Nerve Glides in Action

Just like all of the other tissues in our bodies, our nerves can lose some of their mobility (in terms of their ability to glide within the surrounding sheath) for all kinds of reasons: thanks to habitual movement patterns, lack of movement, injury, general inflammation, excessive compression, etc. Nerve glides or nerve flossing aim to restore the mobility of peripheral nerves, helping to return them to optimal neuromechanics.

Why work on nerve glides with your clients or classes? They can be helpful for clients who are in pain or who have limited range of motion, but they are also a great precursor to work that is difficult for many of us (think pushups, pull-ups, bench press, etc) as a way to encourage optimal muscle activation for those activities, or as a warm-up before more intense work.

In this video, look for:

• some key reminders and additions to keep in mind when incorporating nerve glides into your work with your classes/clients (or your own workouts!)
• the "formula" I use for sequencing them into my classes and sessions
• few examples of how they might fit into a session, ranging from: a sample vinayasa flow, to a chair yoga sequence, to handstand/arm balance/pushup work with a private client.
• plus a few cameos (and giggles) from my littlest buddy.

Homework!!!

(This will not to be "graded" but I will offer feedback to anyone who would like it. Simply intended as an activity to help you digest this information in a way that will allow you to put it into practice for yourself and your clients!)

Think about the last two nerve glides in the video, the femoral and the obturator nerve glides. What would these be helpful for? How could you incorporate them into the work you do with your clients/classes/yourself? What would a short sequence involving these look like? Answer in the comments below so the community can be inspired by your thoughts, or to respond privately email me at [email protected].