Radial and Median Nerve Protection Brace: The R&M Brace
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  • Who should use the brace?
    • Nerve Loading Tests
      • Neuropathic and Neurogenic pain
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        • Basic Anatomy of the Nerves of the Arm
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            • Rationale for the benefits of the brace
            • Nerve Related Shoulder Pain
            • Nerve Related Elbow Pain
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              • Link to NOI Graded Motor Imagery
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                      Nerve Loading Tests

                      The Nerve Loading Tests should be assessed by a Physiotherapist/Physical Therapist or Medical Practitioner. The Nerve Loading Tests have several names; the Upper Limb Tension Tests (ULTT); Neurodynamic tests with a median or radial nerve bias; the Brachial Plexus Tension Test (BPTT). 

                      The tests move the nerves of the arm in relation to the surrounding tissues; bone, muscle and fascia and also place varying degrees of longitudinal load on the nerves. The tests for the arm can be biased towards movement and load on the median, radial or ulna nerves. 

                      The pain for which the brace may be helpful is that pain which is reproduced by loading or moving the median and radial nerves.  This pain may be described as neurogenic pain.

                      In people for whom this brace may be helpful; caution should be observed when assessing the nerve loading tests as the pain may be provoked and exacerbated if the test is applied too firmly. Pain provoked by the nerve loading tests may persist for hours or days and potentially obscure the reaction to the brace. 

                      The full range of tests has been very well described by David Butler in his books; 'Mobilisation of the Nervous System' Churchill Livingstone (1991) and in the book 'The Sensitive Nervous System' ; Butler DS (2000) (ISBN 9780975091005) 
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