Why is nerve flossing an effective technique for carpal tunnel syndrome, and how should it be performed?

Nerve flossing is effective because it helps to release tethering along the nerve pathway, allowing for proper nerve glide within the surrounding tissues. Nerves do not stretch in the same way muscles do, so creating movement through flossing can alleviate compression and entrapment, particularly for the median nerve in carpal tunnel syndrome. To perform nerve flossing, the therapist guides the client through a series of movements that alternately pull the nerve distally towards the hand and proximally towards the brain. For the median nerve, this involves extending the arm, turning the palm downward, and tilting the head away from the stretched arm to create a gentle sliding motion of the nerve. This process is repeated for about ten repetitions daily, which can quickly resolve nerve tethering and provide symptom relief.