Neural Manipulation (NM) identifies and releases local nerve restrictions. Nerves need to move freely within their surroundings to function correctly. If a nerve cannot move freely, the result can be sensitivity, pain, and reduced health. It's important to remember that the nervous system (made up the the brain, spinal cord and peripheral nerves) functions as a communication and information system within the body, between all of its tissues. If the nervous system becomes dysfunctional, there can be widespread effects, often with the intial source of the dysfunction far from where the pain is felt or the problem is emerging.
NM is a gentle, hands-on manual therapy involving precise work along nerves involved in the dysfunctional pattern, mobilizing and stretching the soft tissues in order to release restrictions. Symptoms should start to decrease, response time varying with the level of initial damage to the nerve.
Examples of possible issues that can be resolved utilizing NM:
- Limited mobility
- Headaches and migraines
- Lower back pain and sciatica
- Carpal tunnel syndrome
- Joint pain
- Digestive Disorders
- Post-operative scar tissue pain
- Thoracic outlet syndrome
- Whiplash injuries
- Neuralgia and neuritis
- Tendinitis
NM can not help with dysfunctions arising from nerve pathology, only with issues arising from mechanical restrictions of the nerves. For example, NM will not help with neuropathies arising from diabetes. Other contraindications for the use of NM would be:
- Severe pain, radiation of pain with touch
- Severe circulation problems
- Severe arterial hypertension
- Cancer
- Radiation therapy
- Herpes Zoster in active state
- Nerve grafts
- Infectious neuropathies
- Hematologic diseases
- Skin disease
- Arterio-Venous malformation
- Aneurysms
You can learn more about this technique at The Barral Institute.
