Is Nerve Flossing Useful for Nerve Injury? What the Science Says

Understanding Nerve Injuries

Nerves are the body’s communication highways, transmitting signals for movement, sensation, and reflexes. When a nerve is compressed, stretched, or irritated — whether due to injury, repetitive strain, or surgery — symptoms like pain, tingling, numbness, or weakness can appear.

While traditional treatments often include rest, physical therapy, and targeted exercises, nerve flossing, also known as nerve gliding or neural mobilisation, has gained attention as a way to improve nerve function and reduce discomfort. But what does the evidence say?

What Is Nerve Flossing?

Nerve flossing involves gentle, controlled movements that allow a nerve to slide more freely within its surrounding tissues. Think of it as sliding a rope through a narrow tube — the nerve is encouraged to move without getting trapped or irritated.

The technique does not directly repair a damaged nerve but helps reduce tension, improve mobility, and restore function, especially after minor nerve injuries or irritations.

The Physiology Behind Nerve Flossing

After a nerve injury, surrounding tissues can become tight, inflamed, or adhered to the nerve, limiting movement. Nerve flossing can:

• Improve nerve mobility and reduce adhesions.

• Enhance blood flow to support healing.

• Decrease mechano-sensitivity, lowering pain triggered by normal motion.

• Restore normal movement patterns, helping prevent compensatory injuries.

By restoring smooth nerve movement, patients often experience reduced pain and improved function over time.

What the Research Says

Emerging research shows promising benefits of nerve flossing:

• Peripheral nerve injuries: Studies indicate that nerve gliding can reduce pain and improve sensory function in mild entrapments like carpal tunnel syndrome.

• Sciatica and radiculopathy: Neural mobilisation exercises have been shown to improve flexibility, pain, and function when used alongside conventional therapy.

• Evidence caveats: Most studies are small-scale or short-term, emphasising that nerve flossing works best as part of a comprehensive rehabilitation plan rather than a standalone solution.

When Nerve Flossing May Help

Nerve flossing can be beneficial if you:

• Have mild to moderate nerve irritation or entrapment.

• Feel stiffness or “pulling” along the nerve pathway.

• Have medical clearance from a physiotherapist or doctor.

Avoid flossing if you:

• Experience sharp, burning pain during exercises.

• Have recent nerve surgery or severe compression.

• Notice progressive weakness, numbness, or loss of function.

How to Perform Nerve Flossing Safely

Exercises vary depending on the nerve affected. Examples include:

• Median nerve glide: Extending the arm with wrist and finger motion (common for carpal tunnel).

• Ulnar nerve glide: Elbow bends combined with wrist movements (“funny bone” nerve).

• Sciatic nerve glide: Leg and ankle movements to mobilize the lower-body nerve.

Perform exercises slowly, smoothly, and pain-free, usually 10–15 reps, once or twice daily. A physiotherapist can design a programme tailored to your condition and stage of recovery.

The Bottom Line

Nerve flossing can support recovery from nerve injuries by improving mobility, reducing tension, and aiding function. While it’s not a miracle cure, when performed correctly and in the right context, it’s a valuable addition to a comprehensive rehabilitation plan.