Neural Mobilization: 5 Safe Benefits for Nerve-Related Pain Relief

Neural mobilization is a gentle treatment that helps ease pain and improve movement by focusing on the nerves in your body.

Imagine your nerves like long pieces of string that run through your arms, legs, and back. Sometimes, these nerves can get stuck or squeezed, causing pain, tingling, or numbness.

Neural mobilization works by carefully moving these nerves to help them slide smoothly again, which can relieve your discomfort and help you move better.

This treatment is especially helpful if you’re dealing with conditions like sciatica, where pain shoots down your leg, or carpal tunnel syndrome, which can cause numbness in your hand.

By gently stretching and moving the nerves, neural mobilization helps reduce pressure and irritation.

Over time, this can make it easier for you to go about your daily activities without pain holding you back. It’s a simple and safe way to help your body heal and feel better.

What is Neural Mobilization?

Neural mobilization is a hands-on treatment that I use to help relieve pain and improve movement, especially when nerves are involved.

Think of your nerves like long strings that run through your body, connecting your brain to your muscles and skin. Sometimes, these nerves can get stuck or squeezed, causing pain, tingling, or numbness.

My job is to help those nerves move more freely, so you can feel better and move more easily.

How Does Neural Mobilization Work?

Nerves are meant to slide smoothly through your body as you move, just like how a string can slide through a tube. But sometimes, these nerves can get pinched or caught because of tight muscles, inflammation, or scar tissue. When that happens, it can cause pain and discomfort.

During neural mobilization, I carefully move the nerves within their pathways to help them glide smoothly again.

For example, if you’re having pain in your arm or leg, I might gently move that part of your body while holding the nerve in a specific way. This helps the nerve slide better and reduces the pain or tingling you might be feeling.

Goals and Benefits of Neural Mobilization

Reduce Pain

One of the main goals of neural mobilization is to ease nerve-related pain. This type of pain can feel sharp, burning, or like a shooting sensation. By gently moving the nerves, this treatment helps to reduce the pressure and irritation on the nerves, which can make a big difference in how much pain you feel.¹

Improve Mobility

Neural mobilization also helps to improve your ability to move. When nerves are irritated or compressed, it can be hard to move certain parts of your body, like your neck, back, arms, or legs. This improvement in mobility can make everyday tasks, like reaching for something or walking, much easier and more comfortable.²

Enhance Nerve Function

Another key benefit of neural mobilization is that it helps your nerves work better. By encouraging the nerves to move smoothly through their normal pathways, this treatment supports healthier nerve function.

This can be important for reducing symptoms like tingling, numbness, or weakness in the areas where the nerves are affected.³

Decrease Inflammation

Neural mobilization can also help reduce inflammation, which is swelling that can happen around the nerves. This swelling can put extra pressure on the nerves, making your pain worse.

The gentle movements used in this treatment can help to lessen this swelling, which in turn reduces the pressure and makes you feel more comfortable.⁴

Speed Up Recovery

If you’re recovering from an injury or surgery, neural mobilization can be a valuable part of your treatment. By ensuring that your nerves are not getting stuck or squeezed by tight muscles or tissues, this technique helps your body heal more quickly. This can shorten the time it takes for you to get back to your normal activities.⁵

Prevent Future Problems

Regular neural mobilization can also help prevent future nerve-related pain. By keeping your nerves flexible and moving well, this treatment reduces the chances of them getting trapped or irritated again. This can help you stay pain-free and avoid the need for more treatments in the future.⁶

Who is Neural Mobilization For?

People with Sciatica

Sciatica is when a nerve in your lower back gets squeezed, causing pain that shoots down your leg. It can feel like a sharp, burning sensation, and it can make it hard to sit, stand, or even walk.

Those with Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Carpal tunnel syndrome happens when the nerve in your wrist gets pinched, usually from doing the same hand movements over and over, like typing. This can cause numbness, tingling, and weakness in your hand, making it hard to do things like grip objects or type. .

Individuals with Chronic Neck or Back Pain

Chronic pain in your neck or back can sometimes be caused by nerves that are stuck or squeezed by tight muscles. This can lead to ongoing pain that just won’t go away.

Patients Recovering from Surgery or Injury

If you’ve had surgery or an injury, especially in areas where nerves are involved, you might notice stiffness, pain, or trouble moving as you heal. Neural mobilization can be an important part of your recovery. It helps the nerves move better, which can reduce pain and prevent long-term problems.

People with Nerve Pain in the Arms or Legs

Conditions like tennis elbow, golfer’s elbow, or tarsal tunnel syndrome affect the nerves in your arms or legs. This can make it painful to move, lift, or carry things.

Anyone Experiencing Tingling, Numbness, or Weakness

If you’ve ever felt tingling, numbness, or weakness in your arms, legs, or hands, it could be a sign that a nerve is being squeezed or irritated.

How to Perform Neural Mobilization

Assessment

First, I’ll talk to you about your symptoms and check how you move. This helps me figure out where the nerve might be stuck or irritated.

Positioning

Then, I’ll get you into a comfortable position that lets me target the affected nerve. You might be lying down, sitting, or standing, depending on which nerve we’re working on.

Gentle Movements

Once you’re in position, I’ll start moving the nerve through its pathway. I might move your arm, leg, or neck in a gentle way that helps the nerve slide smoothly. These movements are slow and controlled, and I’ll make sure they don’t cause you any pain.

Repetition

We’ll repeat these movements a few times to really help the nerve loosen up and glide better. I might also show you how to do some of these movements at home so you can keep improving between our sessions.

Feedback

Throughout the session, I’ll ask how you’re feeling to make sure the treatment is working and not causing any discomfort. Your feedback is important because it helps me adjust the treatment to what feels best for you. After performing the technique, I will give you neural mobilization exercises.

FAQs About Neural Mobilization

Is Neural Mobilization Painful?

No, neural mobilization shouldn’t be painful. The movements are gentle and designed to be comfortable. You might feel a light stretch or a bit of pressure, but it should never hurt. If you do feel pain, let me know right away so I can adjust what we’re doing.

How Many Sessions Will I Need?

I recommend starting with at least three sessions. This gives your body a chance to respond to the treatment and for us to see how you’re improving. Some people feel better after a few sessions, but others might need more. We’ll check your progress as we go and make adjustments if needed.

Can Neural Mobilization Be Combined with Other Treatments?

Yes, neural mobilization can be used alongside other treatments like exercises, stretches, or massage. Combining treatments can often help you get better faster. We’ll talk about what other treatments might work well with neural mobilization for your specific needs.

What Should I Wear to a Neural Mobilization Session?

Wear loose, comfortable clothes that you can move around in easily. A t-shirt and shorts or loose pants are perfect. This makes it easier for me to work on the areas we need to without you feeling restricted.

How Soon Will I Feel the Results of Neural Mobilization?

Some people start to feel better after the first session, especially with pain or stiffness. However, the best results usually come after a few sessions. That’s why I suggest at least three sessions to really see how it’s helping you.

Is Neural Mobilization Safe for Everyone?

Neural mobilization is safe for most people, but I’ll make sure it’s right for you by asking about your health history and any specific concerns you have. If you have certain health issues, we’ll talk about whether this treatment is the best option.

How Often Should I Have Neural Mobilization Sessions?

I usually recommend starting with one or two sessions a week. After the first three sessions, we’ll see how you’re doing and decide how often you should come in. We’ll adjust the schedule based on how your body responds.

Can I Continue My Regular Activities After a Neural Mobilization Session?

Yes, you can usually keep up with your regular activities after a session. Just try not to do anything too intense right afterward, especially if you feel a bit sore. Gentle movement is fine, and I’ll give you specific advice based on how you’re feeling.

Will My Medical Aid Cover Neural Mobilization?

Whether neural mobilization is covered by your medical aid depends on your plan. It’s a good idea to check with your provider to find out. I can help by providing any paperwork you need to make a claim.

How Do I Know if Neural Mobilization Is Working for Me?

You’ll know it’s working if you start to feel less pain, better movement, or fewer symptoms like tingling. I recommend at least three sessions to give the treatment time to work, and we’ll keep track of your progress to make sure it’s helping.

What Should I Do if I Feel Sore After a Session?

Feeling a little sore after a session is normal, especially at first. This soreness should go away in a day or two. Moving gently and drinking plenty of water can help. If the soreness doesn’t go away or you’re worried, let me know, and I’ll advise you on what to do.

Can Neural Mobilization Help with Sports Injuries?

Yes, neural mobilization can be very helpful for sports injuries, especially if nerves are involved. Whether you have a strain, sprain, or overuse injury, this treatment can help reduce pain and improve movement, helping you get back to your sport faster.

Related Treatments

Here are some other treatments that can work well with your Neural Mobilization sessions:

• Orthopedic Manual Therapy: This involves hands-on techniques to help improve joint movement, reduce pain, and increase flexibility.
• Rehabilitation Exercises: These exercises are designed to help you regain strength, balance, and function after an injury.
• Strapping and Taping: Using tape to support injured muscles or joints can help stabilize the area and reduce pain during movement.
• Laser Therapy: Laser therapy uses light energy to reduce pain and inflammation in muscles and tissues.

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References

1. Basson, A., Olivier, B., Ellis, R., Coppieters, M., Stewart, A., & Mudzi, W. (2017). The effectiveness of neural mobilization for neuromusculoskeletal conditions: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Journal of Orthopaedic & Sports Physical Therapy, 47(9), 593–615. https://doi.org/10.2519/jospt.2017.7117
2. Peacock, M., Douglas, S., & Nair, P. (2022). Neural mobilization in low back and radicular pain: A systematic review. Journal of Manual & Manipulative Therapy, 31, 4–12. https://doi.org/10.1080/10669817.2022.2065599
3. Silva, A., Manso, A., Andrade, R., Domingues, V., Brandão, M. P., & Silva, A. G. (2014). Quantitative in vivo longitudinal nerve excursion and strain in response to joint movement: A systematic literature review. Clinical Biomechanics (Bristol, Avon), 29(8), 839–847. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.clinbiomech.2014.07.006
4. Ballestero-Pérez, R., Plaza-Manzano, G., Urraca-Gesto, A., Romo-Romo, F., Atín-Arratibel, M. A., Pecos-Martín, D., Gallego-Izquierdo, T., & Romero-Franco, N. (2017). Effectiveness of nerve gliding exercises on carpal tunnel syndrome: A systematic review. Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics, 40(1), 50–59. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jmpt.2016.10.004
5. Varangot-Reille, C., Cuenca-Martínez, F., Arribas-Romano, A., Bertoletti-Rodríguez, R., Gutiérrez-Martín, Á., Mateo-Perrino, F., Suso-Martí, L., Blanco-Díaz, M., Calatayud, J., & Casaña, J. (2022). Effectiveness of neural mobilization techniques in the management of musculoskeletal neck disorders with nerve-related symptoms: A systematic review and meta-analysis with a mapping report. Pain Medicine, 23(4), 707–732. https://doi.org/10.1093/pm/pnab300
6. Louw, A., Zimney, K., Puentedura, E. J., & Diener, I. (2016). The efficacy of pain neuroscience education on musculoskeletal pain: A systematic review of the literature. Physiotherapy Theory and Practice, 32(5), 332–355. https://doi.org/10.1080/09593985.2016.1194646