Neural Dynamics – Level 1

Theoretical Content (1 Hour)
K-Theorem Pillar: Performance Pyramid

👉 This course currently includes theoretical content only.
📅 Registration for face-to-face practical classes will be available soon. Stay tuned!

1. Course Overview

This course introduces neural tension testing as a foundational tool in assessing the neuromuscular system.

You’ll learn how to differentiate between somatic (muscular) and neural tension using a structured R1/R2 framework and apply this insight to guide safe, effective treatment.

The goal is to identify guarded nervous system states, target treatment accordingly, and track progress over time.

2. Learning Objectives

By the end of this theory session, you will be able to:

  • Define neural tension and describe its clinical relevance.
  • Apply the R1/R2 framework to distinguish between muscular and neuromuscular dysfunction.
  • Perform foundational upper and lower limb neural tension assessments.
  • Use neural tension to guide treatment decisions and progression.
  • Explain test outcomes and rationale clearly to clients.

3. Core Theoretical Concepts

A. R1 and R2: A Two-System Model

  • R1: The first point of resistance — early tissue response to movement.
  • R2: The end range of movement.

Interpretation Framework:

  • Somatic R1 ≠ Somatic R2 → Indicates muscular restriction.
  • Neural R1 ≠ Somatic R2 → Indicates neuromuscular (neural) restriction.
  • Neural R1 = Somatic R2 → Indicates non-guarded state: the nervous system is calm, adaptable, and ready for healing or performance.

💡 This model provides a repeatable clinical marker to determine whether tension originates from muscle tissue, the nervous system, or both.

4. Neural Irritability and Clinical Reasoning

A reactive or guarded nervous system may present with:

  • Decreased R1 range.
  • Amplified symptoms with otherwise normal muscle length.
  • Early neural R1 before somatic R2.

Therapeutic focus: Modulating neural sensitivity, not just stretching or strengthening muscles.

5. Clinical Application of Neural Tension Testing

A. Assessment Examples

  • Upper Limb: ULNT1 (Median nerve bias).
  • Lower Limb: Knee extension in side lying (Hip and knee at 90° starting position).

Use R1 and R2 markers in each test to:

  • Establish a baseline.
  • Identify target areas (e.g., lumbar vs cervical contributions).
  • Guide treatment and track progress over time.

B. Outcome Tracking

  • Target score: R1 and R2 alignment (ideal: 0/2 scale).
  • Reassessment: Shows treatment effectiveness and progress toward neural readiness.

6. Communicating with Clients

“We check how far your body moves before it resists. If the nerves tighten early, we know your system is guarding. By helping it calm down, we speed up healing and reduce pain.”

Always use clinical language to explain the mechanism—but relate it back to real-world function (walking, lifting, performance).

7. Therapist Philosophy

  • Neural testing is not about stretching the nerve — it’s about assessing how the nerve behaves under load.
  • A guarded system needs calmness and control, not force.
  • Therapeutic response improves when clients understand the test and its purpose.

8. Clinical Scenarios and K-Theorem Connection

ScenarioApplicationK-Theorem Pillar
Office worker with forearm tightnessPerform ULNT1; target cervical + neural glidesPerformance Pyramid
Sprinter with hamstring tensionSLR test; lumbar-focused neural mobility vs direct hamstring stretchingPerformance Pyramid
Post-op knee with slow recoverySlump test; neural tension at lumbar spine limiting quad/glute activationPerformance Pyramid + Movement Matrix

9. Case Reflection Prompt

  • “Did the resistance you felt during testing seem muscular or neural?”
  • “What do you think it means when neural R1 equals somatic R2?”

📚 Key APA References

  1. Shacklock, M. (2005). Clinical neurodynamics: A new system of musculoskeletal treatment. Oxford: Elsevier.
  2. Butler, D. S. (2000). The sensitive nervous system. Adelaide: NOI Group Publications.
  3. Heredia Macías, J., Ruiz Moraleda, M. E., Fernández Carnero, J., & Cleland, J. A. (2023). Effects of neurodynamic techniques on muscle flexibility, strength, and jump performance in healthy adults: A systematic review with meta-analysis. Journal of Bodywork and Movement Therapies, 36, 76–86. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jbmt.2023.05.011
  4. Shacklock, M. (1995). Neurodynamics. Physiotherapy, 81(1), 9–16. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0031-9406(10)61703-6
  5. Elvey, R. L. (1979). Brachial plexus tension tests and the pathoanatomical origin of arm pain. In R. Idczak (Ed.), Aspects of manipulative therapy (pp. 105–110). Lincoln Institute of Health Sciences.
  6. Kenneally, M., Rubenach, H., & Elvey, R. (1988). The upper limb tension test: The SLR of the arm. In R. Grant (Ed.), Physical therapy of the cervical and thoracic spine (pp. 167–194). Churchill Livingstone.


✅ You’ve completed the theoretical section.
📌 Practical face-to-face class registration is coming soon. Check back for updates!
📞 If you have any questions, please get in touch with Elite Akademy at (03) 8344 4948, 0498 100 558, or admin@eliteakademy.com
🌏 International format (for overseas clients):
Landline: +61 3 8344 4948
Mobile: +61 498 100 558