“Nerve flossing” is a stretch in combination with movement to pull a nerve back and forth within the soft tissue. Just like when you floss your teeth! Nerve flossing can also be known as neural gliding to create movement. It is mainly used to help alleviate pain caused from compressed or irritated nerves. This compression or irritation can be a result from injury, new or old, or changes that occur to the surrounding structures of the nerve. The goal of performing nerve flossing is to have less pain and to ideally remove the scar tissue that adheres the nerve to the soft tissue near it. Without having the excess strain on the nerve it can move and send signals effectively and efficiently. Here are a few examples of nerve flossing that you can try at your own discretion. Nerve flossing is safe to perform if it is done correctly. Please consult your doctor prior to attempting these exercises. Please stop the exercises if pain occurs.

Sciatica: Sitting upright with knees and feet shoulder width apart, extend one leg straight and flex the foot towards your body. Next, tilt your head backwards. Hold for 3-5 seconds then release by bringing the head back down first and bring the leg back down.  Repeat this with the opposite leg. Repeat this exercise 3-8 times if you can. 

Median (carpal tunnel): Sitting upright, placing arms at 90 degrees with palms facing up in front of you. Bend the wrist back, hold for 3-5 seconds, then return to the starting position. repeat this exercise for 3-8 times.