"Nurture Your Nerves, Empower Your Hands."
Neural Mobilization
Neural mobilization, also known as neural gliding or neural tension techniques, is a therapeutic approach used in occupational therapy and physical therapy to address conditions involving nerve-related symptoms. It focuses on improving the mobility and flexibility of neural structures, such as nerves, nerve roots, and the spinal cord, to alleviate pain, reduce nerve irritation, and restore normal nerve function.
Forms Of Care We Provide
The steps involved may vary depending on the specific technique being used and the individual’s condition:
Initial Assessment:
The occupational therapist conducts a comprehensive assessment to confirm the diagnosis of carpal tunnel syndrome and evaluate the severity of the condition. This assessment includes testing for nerve-related symptoms, such as tingling, numbness, and weakness in the hand and fingers.
Education:
The therapist educates the client about carpal tunnel syndrome, its causes, and the benefits of neural mobilization. Understanding the condition helps the client actively participate in their recovery process.
Activity Analysis:
The therapist analyzes the client’s daily activities and work tasks to identify any repetitive movements or positions that may exacerbate carpal tunnel symptoms. This analysis helps in making recommendations for activity modifications.
Ergonomic Assessment:
The therapist evaluates the client’s workstation, tools, and equipment to identify any ergonomic issues that may contribute to carpal tunnel symptoms. Appropriate ergonomic adjustments can help reduce nerve irritation.
Gentle Mobilization Techniques:
The therapist applies gentle and controlled movements to mobilize the median nerve and its surrounding tissues in the carpal tunnel. Neural mobilization techniques aim to reduce nerve compression and improve nerve gliding.
Neural Gliding Exercises:
The therapist teaches the client specific exercises that promote nerve gliding and tension release. These exercises are typically performed within a comfortable range to avoid overstretching the nerve.
Sensory Re-Education:
For clients experiencing sensory changes due to carpal tunnel syndrome, the therapist may incorporate sensory re-education techniques to help improve proprioception and tactile discrimination.
Joint Protection Techniques:
The therapist educates the client about joint protection techniques to reduce stress on the wrist and hand during daily activities.
Workstation Modifications:
The therapist may recommend specific workstation modifications, such as using ergonomic keyboards, wrist rests, or different tools, to reduce strain on the wrist and hand during work tasks.
Home Program:
The therapist provides the client with a home exercise program that includes neural gliding exercises and self-mobilization techniques to complement in-clinic therapy.
Pain Management:
The therapist may use various pain-relief modalities and techniques to manage symptoms and discomfort associated with carpal tunnel syndrome.
Progress Monitoring:
The therapist regularly monitors the client’s progress, reassesses symptoms, and modifies the treatment plan as needed to achieve optimal outcomes.
The steps involved may vary depending on the specific technique being used and the individual’s condition:
Initial Assessment:
The occupational therapist conducts a comprehensive assessment to confirm the diagnosis of cubital tunnel syndrome and evaluate the severity of the condition. This assessment includes testing for nerve-related symptoms, such as pain, tingling, and weakness in the forearm and hand.
Education:
The therapist educates the client about cubital tunnel syndrome, its causes, and the benefits of neural mobilization. Understanding the condition helps the client actively participate in their recovery process.
Activity Analysis:
The therapist analyzes the client’s daily activities and work tasks to identify any repetitive movements or positions that may exacerbate cubital tunnel symptoms. This analysis helps in making recommendations for activity modifications.
Ergonomic Assessment:
The therapist evaluates the client’s workstation, tools, and equipment to identify any ergonomic issues that may contribute to cubital tunnel symptoms. Appropriate ergonomic adjustments can help reduce nerve irritation.
Gentle Mobilization Techniques:
The therapist applies gentle and controlled movements to mobilize the ulnar nerve and its surrounding tissues at the cubital tunnel. Neural mobilization techniques aim to reduce nerve compression and improve nerve gliding.
Neural Gliding Exercises:
The therapist teaches the client specific exercises that promote nerve gliding and tension release. These exercises are typically performed within a comfortable range to avoid overstretching the nerve.
Sensory Re-Education:
For clients experiencing sensory changes due to cubital tunnel syndrome, the therapist may incorporate sensory re-education techniques to help improve proprioception and tactile discrimination.
Joint Protection Techniques:
The therapist educates the client about joint protection techniques to reduce stress on the elbow and forearm during daily activities.
Workstation Modifications:
The therapist may recommend specific workstation modifications, such as using ergonomic keyboards, armrests, or different tools, to reduce strain on the elbow and forearm during work tasks.
Home Program:
The therapist provides the client with a home exercise program that includes neural gliding exercises and self-mobilization techniques to complement in-clinic therapy.
Pain Management:
The therapist may use various pain-relief modalities and techniques to manage symptoms and discomfort associated with cubital tunnel syndrome.
Progress Monitoring:
The therapist regularly monitors the client’s progress, reassesses symptoms, and modifies the treatment plan as needed to achieve optimal outcomes.
The steps involved may vary depending on the specific technique being used and the individual’s condition:
Initial Assessment:
The occupational therapist conducts a comprehensive assessment to confirm the diagnosis of radial tunnel syndrome and evaluate the severity of the condition. This assessment includes testing for nerve-related symptoms, such as pain, tingling, and weakness in the forearm and hand.
Education:
The therapist educates the client about radial tunnel syndrome, its causes, and the benefits of neural mobilization. Understanding the condition helps the client actively participate in their recovery process.
Activity Analysis:
The therapist analyzes the client’s daily activities and work tasks to identify any repetitive movements or positions that may exacerbate radial tunnel symptoms. This analysis helps in making recommendations for activity modifications.
Ergonomic Assessment:
The therapist evaluates the client’s workstation, tools, and equipment to identify any ergonomic issues that may contribute to radial tunnel symptoms. Appropriate ergonomic adjustments can help reduce nerve irritation.
Gentle Mobilization Techniques:
The therapist applies gentle and controlled movements to mobilize the radial nerve and its surrounding tissues. Neural mobilization techniques aim to reduce nerve compression and improve nerve gliding.
Neural Gliding Exercises:
The therapist teaches the client specific exercises that promote nerve gliding and tension release. These exercises are typically performed within a comfortable range to avoid overstretching the nerve.
Sensory Re-Education:
For clients experiencing sensory changes due to radial tunnel syndrome, the therapist may incorporate sensory re-education techniques to help improve proprioception and tactile discrimination.
Joint Protection Techniques:
The therapist educates the client about joint protection techniques to reduce stress on the elbow and forearm during daily activities.
Workstation Modifications:
The therapist may recommend specific workstation modifications, such as using ergonomic keyboards, armrests, or different tools, to reduce strain on the elbow and forearm during work tasks.
Home Program:
The therapist provides the client with a home exercise program that includes neural gliding exercises and self-mobilization techniques to complement in-clinic therapy.
Pain Management:
The therapist may use various pain-relief modalities and techniques to manage symptoms and discomfort associated with radial tunnel syndrome.
Progress Monitoring:
The therapist regularly monitors the client’s progress, reassesses symptoms, and modifies the treatment plan as needed to achieve optimal outcomes.
The steps involved may vary depending on the specific technique being used and the individual’s condition:
Comprehensive Assessment:
The occupational therapist conducts a thorough evaluation to identify the client’s specific symptoms, functional limitations, and the impact of TOS on daily activities and occupational performance.
Education:
The therapist educates the client about Thoracic Outlet Syndrome, its causes, and the relationship between their symptoms and daily activities. Understanding the condition empowers the client to actively participate in their rehabilitation.
Posture and Ergonomic Assessment:
The therapist evaluates the client’s posture and workstation setup to identify any contributing factors that may worsen TOS symptoms. Proper ergonomics and postural adjustments can help reduce nerve and vascular compression.
Range of Motion and Strength Assessment:
The therapist assesses the client’s shoulder, arm, and neck range of motion and strength to determine areas of weakness and muscle imbalances.
Joint Mobilization:
Gentle joint mobilization techniques may be used to improve the mobility of the shoulder and thoracic spine, reducing tension and compression in the thoracic outlet area.
Soft Tissue Mobilization:
The therapist applies specific soft tissue mobilization techniques to release tension in the muscles surrounding the thoracic outlet, helping to alleviate nerve and vascular compression.
Nerve Gliding Exercises:
The therapist may teach the client nerve gliding exercises to promote the healthy movement of nerves in the affected area and reduce irritation.
Strengthening Exercises:
A targeted exercise program is designed to strengthen the muscles around the shoulder girdle and improve overall upper body stability and function.
Postural Training:
The therapist provides guidance on maintaining proper posture during daily activities and work tasks to reduce strain on the thoracic outlet area.
Activity Modification:
The therapist helps the client modify daily activities or work tasks that exacerbate TOS symptoms, ensuring that the activities are performed in a way that minimizes compression and irritation.
Pain Management:
The therapist may use pain-relief modalities and techniques to manage symptoms and discomfort associated with TOS.
Home Program:
The therapist provides the client with a personalized home exercise program and self-management strategies to continue progress outside of therapy sessions.
Progress Monitoring:
The therapist regularly monitors the client’s progress, reassesses symptoms, and modifies the treatment plan as needed to achieve optimal outcomes.
© 2023 Synergy Health Partners
Phone:
734.542.9770
586.439.6243
586.439.6310
Standard Hours:
Mon. – Fri.
7:00 am – 7:00 pm
Shelby Township:
Mon – Fri.
9:00 am – 7:00 pm