Biomechanics Q & A: Post your questions here

Thanks for the speedy reply rach, dedicated as always :D

I've e-mailed you regarding the screening :)

But, regarding the other part of my post, whats you're take on the best ways to prevent biomechanical dysfunctions? 

I can safely assume that the 20/20 method is probably a great, if not the best way, for prevention of problems, but obviously the majority of athletic sports-people (more cardio/functional strength conditioning or whatever it is, as opposed to pure bodybuilding) won't be (knowingly) practicing any sort of 20/20 method. 

Assuming someone had a sedentary job(but had not as yet developed any major or minor biomechanical dysfunctions), or job that was frequently asymmetrically causing strain on certain parts of the body (labouring/electrician/plumber-type jobs)... what in your opinion is the best way to stave off the majority/the major/or indeed all! of the dysfunctions that ITS deals with/knows of?

I mean, is it enough to just 'be active' with most of our body (i.e. regular swimming/running/yoga-type stretching and moderate bodybuilding)?

I'd like to think about how intermediate - to - top level athletes achieve and maintain such high standards, but i have no idea what sort of intense routine they might go through - far too much for average joe :X

in short - i realise fixing my own problems can't be done with the same methods/exercise that i SHOULD have done to prevent problems, but i'd like to hear professionals opinions on it all the same, especially if they can prevent other problems in the future! :D

Thanks again,

Laurie.

artem1s


Thanks for the speedy reply rach, dedicated as always :D

I've e-mailed you regarding the screening :)

But, regarding the other part of my post, whats you're take on the best ways to prevent biomechanical dysfunctions? 

I can safely assume that the 20/20 method is probably a great, if not the best way, for prevention of problems, but obviously the majority of athletic sports-people (more cardio/functional strength conditioning or whatever it is, as opposed to pure bodybuilding) won't be (knowingly) practicing any sort of 20/20 method. 

Assuming someone had a sedentary job(but had not as yet developed any major or minor biomechanical dysfunctions), or job that was frequently asymmetrically causing strain on certain parts of the body (labouring/electrician/plumber-type jobs)... what in your opinion is the best way to stave off the majority/the major/or indeed all! of the dysfunctions that ITS deals with/knows of?

I mean, is it enough to just 'be active' with most of our body (i.e. regular swimming/running/yoga-type stretching and moderate bodybuilding)?

I'd like to think about how intermediate - to - top level athletes achieve and maintain such high standards, but i have no idea what sort of intense routine they might go through - far too much for average joe :X

in short - i realise fixing my own problems can't be done with the same methods/exercise that i SHOULD have done to prevent problems, but i'd like to hear professionals opinions on it all the same, especially if they can prevent other problems in the future! :D

Thanks again,

Laurie.

 
Great questions Laurie!
Perfect for me to answer in here too:
 
What is the best way to prevent Biomechanical dysfunctions?
My area of exeprtise is exactly that, injury prevention. The biggest issue I face is tat I mainly hear from people who are already inured or in pain yet if I couild have got my information to them sooner they probably wouldnt have experienced the injuries they end up coming to me with. My training is not medical so once injured I can only guarentee partial success with  my programme because it is injury prevention techniques. Saying this I am confident people with injuries will benefit form the programme hugely as it is usually a bioemchanical dysfunction that has caused their injury when it is not caused by a specific trauma.
 
The only athletes practicing these techniques are the ones who we have advised or one of your Biomechanics coaches have advised. This programme was researched and designed by us over 25 years and tested on over 4500 subjects including Olympians, elite athletes, premiere footballer and rugby players, the McLaren formular one racing drivers, the PGA team, average gym goers and sedentary members of the public. From the results we had such a massive success rate and still have a much higher success rate than when we practiced pure physiotherapy, PT or coaching. Adding the screening techniques used to measure someones instrinsics makes us the only company in the world delivering a training programme like this and all of the team are extremely passionate about making it available to everyone and not just the elite professionals. Why shouldnt we all have access to this kind of information eh?
 
Is just being active enough?
No it needs to be relevent, safe, effective and performed on a conditioned and dysfunction free base of structures.
 
Not all of the top athetes have access to this as I said earlier but you will also notice that they are not all injury free. I am not suggesting that you will never gain an injury while using these techniques but your chances of gaining an injury will be much reduced.
Also it is not just the active who have poor Biomechanics, those sedentary members of the public will also have dysfunctions and in fact i over 3 years, I have yet to come across anyone who has NO dysfunctions at all. LIFE IS ASYMMETRICAL!!
 
Well I hope this helps matey, keep coming with the Q's!
;)
 

To anyone who is interested in some of the exercises here please have a look at the free download videos on the wesbite. More to come.....

did you know .....

We got rid of a clients jaw pain by moving his foot!!!!!!

Yes the nervous sustem was tethered and for this particular individual the way in which we could replicate the discomfort in his jaw was by moving his foot. To ease the sensation we used nerve mobilising techniques which helped him to gte rid of the jaw pain.   

I think my problem may have something to do with Biomechanics but maybe someone here can confirm???

About 3 or 4 years ago I had a problem with a slipped disc between the c4 and c5 vertebrae on my right side, anyway the upshot was that I lost loads of strength through my right hand side and I needed a discoptomy. Following the surgey I have been training hard to get the strength back up in my right side but things are not developing as quickly as my left side. My strength gains are decent but I am finding it hard to develop muscle especially around my right elbow. My technique is sound as have worked hard with my rugby club's strength and conditioning coach to make sure its correct?
 
Could this be down to the surgery that I had, it almost feels like the surgery or the original injury has damaged something that enables me to gain muscle (silly as that sounds) or do I need to re-address my technique?

Pennyrugby


I think my problem may have something to do with Biomechanics but maybe someone here can confirm???

About 3 or 4 years ago I had a problem with a slipped disc between the c4 and c5 vertebrae on my right side, anyway the upshot was that I lost loads of strength through my right hand side and I needed a discoptomy. Following the surgey I have been training hard to get the strength back up in my right side but things are not developing as quickly as my left side. My strength gains are decent but I am finding it hard to develop muscle especially around my right elbow. My technique is sound as have worked hard with my rugby club's strength and conditioning coach to make sure its correct?
 
Could this be down to the surgery that I had, it almost feels like the surgery or the original injury has damaged something that enables me to gain muscle (silly as that sounds) or do I need to re-address my technique?

Hey PR
Firstly I must mnake it clear that Biomechanics coaches are not medically trained. However we are experts in the body's mechanics and injury prevention. The programme and principles we use are based upon 25 years of research done by a chartered physiotherapist who is also a world leading expert in Biomechanics. The measurements of the intrinsic biomechanics of an individual will show clearly which dysfunctions are potentially going to cause an injury.
Often we get clients like yourself who have experienced injury or surgery as you described. We will always complete a health screening questionnaire to understand if we need to seek medical advice before commencing a client, who has medical issues, on the biomechanics programme.
 
Ideally I would like to ask you extensive questions to be accurate with any advice mate BUT from the information you have given me :
Any kind of intrusion into the soft tissue, no matter how careful, accurate and planned is going to alter proprioception. There are strain gauges in the structures of the body around the joints that send messages to the brain about how much muscle tension or tone to activate for movement. Once these meassages are altered by injury or surgery the messages are altered or become faulty. The body needs time to adjust and sometimes will not recover the system it once had but instead create a new one to compensate.
 
Without knowing more and doing tests it is not easy for me to judge you personally, I am afraid. With any disc issues or spine related surgery you should consider, as it is a central axis point for the whole body it is bound to have an affect. Nerves being the software of the body could well have been affected and this can obviously cause weakness.
Could you improve further? Possibly the programme we use is also great for injury management and will help with any further dysfunction that may have resulted fom the surgery. The programme benefits everyone so I am confident it could help to a degree and certainly would enable you to get an idea of what you can try within your training programme.
Hope this helps!?
any more questions please ask.....
 

Question about Bicep Curls, Scapula and Occipital/trapezius.....

For as long as Ive been doing bicep curls I've had explosive pains in my upper neck/occiptal region.

Could there be any relationship between the origin of the bicep short head on the coracoid process of the scapula and the pain in my neck/occipital region?

During massage therapy, many times comments have been made about how stiff the scapula are desipite it being one of the most moveable bones in the body. Therapists regularly pull my scapula with full body weight over many sessions before freeing it.

Im also aware of the levatae {sp?} scapula which attaches in the neck region and wonder if this could be involved.

After a recent MRI scan, they discovered a slight bulge in on of the vertebral discs, and a lack of curvature to the cervical spine caused by continual muscle tension (which is very painful in itself).

In that past I've curled 80-100kg, and regularly preacher curl 30-40kg on each arm and would like to continue with this level or training over the coming years.

Any advice on changing routines, additional exercises, alternative causes and potential surgery would be appreciated.

~Also, at times I wonder if I suffer from Thoracic Outlet Syndrome, pins and needles in hands, poor circulation in left arm/hand mostly sometimes with discoloration.  could this be related also?

Could there be any relationship between the origin of the bicep short head on the coracoid process of the scapula and the pain in my neck/occipital region?
 
Yes the structures of the body all relate to each other.

During massage therapy, many times comments have been made about how stiff the scapula are desipite it being one of the most moveable bones in the body. Therapists regularly pull my scapula with full body weight over many sessions before freeing it.
 
This is certainly how I was trained during sports massage and can be very helpful if the scapular is 'tight' and may give some immediate relief however fom my training and experience as a Biomechanics coach areas that appear to be 'tight' can in fact be 'over active' or in spasm. If this is the case then stretching the soft tissue can compound the problem and make it much worse.
Im also aware of the levatae {sp?} scapula which attaches in the neck region and wonder if this could be involved.
 
Yes and very commonly is. This also links to headaches or migranes as well.
After a recent MRI scan, they discovered a slight bulge in on of the vertebral discs, and a lack of curvature to the cervical spine caused by continual muscle tension (which is very painful in itself).
 
The 'cause' of the muscle tension needs to be addressed to be able to help with this problem. If it is purely Biomechanical then it is easy to rectify, if there is pathology there then maybe a combination of both medical and Biomechanical correction.
In that past I've curled 80-100kg, and regularly preacher curl 30-40kg on each arm and would like to continue with this level or training over the coming years.
 
This is quite possible but I have no idea without assessing you and understanding your medical background and how you are stacked up Biomechanically. It may be that for a preiod of time you would need to drop back on the weights for a while during the corrective phase but with every intention of returning to function if possible.
Any advice on changing routines, additional exercises, alternative causes and potential surgery would be appreciated.
 
I can help but it wouldnt be easy nor accurate in posts on here however I will dowhat ever I can mate. In my profession the avoidance of surgery is usually the aim certainly from a biomechanical view point.
~Also, at times I wonder if I suffer from Thoracic Outlet Syndrome, pins and needles in hands, poor circulation in left arm/hand mostly sometimes with discoloration.  could this be related also?
 
Yes definitely can be closely related:
It sounds like there is muscular tension and nerve tethering throughout your back, shoulders and pelvis. There is a very close biomechanical link between the shoudlers and the pelvis.
I cannot tell you what is wrong and I cannot accurately prescribe you exercises but I could make suggestions to you and show you exercises that will not harm you if they are not the right ones and that will potentially help anyway.
 
My strongest recommendation is to look for a Biomechanic coach in your area and get a full screen done otherwise it is all a bit hit and miss.
If you go to my website there are some free video downloads of just a few of the many exercises and also there you will see 'find a Biomechanics coach'.
 
Come back to me if you have any more questions mate and I hope this helps for now.

This is a very helpful thread, thanks for taking the time to answer all the questions in it.
 
My issue(s):
 
I have had chronic patella knee pain for 2-3 years now. Bad enough for me to stop playing rugby because I couldn't walk after games or training the pain was that bad. I saw a surgeon who gave me an mri and ultrasound - flagged up some inflammation around the patella tendon although he didn't seem to think there was anything structurally wrong with the knee. He drained some fluid from under the tendon on my right knee and injected some cortisol. This temporarily completely stopped the pain (I knew it would be temporary but my right was worse than my left and at an unmanageable stage by then). Since then I have not run at all really and I have trained for and competed in powerlifting and weightlifting. Squatting gives me no problem at all. From my own research it seems the problem is likely something to do with my hips? I do have anterior pelvic tilt, tight hip flexors and very poor hip internal rotation ROM. However - I have been doing all the soft tissue work and mobility advocated by cressey at al for a good while now and it has made no noticeable difference to the knee pain. Any ideas would be much appreciated.

 This is a very helpful thread, thanks for taking the time to answer all the questions in it. 
  It is a pleasure and thank you :)
My issue(s):
 
I have had chronic patella knee pain for 2-3 years now. Bad enough for me to stop playing rugby because I couldn't walk after games or training the pain was that bad. I saw a surgeon who gave me an mri and ultrasound - flagged up some inflammation around the patella tendon although he didn't seem to think there was anything structurally wrong with the knee.
 
If there was no structural issue then it would be fair to judge that it is probably functional and this indicates a Biomechanical dysfunction.
 
He drained some fluid from under the tendon on my right knee and injected some cortisol. This temporarily completely stopped the pain (I knew it would be temporary but my right was worse than my left and at an unmanageable stage by then).
 
If the 'cause' of the mechanical dyfunction is not addressed no matter how many cortisol injections or medical treatment you recieve it will only ever be temporary as the cause will still be there.
 
Since then I have not run at all really and I have trained for and competed in powerlifting and weightlifting. Squatting gives me no problem at all. From my own research it seems the problem is likely something to do with my hips? I do have anterior pelvic tilt, tight hip flexors and very poor hip internal rotation ROM.
 
it is highly likely that if the knee is suffering from a mechanical issue that it will be related to the pelvis, certainly if you know you have anterior pelvic tilt, 'tight' hip flexors or maybe they are 'over active' and poor internal rotation of the femur. These all indicate pelvic dysfunction which can obviously impact driectly on the function of the knee.
 
However - I have been doing all the soft tissue work and mobility advocated by cressey at al for a good while now and it has made no noticeable difference to the knee pain. Any ideas would be much appreciated.
 
Until you know what your dysfunction/s may be it would be impossible to know which exercises are going ot help and which are going to hinder. As I am sure you have read previously in this thread there is a condition of over active or sub clinical spasm that can occur in the muscles as a protective measure at some time when the joint has been vulnerable for some reason.
If you try to stretch a muscle that is in this state it can potentially make the spasm worse.
So please do take a look at our website for just four techniques that we strongly recommend for any body to try.
BUT I have to stress this is still guess work without a full screen done by a qualified Biomechanics coach and will only be a temporary fix to certain issues. There is a full programme to follow that will include advice on your gym based exercises and how to modify them so that you do not make things worse.
I hope this helps mate but feel free to come back to me
:)
 

Thanks for the quick reply. Is there anybody who you would recommend in the South West? (I live in Exeter).

Dave284


Thanks for the quick reply. Is there anybody who you would recommend in the South West? (I live in Exeter).

I would recommend ALL of our full qualified Biomechanics coaches so if you look on the website you should find who is nearest to you mate.
If not come back to me
:

Out of interest what is the difference between a  Master Biomechanics Coach and a Biomechanics Level Four Coach ?

Also what do they charge ?

Jazz


Out of interest what is the difference between a  Master Biomechanics Coach and a Biomechanics Level Four Coach ?

Also what do they charge ?

Hi Jazz
Level 1 is an introduction to Biomechanics.
Level 2-4 is the programme in its simplest form
Level 5 is a full diploma qualification
level 6 is either Resistance Specialist or Low Back Pain Specialist
Master Biomechanics coach is the highest level and includes tutoring
The charges vary from coach to coach dependant upon their area of expertise, qualifications and experience but top price is around £120 for a session with a Master Biomechanics coach.
Details like this will differ though depending on what the client wants and which Biomechanics coach they chose.
 

Hey rach :D
update: I've been doing a fair bit of nerve mobilisation, mostly all directed at my shoulder. I took the median nerve stretch, and a few others i've seen on youtube, and have got mixed results.

Good:
i feel that in SOME muscles in the shoulder area, the pain/strain/restriction through contraction has reduced to below that of my left(mostly unproblematic) shoulder. 

not so good:
my main problem area - a pain near the top of my middle delt that increases as raise my arm sideways, has had no change.

Also, i'll admit i have deviated from the advice given on the website- I took a few of the nerve mobilisation techniques and altered them slightly, changing how rotated the arm was when i lifted it/the angle i lifted the arm, moving my neck in different directions etc. 

On the positive side i've found the nerves 'stretching' in places i've never felt them before. One good example is for the upper back - sitting on a chair, sitting straight up, putting hands 'cupped' around the waist, so the thumbs are going back while the fingers and hands sit on the thighs... push the elbows forward without moving the shoulders (should feel nerve 'stretching' in the inner part of the eblow (tennis elbow position??).... and also if you lower your head (really slowly!!!!!) towards the chest(like in the slump exercise), the nerves all over the upper back are all 'stretched' pretty powerfully.

On the negative side... possibly(probably) because i've been going at this problem with a bit of fervour (on some days at least!), i've often been trying out many different ways to mobilise the nerve, all one after the other, and also have experimented with holding the motion (as i've seen in a few youtube vids) instead of moving it on/off on/off...

As a result i've experienced temporary pains - whole arm numbness, acute pain in the whole shoulder with movements as light as lifting myself out of a chair, or leaning on something etc, pain in the neck and upper back. I have laid off of all nerve mobilisation for the last few weeks and... the 'new' pains have gone away, and i think the improvements i originally made in parts of the shoulder have stayed. Although i think some nerves in the arm now become painful sooner in the motion of the nerve mobilisation technique. I will return to 2X daily of 15 reps, and hopefully will be arsed to record results :) 

As my main concern has been trying to get the problem fixed, i haven't stuck to, or made record of, any changes in my program of exercises, so i'm not quite sure what helped/hindered most. Sorry!

Have you rach, or anyone else for that matter, read about trigger point therapy/myotherapy? i stumbled across it when reading and interview of some pro in the bodybuilding magazine FLEX... the guy said it saved his career!

I'm currently reading 'Bonnie Prudens complete guide to pain free living', and have tried their techniques (just today) with limited, though definite, success. I haven't read the book thoroughly, nor even come to the section about shoulder treatment (typical me, jumping the gun ;D), but it does look very promising as an aid to all every-day-cranks and aches. The latter section of the book showing a great range of simple exercises look like they (safely) work the majority of muscles in the body, in a natural, this-is-how-i-was-evolved-to-move sort of way. 
So far its been great reading. Anyone tried/had success with the techniques?

:D:D:D

I went for my first session with a Biomech coach, one recommended on Rachel's site, yesterday and she's mentioned it might be useful to others for me to post my experiences so far. I'm not sure if I can name names at this point but am sure it will all become apparent as we go along.
 
Right so my history. Constant little injuries all bar one below the waistline. Training history - coached for swimming  when I was 9-13years old, cycling ever since I could ride a bike, running from 13, weights from 19. Retired from competitive athletics at 24 years with severe plantar faciatis and moved into bodybuilding with previous activities as cardio. 35 years old now with ITB issue(4 years old!!!!), and PF if I run more than 4 miles 3 x a week. Had a medial ligament strain on same leg as ITB but cleared up fully, currently experiencing pain in lower back, ab and lower back general weakness and pain over right hip. PF, ITB and medial are all on the right leg.
 
Anyway rang the closest coach to me(which is still quite a distance) and trotted off like a good girl. She's a level 4 coach completing her next level which means she's not charging as much as a fully qualified master. The screening involved an all over assessment of your legs, feet and shoulders, during which photos were taken. From the results and the photos it became obvious I have a lower back issue. Back in the 90s fitness instructors were telling classes and individuals to keep the pelvis tucked under when performing moves. Well like a good girl I did what I was told and scarily enough this has locked my lumbar region so I no longer have a natural s-shape to my back. Basically my bum is permanently tucked under, and lower back looks like there's a rod in there. This means my spine isn't in the optimum position for which the discs were designed to take pressure under. So that was the first thing, secondly my left shoulder went all wierd whilst doing the shoulder assessment. I've had my only upper body injury to the shoulder muscle complex on that side, which was massaged away and I thought was sorted. From the sound and look of it it is still causing problems.  I also have an exaggerated curve in my upper back, once again a result of the shoulder problem. Whilst we were going through the lower body measurements I was also told I've got spasm in my hips, and my glutes aren't firing properly. Now a couple of therapists over the years have mentioned my glutes might not be working properly, and that could be what's causing me the leg injuries as the quad/hams over compensate - but they didn't know what to do to fix it. She did a quick feet assessment but we already know I pronate badly, and that's to be dealt with via orthotics etc.
 
I'm not one for mega detail, I just like to get a rough idea so I'm sure Rach can answer any technical questions.
 
Basically I've been sent home with a set of exercises that can be done anywhere really, only take a few minutes. I'm working on getting the glutes to fire correctly - basically practising using them(this is in my words remember!!!), working the infraspinatus for my shoulder(subtley) to open it up, and getting my lower spine mobilising again via pelvic tilts. I've noticed a difference just knowing I'm allowed to let my spine curve properly and I think it's the spine thing causing my core weaknesses.
 
The whole thing took about 1 1/2 hours and I've got a sheet with the exercises on plus email support. Because I'm one of her first few clients it really didn't cost very much - which was also a big motivating factor. Physios had missed my back thingy, and had never known what to do about the other stuff. This seems to offer a solution.
 
Any questions?

artem1s-  the nerve mobilisations ARENT stretches!  they dont need modifying or changing!  you should hold them, and you certainly shouldnt be stretching to the point where you are getting numbness or pain.  Nerves are visco-elastic, and do not want to be stretched, and certainly not with any speed, and especially not if there is tethering there.

what you have been doing is NOTHING like what is recommended in this thread! the differences may seem subtle, but they are huge, and as you have seem the results arent what should be expected.

my suggestion would be go back, read the descriptions again, and stick to EXACTLY what is described.  dont modify them, do them differently or add in more vigor.

its nothing like weight training where more effort=better results, or harder work will speed things up.

Hi daz :D

The thing is, and I mean no disrespect to anyone here, I don't really trust any one method of treatment. Doctors telling me rest and painkillers... physio's with various muscle stretching stuff(i've read from others' similar problems/experiences), people on youtube swearing by nerve mobilisation 'hold this for 30 seconds' etc, Rach's biomechanics methods for nerve mobilisation and most recently my readings on myotherapy.

I tried rest first, obviously!, then i turned to various stretchings... then i searched around more on the internet and have tried different peoples takes on nerve mobilisation with mixed results. I know I could benefit from a full bio screen, but i literally don't and won't have the funds for a while at least :(

I did do exactly as rach said for about 5 weeks, almost every day! after about 2 weeks I didn't notice any further improvement and so started gradually adding in other things. As i've experienced, some or all of the different exercises proved detrimental :(

But as I say, i'm objective in my approach, and will keep up the median nerve stretch(as directed), and make the effort to do figure 4 and slump exercises regularly as well. I'd like to do some occasional cardio but i'm kinda worried that until things are fixed i could be undoing any progress. From what i've experienced/read about, a sedentary life is a killer indeed, but its a slow lumbering fat one :) 

Going to do these trigger-point therapy exercises as well, will report back on that :D

HI artem1s
Great to hear from you again! I have replied to each of your statements to help you and others reading:

Hey rach :D
update: I've been doing a fair bit of nerve mobilisation, mostly all directed at my shoulder. I took the median nerve stretch, and a few others i've seen on youtube, and have got mixed results.

We NEVER recommend 'stretching' a nerve that is tethered as this WILL compound the problem and potentially make it worse. Nerves do NOT like to be held in a stretch as they are visco elastic as Dazc said earlier.
Good:
i feel that in SOME muscles in the shoulder area, the pain/strain/restriction through contraction has reduced to below that of my left(mostly unproblematic) shoulder. 

Great news but sadly you can only guess what has worked from the different methods you have tried. This is the reason it is best to go with one method until you find what works for you. Only then can you combine the best of each otherwise you are guessing and could potentially be wasting your time with some exercises.
 
not so good:
my main problem area - a pain near the top of my middle delt that increases as raise my arm sideways, has had no change.
 
Often it is irrelevant where the pain is as the body is a master of compensation and a whole plethora of kinetic chains that can affect each other and see above comment.
Also, i'll admit i have deviated from the advice given on the website- I took a few of the nerve mobilisation techniques and altered them slightly, changing how rotated the arm was when i lifted it/the angle i lifted the arm, moving my neck in different directions etc. 
 
While I admire you efforts here I cannot judge this without seeing what you have done with the moves. This would not be recommended unless  you fully understand the complete set of principles of the programme we deliver. I cannot help you if you have altered the exercises and deviated from my recommendations I am afraid. Also it is not possible for me to give accurate adivice without seeing you in person and so all I can do is point you in certain directions to 'start' the process of correcting Biomechanical dysfunctions until you are able to see of Biomechancs coach in person.

On the positive side i've found the nerves 'stretching' in places i've never felt them before. One good example is for the upper back - sitting on a chair, sitting straight up, putting hands 'cupped' around the waist, so the thumbs are going back while the fingers and hands sit on the thighs... push the elbows forward without moving the shoulders (should feel nerve 'stretching' in the inner part of the eblow (tennis elbow position??).... and also if you lower your head (really slowly!!!!!) towards the chest(like in the slump exercise), the nerves all over the upper back are all 'stretched' pretty powerfully.
Really cannot comment on this at all mate sorry. I would need to see exactly what you are doing to comment effectively. and please not 'stretching' the nerves :)
On the negative side... possibly(probably) because i've been going at this problem with a bit of fervour (on some days at least!), i've often been trying out many different ways to mobilise the nerve, all one after the other, and also have experimented with holding the motion (as i've seen in a few youtube vids) instead of moving it on/off on/off...
 
Yes probably the fervour has contributed to the problems as nerves do not respond like other soft tissues of the body. I do not know which you tube vid you are referring to to comment again.
As a result i've experienced temporary pains - whole arm numbness, acute pain in the whole shoulder with movements as light as lifting myself out of a chair, or leaning on something etc, pain in the neck and upper back. I have laid off of all nerve mobilisation for the last few weeks and... the 'new' pains have gone away, and i think the improvements i originally made in parts of the shoulder have stayed. Although i think some nerves in the arm now become painful sooner in the motion of the nerve mobilisation technique. I will return to 2X daily of 15 reps, and hopefully will be arsed to record results :) 
 
What you MUST remember is that without going through a FULL biomechanical screen you do not know if there are other dysfunctions that are affecting your nerves. there may also be clinical issues having an affect. I strongly recommend you get fully checked over if you are so determined to know exactly what to do to correct your own personal dysfunctions.
As my main concern has been trying to get the problem fixed, i haven't stuck to, or made record of, any changes in my program of exercises, so i'm not quite sure what helped/hindered most. Sorry!
 
:)

Have you rach, or anyone else for that matter, read about trigger point therapy/myotherapy? i stumbled across it when reading and interview of some pro in the bodybuilding magazine FLEX... the guy said it saved his career!
 
Yes trigger point therapy is a fantastic method of releasing muscle spasm and relieving tension. I strongly recommend this therapy in conjunction with others. Its often painful but can be immediately effective. However it doesnt tell you how well you function during movement.

I'm currently reading 'Bonnie Prudens complete guide to pain free living', and have tried their techniques (just today) with limited, though definite, success. I haven't read the book thoroughly, nor even come to the section about shoulder treatment (typical me, jumping the gun ;D), but it does look very promising as an aid to all every-day-cranks and aches. The latter section of the book showing a great range of simple exercises look like they (safely) work the majority of muscles in the body, in a natural, this-is-how-i-was-evolved-to-move sort of way. 
So far its been great reading. Anyone tried/had success with the techniques?

I am not familiar mate but it can only be a good thing to learn about alternative methods
of treatment.
It cant ever be as thorough and accurate guessing from books or videos as being screened and assessed in person. Going through a full health screen process with a qualified professional is always going to be the most effective way to understand the best route for you to pursue.
I can appreciate your concerns with certain professionals if you have had bad experiences or confusing messages. What I can guarentee is that all of our methods are formed from 25 years of research and practice all of which I could produce if necessary to demonstrate why these methods work.
 
As always I hope this helps!
feel free to comment

I went for my first session with a Biomech coach, one recommended on Rachel's site, yesterday and she's mentioned it might be useful to others for me to post my experiences so far. 
 
Thanks GN mate :)
 
The screening involved an all over assessment of your legs, feet and shoulders, during which photos were taken.
 
I would imagine she screened your pelvic function, nerve mobility, muscle spasm and joint mobility?? If she took photos it will be for comparisons on your next visit.
 
Whilst we were going through the lower body measurements I was also told I've got spasm in my hips, and my glutes aren't firing properly. Now a couple of therapists over the years have mentioned my glutes might not be working properly, and that could be what's causing me the leg injuries as the quad/hams over compensate 
 
Piriformis is a muscle in the hip that often goes into a sub clinical spasm and can reciprocally inhibit the glutes. Often professional are trained to look at the 'problem' which is ok for temorary relief. A Biomechanics coach lije this one can identify the 'cause' which means they can make long term adjustments to your body's function. (if you do the exercises!)
 
- but they didn't know what to do to fix it. She did a quick feet assessment but we already know I pronate badly, and that's to be dealt with via orthotics etc. 
 
These could be coming from the pelvic dysfunction so when she re-screens she will see if there has been any change if there has then your orthotics will also need to change (if you still need them)
 
I'm not one for mega detail, I just like to get a rough idea so I'm sure Rach can answer any technical questions. 
 
Happy to :)
 
Basically I've been sent home with a set of exercises that can be done anywhere really, only take a few minutes. I'm working on getting the glutes to fire correctly - basically practising using them(this is in my words remember!!!), working the infraspinatus for my shoulder(subtley) to open it up, and getting my lower spine mobilising again via pelvic tilts. I've noticed a difference just knowing I'm allowed to let my spine curve properly and I think it's the spine thing causing my core weaknesses. 
 
If global muscles are in spasm the core will not be able to fire up properly and so yes coer weakness will be result.
 
The whole thing took about 1 1/2 hours and I've got a sheet with the exercises on plus email support. Because I'm one of her first few clients it really didn't cost very much - which was also a big motivating factor. Physios had missed my back thingy, and had never known what to do about the other stuff. This seems to offer a solution.
 
It may not take so long next time round now that you have done your health screen in the initial meeting.
Thanks GN!