📖 Static demo — read-only snapshot
You’re browsing a static build of the Body IQ knowledge graph, so everything loads with no backend. A few things that need the live server are turned off here:
- Global search (sidebar) is disabled — it queries the API.
- The JSON API and the API “Try it” playgroundaren’t included.
- The data is a snapshot — it refreshes only when the demo is rebuilt, not live from the database.
Everything else — the body map, progression ladders, coverage heatmap, exercise finder, and all anatomy/exercise/source pages — works fully. The full app (live search + API + database) runs from the source on GitHub.
Nerve and Tendon Gliding Exercises (Carpal Tunnel)
Positions & Range of Motion
- Start
- seated, forearm supported, wrist and fingers in neutral, shoulder at side, elbow flexed
- End
- end of the glide sequence: for nerve glide, shoulder abducted with elbow, wrist and fingers extended and cervical spine laterally flexed away; for tendon glide, hand cycled through straight, hook fist, full fist, tabletop, and straight fist
- Range of Motion
- full available excursion of wrist/finger flexion–extension and elbow extension with graded cervical lateral flexion; gentle, non-provocative end ranges
How to Perform
Combined program of median nerve glides and tendon gliding for carpal tunnel syndrome. Nerve glides: sequential shoulder ABD → elbow extension → wrist/finger extension → cervical lateral flexion. Tendon glides: straight → hook fist → full fist → tabletop → straight fist. Proposed mechanisms include reducing intraneural pressure, improving nerve excursion, and preventing adhesion formation.
Opens a YouTube search for “Nerve and Tendon Gliding Exercises (Carpal Tunnel)”
Coaching Cues
- 1
Quiet, sliding pattern — nerve and tendon move independently
(verbal) - 2
Cycle through five hand shapes: straight, hook, fist, tabletop, straight fist
(verbal) - 3
Open the hand toward the ceiling, then close into a fist
(verbal) - 4
Tendons glide like ropes through a pulley
(visual)
Evidence-Based Dosing & EMG Data
5-10 reps of each position, 3-5x daily, 6-12 weeks; combine with nighttime neutral wrist splinting [Akalin 2002, Baysal 2006]
Historical studies show modest improvements when combined with splinting. May help delay or reduce need for surgical intervention in mild-moderate CTS.
Muscles Involved (3)
Primary Movers
Synergists & Assistors
Easier Variations ↓
Tendon Glides Only
Perform only the tendon gliding sequence without the nerve component. Less neural tension.
Single-Joint Nerve Glide
Move only one joint at a time (e.g., wrist extension only) instead of the full sequential mobilization.
Regress to tendon-gliding-sequence
AUDIT: If the combined nerve+tendon CTS program is symptom-provocative, drop the neural component and perform tendon gliding only (its named 'Tendon Glides Only' regression); tendon-gliding-sequence is the standard tendon-only post-CTR protocol. Advance back when neural tension is tolerated.
Harder Variations ↑
Full Sequential Nerve Glide
Complete the full shoulder-elbow-wrist-finger-cervical sequence for maximum neural excursion.
Nerve Glide with Sustained Hold
Hold the end-range position for 5-10 seconds to increase neural tensioning effect.
Target Movements (8)
Why This Exercise Matters
Everyday activities this exercise helps you do — essential means it directly trains the capacity the task needs:
Goals This Helps With
Rehab, performance, prevention, and mobility goals this exercise supports — essential means it's a cornerstone:
Research Notes
Historical studies show modest improvements when combined with splinting. May help delay or reduce need for surgical intervention in mild-moderate CTS.
Evidence Sources (2)
- 📄Therapeutic Exercise: Foundations and Techniques— Kisner C, Colby LA, Borstad J
Therapeutic exercise foundations for Nerve and Tendon Gliding Exercises (Carpal Tunnel)
- 📄ACSM's Guidelines for Exercise Testing and Prescription— American College of Sports Medicine
ACSM exercise prescription guidelines for Nerve and Tendon Gliding Exercises (Carpal Tunnel)