Background: Non-surgical approaches have been developed to enhance nerve recovery, which are complementary to surgery and are an adjunct to the reinnervation process.
Sources of data: A search of PubMed, Medline, CINAHL, DH data and Embase databases was performed using the keywords 'peripheral nerve injury' and 'treatment'.
Areas of controversy: Most of the conservative therapies are focused to control neuropathic pain after nerve tissue damage. Only physical therapy modalities have been studied in humans and their effectiveness is not proved.
Growing points: Many modalities have been experimented with to promote nerve healing and restore function in animal models and in vitro studies. Despite this, none have been actually translated into clinical practice.
Areas timely for developing research: The hypotheses proved in animals and in vitro should be translated to human clinical practice.