Most of us know about dental floss and quite a few of us can do the dance “Floss”, but how many of us have ever heard of a nerve floss??
Chronic overuse injuries, muscle strains, and tendinopathies are known for causing muscle and joint mobility issues and are generally treated with gentle exercises prescribed by Accredited Exercise Physiologists. When assessing range of motion and pain in clinic, muscle and joint mobility are typically investigated by health professionals to understand limitations with movement, and to help design an exercise program that is safe and effective at improving symptoms.
What many people don’t know is that Accredited Exercise Physiologists can also assess nerve length and mobility as well during treatment to assist with identifying and rehabilitating musculoskeletal conditions. Nerves are an important component of mobility and can also be affected by changes to our muscles and joints. NEURODYNAMICS is the term used to describe neural tension testing (assessing how tense your nerves are!) It is easy to do and requires very little or no equipment. Assessment techniques consist of movements that pretty much replicate the actual exercise prescribed for treatment. Exercises are designed to mobilise nerves via a “flossing action” through the joint, hence the name Nerve Floss!!
The goal of treatment is to decrease pain and irritation, improve range of motion, and improve any other neurological symptoms that may be experienced. Nerve flossing is important to consider, and may help with your rehabilitation if you experience any (but not limited to) of the following:
Ultimately, our nerves are important to consider during injury management. It’s not just our muscles and bones that can be impacted, but our tendons, ligaments, connective tissues and nerves as well!!
RESOURCES:
Ballard, E., Fontenot, M., May, J., & Scifers, J. R. (2018). Neurodynamics. Athletic Training & Sports Health Care, 10(4), 149-153.
Shandelle Drain
Workers Compensation Specialist (AEP, ESSAM)
Exercise Rehabilitation Services – WA