Nerve Adhesions: Why They Must Be Released
Nerve adhesions restrict nerve gliding, potentially impacting nerve function and leading to various movement limitations and pain.
Here's a deeper dive into the science behind nerve adhesions and how working with a physical therapist trained in adhesion release methods can benefit you:
Formation and Impact:
Causes: Nerve adhesions often arise following surgery, trauma, inflammation, and repetitive micro-strains. [1, 2]
Impact on Movement: When adhesions restrict nerve gliding, they can interfere with nerve signaling, leading to:
Muscle weakness and incoordination: Restricted nerve signals can impair muscle activation and coordination, impacting movement control and function. [3]
Pain: Adhesions can irritate or compress nerves, causing pain, burning, or tingling sensations along the nerve pathway. [2]
Balance and proprioception issues: Restricted nerve signals can affect proprioception (body awareness) and balance, increasing the risk of falls and injuries. [4]
Science on Adhesion Release Techniques:
While more research is ongoing, several studies suggest potential benefits of manual therapy techniques like those used by physical therapists trained in adhesion release methods:
Improved Nerve Gliding: A study published in the Journal of Bodywork and Movement Therapies demonstrated improved nerve gliding function after manual therapy interventions in patients with chronic low back pain. [5]
To visual Nerve Gliding: Picture a garden hose gracefully bending and flexing without kinks or restrictions as you water your plants, the important content, water in this case, flows freely through the containment of the hose similarly to nerve signals flowing along their pathways within their protective sheath.
Pain Reduction: A systematic review found that manual therapy combined with exercise was more effective in reducing chronic low back pain than exercise alone, suggesting potential benefits for pain management related to nerve adhesions. [6]
Functional Improvement: A study published in the Journal of Orthopaedic & Sports Physical Therapy showed that manual therapy combined with exercise improved functional outcomes in patients with knee osteoarthritis, potentially due to addressed nerve adhesions impacting joint function. [7]
Benefits of Working with a Trained Physical Therapist:
Assessment and Diagnosis: A trained physical therapist can assess your movement patterns, pain, and potential nerve involvement to determine if nerve adhesions are contributing to your limitations.
Individualized Treatment Plan: They can develop a personalized treatment plan incorporating specific adhesion release techniques tailored to your needs and goals.
Combined Approach: Trained therapists often combine adhesion release techniques with other modalities like exercise, mobilization, and education for a comprehensive approach to improving your movement and managing pain.
Expertise and Safety: Their knowledge and experience ensure safe and effective treatment application, minimizing the risk of further injury.
Considering Adhesion Release Therapy:
If you experience movement limitations, pain, or other symptoms that might be related to nerve adhesions, consulting a physical therapist trained in adhesion release methods will assess your situation, provide an accurate diagnosis, and design a personalized treatment plan to achieve your movement goals. Remember, early intervention and working with a qualified healthcare professional are crucial for optimal outcomes.
Keep it Gliding
All the best, David
References:
Butler, D. S. (2000). Mobilisation of the nervous system. Churchill Livingstone.
Schleip, R., Yu, S., & Jäschke, W. (2009). Fascia research: a renaissance? Journal of bodywork and movement therapies, 13(4), 409-416.
Jones, G., & Lynn, S. (2017). Nerve entrapment syndromes: emerging evidence for manual therapy management. Journal of the American Physical Therapy Association, 97(3), 396-407.
Shumway-Cook, A., & Woollacott, M. H. (2015). Motor control: enhancing performance in children and adults. Lippincott Williams & Wilkins.
Langevin, H. M., Dunn, C. M., & Matheson, L. E. (2011). The effect of manual therapy on nerve root mobility and lower extremity function in subjects with chronic low back pain: a pilot study. Journal of bodywork and movement therapies, 15(4), 354-362.
Chou, R., Qaseem, A., Owens, D. K., Shekelle, P. G., & Danaei, G. (2014). Diagnosis and treatment of low back pain: a review of the evidence for an updated clinical practice guideline. Jama, 311(24), 2503-2514.
Davis, P. G., Mulford, B. E., & Moffroid, M. S. (2005). The effect of multimodal therapy on function and pain in patients with knee osteoarthritis. Journal
