Neurodynamic Therapy – Neurodynamics

What is it?

Neurodynamic Therapy is a hands-on therapy. Neural mobilisation was introduced almost 30 years ago and comprises 16 techniques. Neurodynamic therapy follows a relevant assessment. Like muscles and joints, neural tissue can stretch, move and adapt to everyday loads. Certain conditions, however, can interfere with its normal function through mechanical compression and entrapment or chemical effects on peripheral nerves. Examples include a herniated disc pressing on a nerve root, injuries and trauma, and conditions that affect mobility, such as those following immobilisation or surgery, tendinopathies, sprains and lower back pain.

The physiotherapist carries out a neurological examination, uses specific tests and assesses neural tissue length and mobility. The findings guide the choice of sliding (slider) or tensioning (tensioner) techniques, using joint movement to mobilise the nerves.

What are the benefits?

Neurodynamic therapy aims to restore neural tissue gliding and the dynamic balance between neural structures and surrounding areas. It can ease pain, burning and numbness caused by pressure and irritation of neural tissue, and restore mobility. Scientific studies have documented significant benefits in conditions involving neural tissue, including lower back pain with sciatica, carpal tunnel syndrome, piriformis syndrome and cervicobrachial syndrome.