Nerve Mobilization Fort Wayne, IN

Nerve Mobilization

Nerve mobilization Fort Wayne, IN

What is Nerve Mobilization?

Nerve mobilization is a physical therapy used to find pain that is caused by the compression of certain nerves in the body. Sciatica is a common condition that forms as a result of compression on the sciatic nerve. Side effects of compression include nerve spasms and painful tissue inflammation.

Often, patients suffering from nerve compression will experience tingling or burning sensations in their feet, neck, or back. Nerve mobilization can help pinpoint the source of your pain and treat your symptoms. To learn more, contact ProTailored Physical Therapy today.

How Can Nerve Mobilization Help?

According to the  Richard Lebert RMT website, “Non-pharmacological therapeutic interventions are being embraced by the medical community because they are simple to carry out, economical, and have relatively minor side effects.” Nerve mobilization is one of those interventions, and is a great alternative to expensive surgery or medication.

Nerve mobilization treatment is performed by applying light pressure directly on a compressed nerve to move it through the nerve sheath, using techniques called “flossing” and “gliding.” These techniques help locate the source of the pain, and restore the balance of the nervous system. Nerve mobilization is also a common form of therapy for the treatment of carpal tunnel syndrome and various musculoskeletal disorders.

Common Questions Regarding Nerve Mobilizations

Why is my nerve compressed?

A nerve can become compressed by its surrounding tissue including bone, muscle, fascia, tendons or cartilage. This can lead to complaints of numbness, tingling, burning sensations, or weakness. Nerve mobilizations work well in conjunction with addressing the surrounding tissue that is compressing the nerve. For example, stretching the muscles that are tight that surround the nerve.

How do Nerve Mobilizations work?

Nerves cannot stretch like muscles can. However, nerves still have to move as our body moves. Nerve mobilizations work by moving the nerve slightly by taking it through a motion repeatedly. The motion takes the nerve from a  slack position to a position of being in tension or into a constant state of movement without tensioning the nerve. This technique can also be called flossing, tensioning or gliding. It all works by helping the nerve move through the position where it is being compressed.

What do Nerve Mobilizations feel like?

When performing nerve mobilizations, you do not want to further irritate the nerve. Therefore, you stop the movement when you start to feel a restriction, or an onset of symptoms and return to the starting position. That makes nerve mobilizations a fairly painless technique. You will most likely just feel your therapist moving your arm or leg through a repetitive motion. Some soreness following this treatment is normal.

Can I do Nerve Mobilizations at home?

Yes! Nerve mobilizations are something that you can do at home and are a great addition to your home exercise program. Our therapists can help instruct you in the right nerve mobilization to address your specific needs!

Is This Treatment Right For You?

Our bodies aren’t capable of working out tight areas of tissue on their own, so nerve pain rarely disappears without treatment. Prescription medication offers a temporary fix but ultimately will not get rid of the pain. When nerve pain goes untreated, symptoms worsen over time. This is why it’s important to consult a physical therapist for treatment options as soon as possible. If you think nerve mobilization may benefit you, contact ProTailored Physical Therapy today. We can get you scheduled for a consultation with one of our licensed Fort Wayne, IN physical therapists, and get you on track to living a pain-free life. Or you can call us at (260) 739-0300!

Visit our four clinic locations in North Fort Wayne, Northwest Fort Wayne, Southwest Fort Wayne, and Central Fort Wayne today!