Are neurodynamics and stretches the same thing?
Are neurodynamics and stretches the same thing?
The short answer is “no”. Stretches are usually intended to target muscles, tendons, and fascia. Neurodymanics (also known as neuromechanics, nerve glides, and nerve flosses) may look very similar to some stretches, but are trying to reach a different target: your nerves! That being said, the body is truly interconnected and while we may have one intention or goal in our mind about what we’re trying to target, it’s impossible to not stretch a muscle, etc. while you’re trying to stretch a nerve.
Why would I want to move my nerves?
We know nerves are important because they send signals, but did you know that how well they move may influence just how well they can send and receive signals throughout the body? You might be thinking your triceps muscles are “off” or don’t fire well, but what you actually might be experiencing is a mapping issue of the sensory nerves in that area and a neurodynamic exercise may help get that area “back online”. Improving how our nerves slide, stretch and glide may also improve blood flow and immune response in the local area.
Our nerves are moving with us all of the time!
If you were to round your back and hug your knees into your chest, as in full spinal flexion, the spinal cord can elongate by as much as 3.5 inches! Just moving your arm around can move the nervous system as much as ¾ of an inch. If you’re wondering if that’s a good or bad thing - it’s both good and normal for your nerve tissues to move. Even breathing causes the spinal cord to expand and shrink slightly with each breath.
But what if you’re hypermobile?
Having hypermobile joints does not mean that you should completely stop your nerves from moving. Often people with hypermobility have an issue with how their nerves communicate information to their brain about the positioning of the nerves and things like how much tension is on the nerve. One way to address this and improve your brain’s “map” of these areas that you have difficulty sensing is through nerve mobilization! *This may be less advisable with certain medical conditions - so it’s always advisable to double check with your health care provider before starting any new exercise technique.*
But what if you’re experiencing pain?
People in pain are often sensitive to the movement of the nervous system. Maybe you’ve felt back pain by just sitting and trying to tilt your chin down towards your chest. Maybe it’s been a different position that can bring on pain or tingling, even in places far away from the area you’re moving. After injury or lack of movement (like a long hiatus from exercise, or avoiding moving a certain joint) can make these tissues get a little “sticky”. The good news is that a simple remedy is gentle movement that slowly builds up to greater ranges of motion.
Do you want to learn more?
All exercise will involve moving the nervous system, but there are very specific ways to target and mobilize nerve tissue that can be particularly helpful for areas that need a little extra help! If you want to experience a couple of neurodynamic exercises to help improve your upper body mobility and decrease tightness in the neck, shoulders, and wrists, then enter your name and email address below to get a FREE 20 minute class delivered right to your inbox!