top of page
Search

Unlocking Nerve Pain: Understanding the Lower Limb Tension Test (LLTT) – Physio360 Chennai.

  • Writer: PHYSIO 360
    PHYSIO 360
  • Apr 19
  • 3 min read


ree

INTRODUCTION;

Nerve-related pain in the lower body can be confusing, frustrating, and deeply limiting. Whether it presents as sharp sciatica, numbness in the toes, or tingling sensations down the leg, the source is often neural tension or irritation. At Physio360 Chennai, we use specialised diagnostic tools like the Lower Limb Tension Test (LLTT) to precisely identify nerve involvement in your pain.

This test is an essential part of our neuromusculoskeletal assessment protocol and helps ensure you receive the best physiotherapy treatment for nerve pain in Chennai.


What Is the Lower Limb Tension Test (LLTT)?

The Lower Limb Tension Test (also known as the Straight Leg Raise with sensitisation techniques) is a neurological screening test designed to assess nerve mobility and irritation, especially involving the sciatic nerve and its branches.

It’s particularly helpful in identifying conditions like:

  • Sciatica

  • Lumbar disc herniation

  • Piriformis syndrome

  • Lumbar radiculopathy

  • Hamstring neural tension

How Is LLTT Performed?

At Physio360, this test is performed with clinical precision to ensure accuracy and patient safety.

Here’s a step-by-step overview:

  1. The patient lies supine (on their back).

  2. The therapist passively lifts one leg while keeping the knee straight, mimicking a Straight Leg Raise (SLR).

  3. As the leg is lifted, if neural symptoms (e.g., pain, tingling, burning) appear, the physiotherapist may add sensitising manoeuvres such as:

    • Ankle dorsiflexion (stretching the tibial nerve)

    • Cervical spine flexion (to increase dural tension)

    • Hip adduction or internal rotation

These refinements help confirm whether the issue is nerve-related or musculoskeletal.




ree

What Does a Positive LLTT Mean?

A positive LLTT occurs when the patient feels reproduction of nerve pain, often described as a sharp shooting pain, burning, or electric-like sensation, along the leg, typically following a specific nerve distribution.

This suggests neural irritation, either due to:

  • Nerve compression (e.g., herniated disc)

  • Nerve inflammation

  • Adhesions in the nerve pathway

  • Reduced nerve mobility due to poor posture or trauma


Why LLTT Matters at Physio360 Chennai.

At Physio360, we believe that accurate diagnosis leads to effective recovery. Many patients come to us with vague leg symptoms or failed treatments from general back pain protocols. With the Lower Limb Tension Test, we can clearly identify if a nerve is involved and customise the physiotherapy plan accordingly.

Our approach may include:

  • Neural mobilisation exercises

  • Manual therapy for the spine and pelvis

  • Postural corrections

  • Core strengthening

  • Ergonomic training

All these interventions are designed to relieve nerve pressure, restore mobility, and prevent future flare-ups.


Who Can Benefit from LLTT at Physio360?

The LLTT is highly beneficial for:

  • Office workers with prolonged sitting and sciatic symptoms

  • Athletes with recurrent hamstring tightness

  • Individuals post-spinal surgery with residual leg pain or tingling

  • Pregnant or postpartum women with nerve irritation




ree

Why Choose Physio360 for Nerve Pain?

Physio360 Chennai is known for its comprehensive assessments, expert physiotherapists, and evidence-based treatments. We go beyond standard therapy by incorporating neurological screening tools like the LLTT to identify the root cause of your pain.

Here’s what makes us the best physiotherapy centre near you:

  • One-on-one expert sessions

  • Advanced neurodynamic assessments

  • Affordable, personalized care

  • Convenient Chennai locations

  • Warm, friendly team that cares about your recovery


Ready to Get Relief?

If you’re suffering from leg pain, tingling, or unexplained discomfort, the solution might lie in your nerves. Don’t wait for the pain to get worse. Visit Physio360 Chennai and let our experts perform the Lower Limb Tension Test to identify the issue and get you started on the path to pain-free movement.


REFERENCE AND RESEARCH ARTICLES:

1.Lower limb muscle strength in patients with low back pain: a systematic review and meta-analysis. meta-analysishttps://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6454257/.


2.Use of Neurodynamic or Orthopedic Tension Tests for the Diagnosis of Lumbar and Lumbosacral Radiculopathies: Study of the Diagnostic Validityhttps://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7579046/.



 
 
 

Comments

bottom of page