Standing Radial Nerve Mobilization

Muscles worked

Setup

1. Stand with a tall posture, feet shoulder-width apart, and arms relaxed at your sides.
2. Depress the shoulder of the target arm, pushing the shoulder blade down toward your hip.
3. Rotate your arm internally so the palm faces backward and the thumb points toward your thigh.

How to do it

1. Flex your wrist fully by curling your hand toward your forearm and tucking your thumb into your palm.
2. Slowly move your arm slightly behind your body while keeping the elbow locked and the shoulder depressed.
3. Exhale as you tilt your head away from the working arm to increase tension, then inhale as you return your head to center.
4. Perform 10-15 slow, rhythmic repetitions at a 2-0-2-0 tempo.

Form checklist

• Keep the shoulder blade depressed and avoid shrugging toward the ear.
• Ensure the elbow remains fully extended throughout the movement.
• Move only to the point of light tension; never push into sharp or radiating pain.
• Maintain the internal rotation of the arm (thumb pointing back) at all times.

Pro tips

• Focus on the 'flossing' sensation—visualize the nerve sliding through the muscle tissue rather than being stretched like a rubber band.
• If you feel intense tingling, reduce the range of motion of the wrist flexion or the head tilt until the sensation is mild.

Make it harder

• Combine the arm extension with a simultaneous lateral neck tilt to the opposite side for a maximal neural glide.
• Increase the degree of shoulder depression while maintaining the wrist flexion to intensify the pull along the radial path.

Frequently asked

What muscles does the standing radial nerve mobilization work?

The standing radial nerve mobilization primarily targets the deltoids, and also works the abs, hip flexors, and obliques as secondary muscles.

What equipment do you need for the standing radial nerve mobilization?

The standing radial nerve mobilization requires no equipment — just your body weight.

Is the standing radial nerve mobilization good for beginners?

Yes. The standing radial nerve mobilization is a beginner-friendly movement and a strong foundation to build on.

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