapists.
