Sliders and tensioners

In the early days of neurodynamics, we devised techniques called sliders and tensioners. This was based on the principle that the nervous system is a mechanically continuous structure throughout the body and a clinical search for non-aggressive neural mobilising techniques.

Fig 14.5 From Butler DS 2000 The Sensitive Nervous System, Noigroup, Adelaide

A tensioner is when the nervous system is pulled from both ends. For example, in the slump test, when neck flexion and knee extension, both of which physically load neural tissues are performed together, we refer to this as a tensioner, (i.e. "pulling from both ends"). If the knee is extended and the neck extended at the same time, we refer to this as a slider. The slider is much less aggressive technique. Some people refer to the slider technique as “flossing” as in dental flossing.

Michel Coppieters and I published a paper on this in Manual Therapy, titled- “Do sliders slide and tensioners tension/” (email me if you want a copy). This upper limb cadaveric study on the median and ulnar nerves showed that a slider technique (eg elbow extension with wrist flexion) created much more nerve sliding than a tensioner technique and in comparison, hardly strained the nerves. The suggestion is that mobilising techniques for neuropathic pain states involving peripheral nerves can be made more specific. The gentle but marked sliding of nerves may be extremely therapeutic in aiding early restoration of nerve gliding surfaces and pathways post trauma, and assisting dispersal of inflammatory exudate in gliding pathways.

Introduction

NOI group began in 1989 and went international after the publication of David Butler’s book “Mobilisation of the Nervous System” and the establishment of teaching faculties in the US, Canada, German speaking Europe, United Kingdom, Italy and Australia.

Essentially the entire nervous system is a continuous structure and it moves and slides in the body as we move and the movement is related to critical physiological processes such as blood flow to neurones. This movement is quite dramatic and it is not hard to imagine that fluid such as blood in the nerve bed, a constricting scar, inflammation around the nerve or a nerve having to contend with arthritic changes or proximity to an unstable joint could have damaging effects, some of which could lead to pain.

There are numerous seminars worldwide on neurodynamics and NOI produce the resources The Sensitive Nervous System and NOI DVD and handbook.