How effective is Nerve Mobilization?

Nerve mobilization is one of the physiotherapy techniques for the diagnosis as well as treatment of nerve-related pain. It is one of those interventions, which can reduce your chance of undergoing surgery or medication. The ability of the nerve to slide and glide effectively and without symptoms is one of the key features of a healthy nervous system.

A restriction to nerve mobility can cause excessive nerve compression and tension. The nerve has contact with its surrounding tissues and at certain points, nerve irritation can occur. A nerve can become compressed by its surrounding tissue For example muscle, tendon, cartilage, bone, or fascia. The example includes the ULNAR NERVE subluxation at the elbow. The SCIATIC NERVE becomes irritated through the deep gluteal muscles. And the MEDIAN NERVE compression within the carpal tunnel.

Nerve compression can lead to a complaint for example weakness, paraesthesia (tingling, burning sensation), or numbness. Overstretching a joint or muscle can result in nerve injury, such as brachial plexus traction injury from a bent shoulder.

Sliding occurs in three key places, within the nerve, between the nerve and its sheath, and against the surrounding anatomy.

To summarize the Principles of nerve mobilization include opening and closing mechanisms, with closing pressure would be increased around the nerve, and with opening pressure on the nerve would decrease as the surrounding space around the nerve is increased and this opening often forms a logical treatment approach for nerve entrapments.