The effectiveness of neural mobilization (NM) for neuromusculoskeletal conditions: a SR with MA

(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

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