How do you release a trapped nerve?
A trapped nerve (also known as a pinched nerve) can cause sharp, shooting pain, numbness, tingling, or even muscle weakness. Whether it’s in your neck, lower back, arm, or leg, a trapped nerve can seriously affect your day to day life. But the good news is: it’s treatable.
As physiotherapists, we regularly help patients relieve the discomfort of a trapped nerve. Here’s what you need to know, and how we can help…
What is a trapped nerve?
A trapped nerve occurs when surrounding tissues (like muscles, tendons, discs, or bones) place too much pressure on a nerve. This compression interferes with the nerve’s function, leading to pain or altered sensations. Common conditions that can cause a trapped nerve include:
Herniated discs (particularly in the lower back or neck)
Muscle tightness or spasm
Poor posture
Repetitive movements
Injury or trauma
How can a trapped nerve be released?
1. Assessment first
Before any treatment begins, a thorough assessment is essential. We’ll ask about your symptoms, perform physical tests and, if needed, refer you for imaging such as an MRI to confirm the diagnosis.
2. Manual therapy
Gentle joint mobilisation and soft tissue techniques can help relieve pressure on the affected nerve. For example, if the trapped nerve is caused by tight muscles or spinal joint restrictions, hands-on physiotherapy techniques can reduce tension and restore normal movement.
3. Targeted exercises
We’ll prescribe specific exercises to stretch and strengthen the right muscles, improve posture, and reduce nerve irritation. Nerve gliding exercises are particularly useful; they help the nerve move more freely through surrounding tissues.
4. Postural advice and ergonomics
Poor posture (especially when sitting at a desk or driving for long hours) is a common cause of nerve compression. We’ll help you identify and correct postural habits that might be contributing to the problem.
5. Pain management techniques
In some cases, we may use modalities such as heat, ice, ultrasound or TENS (transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation) to manage pain and inflammation while your body heals.
How long does it take to recover from a trapped nerve?
Recovery time varies depending on the severity of the compression and how early treatment begins. With the right physiotherapy support, many people experience noticeable relief within a few weeks.
Physiotherapist in Bramhall, Stockport
If you’re dealing with pain, pins and needles, or weakness, you don’t have to just put up with it. Physiotherapy offers a safe, effective and non-invasive way to release a trapped nerve and get you back to doing what you love, pain-free.
We are an experienced team of physiotherapists in Bramhall, near Stockport. Get in touch today to book an assessment and start your journey to recovery.