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Contralateral Neural Tissue Mobilization for Cervical Radiculopathy
Sponsor: Evidence In Motion
Summary
Cervical radiculopathy (CR) is a common form of peripheral neuropathic pain characterized by neck and upper extremity symptoms in a dermatomal distribution. Neural tissue mobilization (NTM) is an intervention shown to provide benefit for neuropathic pain presentations; however, some patients are unable to tolerate direct treatment of the symptomatic limb due to allodynia, hyperalgesia, or fear of movement. Early evidence from lower-extremity research suggests that contralateral NTM may produce therapeutic effects similar to ipsilateral treatment, but this approach has not been investigated in individuals with upper-extremity symptoms. This exploratory case series aims to examine the immediate effects of contralateral NTM in adults presenting to outpatient physical therapy with CR. Participants will undergo pre- and post-treatment assessments of pain intensity, disability, fear-avoidance beliefs, pain distribution, and neurodynamic mechanosensitivity. Findings will provide preliminary evidence regarding whether contralateral NTM may serve as a viable treatment option when direct symptomatic limb treatment is not tolerated.
Official title: Contralateral Neural Tissue Mobilization for Cervical Radiculopathy: An Exploratory Study
Key Details
Gender
All
Age Range
18 Years - Any
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Enrollment
40
Start Date
2025-12
Completion Date
2026-09
Last Updated
2025-11-25
Healthy Volunteers
No
Interventions
Contralateral Neural Tissue Mobilization (NTM)
A standardized 8-10 minute contralateral NTM protocol will be performed and includes: 1. Supine passive neurodynamic mobilization (ULNT1a pattern) with: * Cervical side flexion toward the non-symptomatic side * Movement to the point of resistance * 1-2 seconds of gentle engagement followed by release * Repeated 15 times 2. Supine passive neurodynamic mobilization with: * Neutral cervical position * Repeated 15 times 3. Supine passive neurodynamic mobilization with: * Cervical side flexion away from the non-symptomatic side * Repeated 15 times 4. Sitting active neurodynamic exercises (contralateral UE) * 10 active "sliders" * 10 active "tensioners" * 10 additional active "sliders" The neurodynamic pattern follows the ULNT1a sequence: shoulder abduction to 90°, external rotation, forearm supination, wrist/finger extension with ulnar deviation, and progressive elbow extension. Single treatment session delivered in-person by a trained physical therapist.