Nerve glides (neural mobilisation)
Rather than stretching a muscle, these move the nerves of the arm or leg a little along their path. As you lengthen one end, you shorten the other.
How to choose
- Move in small amounts, thinking “slide” rather than “stretch”.
- If you are new to them, start with the seated versions; the movement is easier to grasp.
Self-stretches8 lessons
Seated Sciatic Nerve Glide
Sciatic nerve pathway (back of the leg)
- Chair
- Nerve glide
Side-Lying Femoral Nerve Glide
Femoral nerve pathway (front of the thigh)
- Side-lying
- Nerve glide
Median Nerve Glide
Median nerve pathway (front of the arm, palm side)
- Chair
- Nerve glide
Ulnar Nerve Glide
Ulnar nerve pathway (little-finger side of the arm)
- Chair
- Nerve glide
Radial Nerve Glide
Radial nerve pathway (thumb side and back of the arm)
- Chair
- Nerve glide
Supine Tibial Nerve Glide
Tibial nerve pathway (back of the leg and inner ankle)
- Floor / on your back
- Nerve glide
Supine Peroneal Nerve Glide
Peroneal nerve pathway (outside of the shin)
- Floor / on your back
- Nerve glide
Supine Sural Nerve Glide
Sural nerve pathway (calf and outer ankle)
- Floor / on your back
- Nerve glide
Assisted stretches (for trainers)3 lessons
Stretches in which the trainer supports the other person’s body.
Caution
Stop if you feel numbness, tingling or pain. If you are under medical care, check with your healthcare professional first. Stop if you feel sharp pain, numbness or dizziness. If you are under medical care, recovering from surgery or pregnant, check with your healthcare professional first.