NDS Neurodynamic Solutions

🔥🔥🔥DID YOU KNOW? Applying neural tension in one area can DECREASE it in another.

1. MISCONCEPTION - A long-held misconception has been that applying tension along a nerve always increases tension in the connected nerves and nerve roots. This is sometimes incorrect because the nerve movements in other areas depend on the anatomy and biomechanics where angles and displacements change.

2. MECHANISM - As a nerve is tensioned distally, the nerve roots on the same side and spinal cord follow caudally. This cord movement can pass a reduction in tension to the nerve root on the other side.

3. NEURODYNAMIC RESPONSES - Neurodynamic test responses can reflect this reduction in tension. Knee extension during the slump test can reduce the neurodynamic response on the other side.

Reductions in neurodynamic responses:

- contralateral slump test - almost all subjects (Shacklock et al 2016, it was 100% but not likely when applied to larger population).
- bilateral leg raise - upper limb responses - 67% (Bell 1987).
- contralateral upper limb neurodynamic test - 62% (Rubenach 1984).

4. MPLICATIONS AND APPLICATIONS - Here are several uses for the mechanism:

a. b. c. Interpretation - bilateral techniques can be a lower progression than ipsilateral ones.

Diagnosis - contralateral nerve movements can be used to corroborate neurodynamic responses.

Treatment - techniques can be used to reduce tension for pain relief.

5. TECHNIQUE - How you do the technique is critical because small changes in technique can produce big changes in the result.

Video - here is an example of the bilateral straight leg raise.