Neural Manipulation.
Respecting the body's communication network.
The nervous system is the body's communication network, continuously transmitting information that allows us to move, sense, respond and adapt.
Neural Manipulation, developed through the clinical work of French osteopath Jean-Pierre Barral and further developed with Alain Croibier, is a gentle manual therapy approach that considers the mobility of neural tissues and their relationship with the surrounding fascia, muscles and other structures.
Nerves do not exist in isolation. They pass through and alongside muscles, fascia, joints and anatomical spaces, and need to move in relation to these surrounding tissues as the body moves.
Following injury, surgery, inflammation, repetitive strain or changes in tissue mobility, these relationships may become altered. This can contribute to tension, sensitivity or changes in movement.
Neural Manipulation uses precise, gentle manual contact to assess these relationships and encourage more comfortable mobility within the tissues surrounding the nerves.
How does Neural Manipulation work?
Nerves move through and between surrounding tissues as we breathe, move and change position before reaching the tissues they supply.
When the surrounding tissues become restricted or their normal movement relationships change, neural mobility may be relevant to a person's presentation.
Neural Manipulation uses gentle, precise manual contact to work with the mechanical relationships around the nervous system.
Treatment may consider relationships between:
Nerves and surrounding fascia
Nerves and muscles
Nerves and joints
The spine and surrounding tissues
Neural and visceral relationships
The aim is not to force or stretch a nerve, but to work with the tissues and movement relationships that may be relevant.
Neural Manipulation looks beyond the nerve itself and considers the environment through which it travels.
What conditions can Neural Manipulation help with?
Neural Manipulation has been explored within manual therapy for a range of musculoskeletal and pain presentations.
At FLO, it may be incorporated into treatment where relevant for:
Neck and shoulder tension
Lower back and pelvic discomfort
Sciatic-type symptoms
Headaches and migraine-related tension
Arm or leg tension associated with restricted movement
Repetitive-strain presentations
Post-surgical tissue restrictions
Localised nerve sensitivity
Movement restrictions where neural mobility may be a contributing factor
Post-concussion recovery, where appropriate and following appropriate medical assessment
Neural Manipulation is not intended to diagnose neurological conditions or replace medical assessment. Where symptoms suggest an underlying neurological disorder or require medical investigation, appropriate referral is recommended.
Neural Manipulation and musculoskeletal pain.
The nervous system does not operate separately from the musculoskeletal system.
Nerves pass through muscles, fascia and joints, and their movement is influenced by the surrounding tissues.
For this reason, a musculoskeletal assessment may sometimes include consideration of neural mobility where it appears relevant.
Treatment may combine Neural Manipulation with remedial massage, fascial techniques, Muscle Energy Techniques, Functional Release or gentle joint work.
Neural Manipulation and Headaches.
Headaches can have many different causes and needs.
Where appropriate, manual therapy may consider the relationship between the nervous system and surrounding tissues of the head, neck, jaw and upper shoulder region.
Neural Manipulation may form one part of this broader assessment when neural and fascial relationships appear relevant.
Headaches that are new, severe, rapidly changing or associated with neurological symptoms require appropriate medical assessment.
Concussion and post-concussion needs.
Concussion requires appropriate medical assessment and management.
Once medically cleared, some people may continue to experience symptoms such as headaches, neck tension, sensitivity or movement-related discomfort.
Manual therapy may be used as a supportive component of recovery where appropriate, with the focus on relevant musculoskeletal, fascial and neural relationships rather than treating the concussion itself.
What does Neural Manipulation feel like?
Neural tissues can be sensitive, so Neural Manipulation is generally performed using very light and precise contact.
Treatment should not require aggressive stretching or forceful pressure on a nerve. You may notice a subtle pulling, tension or change in sensation as the tissues are assessed.
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No.
Neural stretching and nerve-gliding exercises are movement-based techniques in which the nervous system is mobilised through specific body positions and movements.
Neural Manipulation is a hands-on manual approach that focuses on the mechanical relationships between neural tissues and the structures surrounding them.
Depending on your presentation, one approach may be more appropriate than another. In some cases, manual treatment may also be complemented by movement or exercise recommendations.
Neural Manipulation FAQs.
A broader view of the nervous system.
At FLO, the nervous system is considered alongside the other systems involved in movement and adaptation.
Neural Manipulation is therefore not necessarily about treating the nerve itself. It is one tool for exploring the relationships that may be relevant to how a person is moving and feeling.