Neural Mobilization Techniques in Neuromusculoskeletal Disorders
Summary
Neural mobilization encompasses a suite of hands-on methods designed to restore the normal biomechanics and physiology of the peripheral nervous system. By applying graded tensile or gliding forces to a nerve or neural pathway, practitioners aim to reduce intraneural oedema, normalise axoplasmic flow and decrease mechanosensitivity. In clinical contexts such as lumbar radiculopathy, sciatica, carpal tunnel syndrome and various entrapment neuropathies, these techniques are applied as part of a multimodal rehabilitation programme. Beyond symptomatic relief, neural mobilization may influence neuroimmune interactions, modulate glial cell activity and trigger endogenous analgesic pathways. The technique is typically delivered through sequences of limb positioning, oscillatory tension and gentle stretch, adjusted to patient tolerance. Its non-invasive nature and compatibility with exercise, manual therapy and patient education underscore its growing role in managing pain, disability and functional impairments across a spectrum of neuromusculoskeletal disorders.
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Neural Mobilization Techniques in Neuromusculoskeletal Disorders publication trend
The graph below shows the total number of articles in neural mobilization techniques in neuromusculoskeletal disorders across all publications each year (not limited to Nature Index journals).
Technical terms
Neural mobilization: A manual therapy technique applying controlled movement or tension to nerves to restore normal physiological function and reduce sensitivity.
Radiculopathy: A condition in which one or more nerve roots are compressed or irritated, causing pain, weakness or sensory changes along the nerve distribution.
Hyperalgesia: An increased pain response to a stimulus that is normally painful.
Allodynia: Pain due to a stimulus that does not normally provoke pain, often reflecting central or peripheral sensitization.
Glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP): An intermediate filament protein expressed by astrocytes and non-neuronal glial cells, used as a marker of glial activation.
References
- Neural Mobilization for Reducing Pain and Disability in Patients with Lumbar Radiculopathy: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Life (2023).
- Neural Mobilization Reverses Behavioral and Cellular Changes That Characterize Neuropathic Pain in Rats. Molecular Pain (2012).
- Effects of neural mobilization on pain, straight leg raise test and disability in patients with radicular low back pain. Journal of Health Sciences (2013).
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