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Ulnar Nerve Glide

Draftmobility75%beginner⬤ limited evidence
View FHIR resourceFHIR R4 ActivityDefinition — the interoperable form of this exercise

Positions & Range of Motion

Start
seated upright, working arm at the side, ready to sequence shoulder abduction, elbow flexion, wrist extension, and cervical lateral flexion
End
shoulder abducted with elbow flexed and wrist extended bringing the open hand up toward the ear, head tipped away from the working arm to load the nerve, then released
Range of Motion
combined shoulder abduction, elbow flexion, wrist extension, and cervical lateral flexion producing sliding neural excursion at the cubital tunnel; light non-tensioning glide

How to Perform

Sequential movements to mobilize the ulnar nerve: shoulder ABD → elbow flexion → wrist extension → cervical lateral flexion. Very low-certainty evidence for mild-moderate ulnar neuropathy at elbow. Nerve gliding may not add benefit beyond patient education for cubital tunnel. 89.5% improved at 6 months with conservative management.

Watch on YouTube↗

Opens a YouTube search for “Ulnar Nerve Glide”

Starting position: seated

Coaching Cues

  1. 1

    Soft, sliding tension — ulnar nerve glides at the elbow and wrist

    (verbal)
  2. 2

    Bring the open hand up toward the ear

    (verbal)
  3. 3

    Tip the head away from the working arm at the end

    (verbal)
  4. 4

    Nerve slides through the cubital tunnel like silk

    (visual)

Evidence-Based Dosing & EMG Data

Recommended Dosing

5-10 reps of sequence, 2-3x daily for 6-8 weeks. Combine with elbow positioning education [Svernlöv 2009]

Muscles Involved (8)

Primary Movers

Extensor Digitorum— Active wrist extension during tensioning

Stabilizers

Flexor Carpi Ulnaris— Ulnar nerve passes through FCU — involved in gliding

Lengthened / Stretched

Flexor Carpi Radialis— AUDIT: Wrist extension in the glide lengthens the wrist flexor FCR.
Triceps Brachii— AUDIT: Elbow flexion in the sequence lengthens the elbow extensor triceps brachii.
Anconeus— AUDIT: Elbow flexion lengthens the elbow extensor anconeus.
Upper Trapezius— AUDIT: Cervical sidebend away from the working arm (contralateral lateral flexion) genuinely lengthens the ipsilateral working-side upper trapezius — biomechanics verified.
Pectoralis Major— AUDIT: Shoulder abduction lengthens the adductor pectoralis major.
Latissimus Dorsi— AUDIT: Shoulder abduction lengthens the adductor/extensor latissimus dorsi.

Easier Variations ↓

1

Elbow Positioning Only

Focus on avoiding sustained elbow flexion >90°. Education-based approach.

Harder Variations ↑

1

Full Neural Tension Sequence

Add cervical lateral flexion away and shoulder depression for maximum nerve excursion.

Target Movements (3)

Wrist ExtensionRadiocarpal Joint
Elbow FlexionHumeroulnar Joint
Shoulder AbductionGlenohumeral Joint

Why This Exercise Matters

Everyday activities this exercise helps you do — essential means it directly trains the capacity the task needs:

Typing

Research Notes

Very low-certainty evidence. Patient education about avoiding provocative positions may be equally effective [Svernlöv 2009, Caliandro 2025]. AUDIT[low]: Extensor digitorum is labeled the 'primary' muscle for active wrist extension during tensioning, but extensor digitorum is a finger extensor that only assists wrist extension; the true wrist extensors (ECRL/ECRB/ECU) perform wrist extension. → Reclassify extensor-digitorum as synergist for wrist extension, or add a wrist-extensor prime mover (e.g. ECU/ECRB) as the primary for the active tensioning motion.

Evidence Sources (2)