Nerve glide

Nerve Glide

Nerve gliding, also known as nerve flossing or neural mobilization, is a therapeutic technique used to improve the mobility and function of peripheral nerves. This technique is often employed in physical therapy and rehabilitation settings to address conditions involving nerve entrapment or irritation, such as carpal tunnel syndrome, sciatica, and cubital tunnel syndrome.

Overview

Nerve gliding exercises are designed to promote the movement of nerves through surrounding tissues, reducing adhesions and improving nerve health. These exercises involve specific movements that stretch and mobilize the nerves, allowing them to "glide" smoothly within their anatomical pathways.

Mechanism

The primary goal of nerve gliding is to enhance the excursion of the nerve relative to its surrounding structures. This is achieved by:

• Reducing adhesions: Adhesions can form around nerves due to injury, inflammation, or surgery, restricting their movement. Nerve gliding helps break down these adhesions.
• Improving blood flow: Movement of the nerve can enhance blood circulation, providing essential nutrients and oxygen to the nerve tissue.
• Decreasing inflammation: Gentle mobilization can help reduce inflammation around the nerve, alleviating pain and discomfort.

Techniques

Nerve gliding exercises are typically performed under the guidance of a healthcare professional, such as a physical therapist. The exercises are tailored to the specific nerve involved and the condition being treated. Common techniques include:

• Median nerve glides: Used for conditions like carpal tunnel syndrome, these exercises involve wrist and finger movements to mobilize the median nerve.
• Ulnar nerve glides: These exercises target the ulnar nerve, often used in cases of cubital tunnel syndrome.
• Sciatic nerve glides: For sciatica, these exercises involve leg and hip movements to mobilize the sciatic nerve.

Clinical Applications

Nerve gliding is used in the management of various conditions, including:

• Carpal tunnel syndrome
• Cubital tunnel syndrome
• Sciatica
• Thoracic outlet syndrome
• Radial tunnel syndrome

Benefits

The benefits of nerve gliding exercises include:

• Pain reduction: By alleviating nerve compression and irritation, these exercises can reduce pain.
• Improved function: Enhanced nerve mobility can lead to better functional outcomes in affected limbs.
• Prevention of chronic issues: Regular nerve gliding can prevent the development of chronic nerve entrapment syndromes.

Precautions

While nerve gliding exercises are generally safe, they should be performed with caution, especially in the presence of acute inflammation or severe nerve damage. It is important to:

• Consult a professional: Exercises should be prescribed and monitored by a qualified healthcare provider.
• Avoid over-stretching: Excessive stretching can exacerbate symptoms and cause further nerve damage.

Also see

• Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
• Sciatica
• Physical Therapy
• Peripheral Nerve Injury