Nerve Mobilisation
I often promote mobility of the nerves when an individual presents with pins and needles, numbness or tightness around a particular joint.
There are two ways to mobilise the nerve: Tensioners or Sliders
Tensioners
Biasing a nerve at its highest tension point and then start mobilisation.
For example, to bias the ulnar nerve, you would side bend the neck to the contralateral side, depress the ipsilateral Sh., Sh. ABD to 90degs, full Sh. ER, full Elb Flex with Pronation, Wrist and Finger Ext (Increase bias to last 2 fingers). Then, while maintaining all the joints in the mentioned position, you can move either the Wrist, Elb or Sh.
Sliders
Same joint position with Tensioners but with more slack. There should be minimal to zero palpable or perceivable nerve tension during the mobilisation.
For example, to bias the ulnar nerve, you would normally side bend the neck to the contralateral side, depress the ipsilateral Sh., Sh. ABD to 90degs, full Sh. ER, full Elb Flex with Pronation, Wrist and Finger Ext (Increase bias to last 2 fingers).
In the case of Sliders, you reduce the amount of ROM mentioned above to keep the joints slightly slack.
Then, while maintaining all the joints in position, you move either the Wrist, Elb or Sh.
Bottom Line
In my opinion, the nerve biasing position is subjected to when tension is felt and hence some might need more twisting and bending.
Always get feedback from your client regarding the tension felt.
Lastly, there are many mobilising variations and it is up to you to decide.
