Ep51: Beyond Nerve Flossing: Applying Nerve Mechanics and Physiology to Pain Relief with Michael Shacklock

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In this episode, we discussed:

• Neuromechanics and neurophysiology and their clinical implications
• A system to diagnose and treat issues under clinical neurodynamics
• Planning progressions and regressions for neurodynamics treatments
• Intersection of clinical neurodynamics and pain science

 

Michael Shacklock, DipPhysio, MAppSc, FACP, is an internationally recognized physiotherapist, researcher, educator, and pioneer in the field of clinical neurodynamics. He is the founder of the neurodynamics approach in physical and manual therapy and the Founding Director of Neurodynamic Solutions, an organization dedicated to advancing the understanding and clinical application of neurodynamics worldwide.

Michael trained as a physiotherapist in New Zealand before completing postgraduate studies in advanced manipulative therapy and a Master of Applied Science at the University of South Australia. His master’s research focused on his discovery of neurodynamic sequencing, a concept that has since become an important part of contemporary neurodynamic assessment and treatment. In 2007, he was made a Fellow of the Australian College of Physiotherapists by original contribution.

He is the author of Clinical Neurodynamics: A New System of Musculoskeletal Treatment, which has been translated into multiple languages, and has contributed extensively to the scientific literature on neural biomechanics, neurodynamic testing, spinal cord and peripheral nerve movement, sciatica, lumbar radiculopathy, and carpal tunnel syndrome.

Michael has taught and presented internationally at universities, professional conferences, clinics, and elite sporting organizations. His educational and consulting work has included organizations such as Liverpool FC, Manchester City FC, FC Barcelona, the Chicago Bulls, the Australian Institute of Sport, and Stanford University Sports Rehabilitation.

Through his ongoing clinical, research, and educational work, Michael continues to develop and refine how clinicians understand, assess, and treat disorders involving the nervous and musculoskeletal systems.

 

Resources

1. Dombrowski, M. E., Rynearson, B., LeVasseur, C., Adgate, Z., Donaldson, W. F., Lee, J. Y., & Anderst, W. J. (2018). ISSLS PRIZE IN BIOENGINEERING SCIENCE 2018: dynamic imaging of degenerative spondylolisthesis reveals mid-range dynamic lumbar instability not evident on static clinical radiographs. European spine journal, 27(4), 752-762.
2. Rade, M., Pesonen, J., Könönen, M., Marttila, J., Shacklock, M., Vanninen, R., & Airaksinen, O. (2017). Reduced spinal cord movement with the straight leg raise test in patients with lumbar intervertebral disc herniation. Spine, 42(15), 1117-1124.
3. Pesonen, J., Rade, M., Könönen, M., Marttila, J., Shacklock, M., Vanninen, R., & Airaksinen, O. (2019). Normalization of spinal cord displacement with the straight leg raise and resolution of sciatica in patients with lumbar intervertebral disc herniation: a 1.5-year follow-up study. Spine, 44(15), 1064-1077.
4. Bueno-Gracia, E., Fanlo-Mazas, P., Malo-Urriés, M., Rodriguez-Mena, D., Montaner-Cuello, A., Ciuffreda, G., & Estébanez-de-Miguel, E. (2024). Diagnostic accuracy of the upper limb neurodynamic test 1 using neurodynamic sequencing in diagnosis of carpal tunnel syndrome. Musculoskeletal Science and Practice, 69, 102897.

 

Connect

1. Website: https://neurodynamicsolutions.com/
2. LinkedIn @Michael Shacklock
3. Instagram @neurodynamicsolutions
4. Facebook @NDS Neurodynamic Solutions @Michael Shacklock

 

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