Nerve Mobilization

Nerve mobilization (also called neural gliding or nerve flossing) is a manual therapy technique used in physical therapy to improve nerve movement, reduce pain, and restore function. It is particularly beneficial for patients with nerve-related conditions such as sciatica, carpal tunnel syndrome, and peripheral neuropathy.

Common Conditions

  • Cervical and lumbar radiculopathy
  • Carpal or tarsal tunnel syndromes
  • Diabetic and peripheral neuropathies
  • Post-surgical nerve adhesions

Nerve Mobilization Techniques

  • Neural Gliding (“Sliders”)
    Alternating movements that tension then slack the nerve, promoting excursion without high load.
  • Neural Tensioning (“Tensioners”)
    Sustained end-range positions that place more stretch on the nerve to improve its extensibility.
  • Upper Limb Neural Glides
    • Median nerve glide (shoulder depression + elbow extension + wrist/finger extension)
    • Radial nerve glide (shoulder abduction + wrist flexion + ulnar deviation)
    • Ulnar nerve glide (elbow flexion + wrist extension + shoulder depression)
  • Lower Limb Neural Glides
    • Sciatic nerve slider (hip flexion + knee extension + ankle dorsiflexion/plantarflexion)
    • Slump stretch (spinal flexion + neck extension + knee extension)
  • Slump Mobilization
    Combines seated spinal flexion with cervical movements to mobilize the entire neuraxis.
  • Tibial/Peroneal Nerve Glides
    Ankle inversion/eversion and knee flexion/extension to mobilize tibial or common peroneal nerves.

Each technique is applied gently by our therapists at Tender Loving Care PT—graded to your tolerance and integrated into your exercise plan for optimal nerve health.

Advantages of This Method vs. Invasive Approaches

  • Pain Reduction & Functional Gain: Systematic reviews show decreased pain and disability without injections or surgery
  • Non-Invasive & Safe: Gentle techniques spare you the risks of pharmacologic side effects
  • Enhanced Neural Mobility: Improves nerve excursion and reduces sensitivity without scar-forming procedures
  • Integrates with Rehab: Easily combined with exercises rather than requiring multiple specialist visits

References

  1. Shacklock M. Neural Mobilization: A Systematic Review. Physiotherapy. 2005;91(1):35–44.

Ellis R, Hing WA. Neural Mobilization for Neuromusculoskeletal Injuries: A Systematic Review. J Orthop Sports Phys Ther. 2017;47(2):84–96.