Neurodynamic Solutions - Upper and Lower Quarter Level 1 Course

This internationally standardized and transferable course is based on Michael Shacklock’s acclaimed textbook Clinical Neurodynamics (Elsevier, Oxford, 2005). It provides a structured, evidence-based, and highly practical approach to the diagnosis and treatment of neurodynamic disorders in musculoskeletal practice.

Course Highlights:

• 65:35 ratio of practical to theoretical learning

• Strong emphasis on hands-on techniques and clinical discussion

• Introduction to numerous manual techniques for significant neural problems

• Structured treatment progressions for:

  • Cervical and lumbar radiculopathy

  • Shoulder, elbow, wrist conditions

  • Hip and piriformis syndrome

  • Hamstring and foot/ankle dysfunctions

Participants will gain the ability to:

• Understand how nerves move and behave under mechanical stress

• Safely perform nerve root mobilizations

• Exclude or confirm neurodynamic disorders through precise assessment

• Distinguish neurodynamic components from musculoskeletal origins

• Formulate accurate neurodynamic diagnoses

• Apply clinical progressions tailored to functional levels

• Execute neurodynamic techniques with manual precision

• Identify contraindications and know when to adjust or stop treatment

This course is designed to enhance:

• Palpation and movement assessment skills specific to neural structures

• Diagnostic reasoning using neurodynamic testing and musculoskeletal correlations

• Clinical safety and efficacy in treatment planning

• Ability to identify and manage functional neurodynamic disorders

• Skill in selecting and progressing treatment techniques appropriately

• Clinical judgment in managing treatment thresholds and contraindications

Topics Covered

Day 1

• Introduction to the concept of neurodynamics

  • General and specific neurodynamic principles

  • Sliding, tensioning, convergence, and sequencing

  • Linking mechanical function to physiology

  • Structural differentiation and contralateral testing

• Practical session: Nerve palpation – Lower limb

  • Sciatic nerve

  • Tibial nerve

  • Fibular (common, superficial, deep) nerve

  • Sural nerve

  • Medial calcaneal nerve

• Practical session: Nerve palpation – Upper limb

  • Median nerve and its motor branch

  • Ulnar and radial nerves at the wrist and elbow

  • Radial sensory nerve

  • Brachial plexus (lower cervical spinal nerves)

• Practical session: Standard neurodynamic testing

  • Upper limb: Median (ULNT1 & ULNT2), ulnar, and radial tests

  • Lower limb: Straight leg raise, slump test, tibial, peroneal, and sural tests

Day 2

• Diagnosis using neurodynamic tests

  • Identification of normal, abnormal, overt, and covert responses

  • Integration of test findings into the patient’s overall clinical picture

  • Classification and clinical interpretation of test responses

• Planning the physical examination and treatment

  • Classification by levels/types (0, 1, 2, 3a, 3b, 3c)

• Diagnostic categories in neuropathodynamics

  • Interface dysfunction

  • Reduced opening and closing

  • Neural tension and sliding dysfunction

  • Pathophysiological mechanisms

• Treatment methodology – theoretical foundations

  • Addressing pathophysiology and pathomechanics

  • Treatment progression from neural protection to mobilisation strategies

• Practical session: Lumbar region treatment

  • Management of low back pain and lumbar radiculopathy

  • Opening and closing dysfunctions

  • Neural tension and sliding dysfunctions

  • Contralateral progression strategies

Day 3

• Practical session: Lumbar, hip, and foot treatment

  • Combined dysfunctions with neural tension

  • Deep gluteal and piriformis syndrome

  • Interface openers and closers

  • Muscle stretching, sliders, tensioners

  • Multistructural techniques for foot and ankle dysfunctions

• Practical session: Cervical spine

  • Neck and radicular pain

  • Opening and closing dysfunction techniques

  • Contralateral progressions with Level 3a, 3b, 3c approaches

• Practical session: Complete cervical spine dysfunctions

• Practical session: Lateral elbow pain

  • Supinator tunnel syndrome

  • Openers, closers, sliders, and tensioners

• Practical session: Carpal tunnel syndrome

  • Multistructural approach using openers, closers, sliders, and tensioners

• Final discussion and course closure

References

The course is supported by robust clinical and academic research. All participants receive a curated reference list, including landmark studies by Shacklock, Basson, Brinjikji, Bueno Gracia, and others on diagnostic accuracy, nerve mechanics, and treatment efficacy.