(Basson et al., 2017)
Aims: To determine the efficacy of neural mobilization (NM) for musculoskeletal conditions with a neuropathic component.
Methods: SR with MA. Included if MSK issue with ND component, assessing NM efficacy assessing pain, disability, and function. Studies’ risk of bias assessed, 2 reviewers …
Results: 40 studies with 1759 participants. NM is effective in the management of nerve-related low back pain, nerve-related neck and arm pain, and plantar heel pain and tarsal tunnel syndrome. NM seems not to have a positive effect on outcomes measured in the management of carpal tunnel syndrome. Positive neurophysiological effects were present in groups that received NM.
Bias: Limited evidence, small study samples most of the time + heterogeneity of included studies.
In Practice: NM helpful to improve pain, function & disability in patient with MSK conditions with ND involvement. It also reduces intraneural œdema.
Basson, A., Olivier, B., Ellis, R., Coppieters, M., Stewart, A., & Mudzi, W. (2017). The Effectiveness of Neural Mobilization for Neuromusculoskeletal Conditions: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis. Journal of Orthopaedic & Sports Physical Therapy, 47(9), 593–615. https://doi.org/10.2519/jospt.2017.7117