Neural Manipulation Therapy
What is Neural Manipulation Therapy?
Neural manipulation therapy, which was developed by French Osteopaths Jean Pierre Barral and Alain Croibier, identifies restrictions in and around the nerves of the body and releases them. This technique combines precisely applied light pressure and passive movement, effecting the bound connective tissue surrounding the nerve tissue restoring it to its original length, reducing pressure on the nerve.
When there is a restriction in or around the nerve, we say it is "fixed" and it has lost its ability to glide or stretch (accommodating movement). Normal movements result in excessive stretch and pressure on the nerve, causing pain. In addition, the intra-neural pressure can be increased, leading to interferences with the blood flow inside the nerve, and/or the conductivity of the nerve. This can all lead to fibrotic changes inside the nerve.
In addition to causing localized pain, neural fixation can also irritate the corresponding segment of the spinal cord, resulting in more systemic dysfunction. If left untreated, the body begins to shift and accommodate the restriction, leading to other patterns of dysfunction.
The Benefits of Neural Manipulation Therapy
The effects of this treatment often extend beyond the local area of treatment to the rest of the body, helping to resolve more global dysfunctional patterns. Manual neural manipulation can have a reflexogenic effect on other areas of the body through the central and peripheral nervous system.
Manual neural manipulation also reduces the intra-neural pressure, restoring blood flow and conductivity in the nerve, improving its function. This treatment can also help to improve over-all circulation to the area.
Neural Manipulation Therapy is very light and gentle, but these subtle movement can lead to dramatic changes in the body, reducing pain, improving posture, alignment and coordination. Individual areas of fixation can often be resolved very quickly, sometimes in one session and the effects can even be permanent.