Neural Tension
What is neural tension?
As the nerves run through the body, they can become compressed or adherent to the fascia, bone, muscle or tendons that they pass through, creating peripheral nerve tension and compression. Neural tension can present as: numbness, tingling, pulling, tightness, or pain.
For our bodies to move in a pain-free manner, our muscles, joints and nerves need to have enough flexibility and mobility, otherwise we will have restricted movement. I remember the feeling of epiphany I had when I learned to concept of neural restriction in my doctorate of physical therapy program. It made sense to me, but I had never thought that the nerves would have to flex and move as our bodies moved.
Similar to a bicycle brake cable as it moves through the plastic housing that surrounds it, a nerve needs to be free of restrictions to allow for movement through the surrounding tissue. When there is a restriction, physical therapists can provide nerve glide exercises that can promote movement and ease or eliminate any restrictions.
The three main nerves of the arm are the radial, median and ulnar nerves. The main nerves of the legs are the sciatic (that branches at the lower leg into the peroneal, tibial and sural nerves) and the femoral nerves.
Clinically, I have seen sciatic tension that presents as hamstring tightness, sural tension that presents as lateral calf tightness, ulnar nerve tension that mimics elbow pain and median nerve tension that can contribute to carpal tunnel pain. Neural tension tests provide physical therapist a way to differentiate between various nerves and the muscles and joints that they pass.
Besides nerve glides and exercise, massage, dry needling and cupping (at more superficial areas) can all be used to decompress and free-up restricted nerves.
If you are experiencing limited mobility, please schedule an appointment and we can help determine if the restriction is at your muscle, joint or nerve. Thank you for being a part of our Refuge community!
