Nerve sliders or neural ‘flossing’ provide an effective strategy to alleviate neural tension within the muscle interface that is passes through. The anatomy of neural tissue varies greatly from that of a muscle therefore improving mobility is achieved differently to traditional stretching methods.
Instructions
- Sit comfortably on a chair sideways from a higher surface such as a table our counter
- Place your elbow comfortably over a pillow 90 degrees from the side body
- Maintaining a bent elbow turn the palm up to the roof
- Extend the wrist as if you’re holding a plate flat on the palm
- Slowly extend the hand to the point of resistance either felt at the upper arm, elbow, or forearm
- Tilt your head towards the extended arm
- Return starting by bending the wrist, elbow until the fingers point towards the head
- Allow your head tilt to the opposite shoulder
- Return the head to neutral as you recommence extending the arm
- Repeat this ‘flossing’ motion as per Physiotherapists instructions
Precautions
- Make sure your shoulder does not lift while doing the movement
- You should sense a gentle stretch
- Stop if this flossing movement is increasing nerve irritation