Assisted Sciatic Nerve Glide | Assisted stretch in 3D
Assisted Sciatic Nerve Glide: supine, sciatic nerve pathway. Preparation, 4 movement phases, points to check and cautions, with a 3D model you can pause and rotate.
Position and focus
Supine · Sciatic nerve pathway
Supported, small rhythmic movements for the sciatic nerve pathway.
Starting position
The client lies on their back with both legs straight. Stand on the client's left and lift the left leg to a comfortable height with the knee slightly bent.
Movement phases
1. Support the leg
Support the leg at a height where there is no tightness in the back of the thigh.
2. Small movements
Rhythmically move the ankle between pointing the toes and bringing them back towards the shin, in a small range.
3. Slightly larger range
Make the ankle movement a little larger, as long as there is no numbness or tingling.
4. Lower the leg
Make the movement smaller and lower the leg to the table while supporting it.
What the trainer checks
Watch the client's face and listen for any numbness or discomfort. Also check that the other leg and the pelvis stay down.
Instructor information
Trainer position
Stand on the client's left (the side shown in the 3D) with your feet apart front to back, at a height that suits the table. Move by shifting your body weight rather than holding with the arms alone.
Contact and support
Support the heel from below with one palm and place the other hand on the front of the sole.
Stabilisation
Let the other leg rest on the table and keep the height where the pelvis stays down.
Compensation
Changes in knee bend, posterior pelvic tilt, holding the breath.
Easier option
Reduce the range and let the weight of the leg or arm rest on a cushion or the table. Go back to checking a pain-free starting position.
Cues and consent
Tell the client where you will touch and which way you will move, and say, 'Tell me straight away if you feel any pain or discomfort.' Confirm consent before touching and before moving.
Stop criteria
Return to the starting position immediately if the client reports sharp pain, numbness, weakness, a pinching feeling in the joint, dizziness, shortness of breath or anxiety, or asks to stop.
Caution
Work within your qualifications, contract and studio procedures, and check medical history, medication and any pain before starting. This is not a substitute for diagnosis or treatment. Do not perform unfamiliar techniques from the 3D alone. Think of a nerve glide as sliding rather than stretching, and keep the movements small. Stop if you feel numbness, tingling or pain, or if a sensation stays after moving. If you are receiving treatment for numbness or pain, check with your healthcare professional first.
These English notes describe a prototype model. Stretch and foam roller lessons have not yet been reviewed by the supervising instructors. They are not medical advice or an individual exercise prescription.
References and scope
Basson A et al. The Effectiveness of Neural Mobilization for Neuromusculoskeletal Conditions: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis. J Orthop Sports Phys Ther. 2017 ↗
A review of research on nerve gliding movements (neural mobilisation): combining joint movements to move the nerve pathway a little at a time.
