How do you define sciatica?
Sciatica is the name used to describe discomfort along the sciatic nerve that runs from your lower back through your buttocks and hips and then down each leg.
Sciatica usually affects only on one of the sides, and can vary between mild and very severe. It’s usually associated with other symptoms such as numbness, tingling or weakness of the affected leg or foot.
Sciatica can affect your daily activities and cause walking, standing or even sitting difficult. If you’re looking to test alternative painkillers to those you’ve been using massage could help. It will not treat the root causes of sciatica however it could provide temporary relief from the pain.
Find out more about the benefits of massage therapy for sciatica, and how you can do it yourself.
Massage therapy is a proven method of relieving discomfort. A study conducted in 2014 found that deep tissue massage could be as effective as nonsteroidal antiinflammatory medications to relieve low back pain. It could be a sign of sciatica.
If you suffer from sciatica, massage therapy can assist through two different ways. Massage’s primary benefit is relaxing muscles that are tense. When muscles are tight they could put additional stress on your nerves, including the sciatic nerve. The massage of these muscles can assist in reducing the pressure placed on your sciatic nerve.
Massage therapy for soft tissue can assist in increasing the threshold for pain by activating your body to produce endorphins. Endorphins increase pleasure and ease the pain, which results in a higher sensation of wellbeing. They also release when you exercise, sex, and when eating.
There are a variety that massage therapies can be used. There’s not much evidence to show that one is more effective for sciatica pain than the other which is why deciding on one boils down to individual preference. Here are a few of the most popular kinds.
Deep tissue massage
Massage for deep tissue is an intense type of massage that employs gentle strokes, and deep pressure to relieve tension from your connective tissues and muscles.
A study conducted in 2014 found that an hour-long session with deep tissue therapy for five times a week for two weeks was shown to help treat lower back pain, such as sciatica.
Swedish massage
Swedish massage for sciatica doesn’t use as much pressure as deep tissue massage. Instead, fluid motions, such as kneading, are utilized in order to increase the number of nerves within the connective tissue of your body and improve the flow of blood. This also assists in releasing general tension and encourage relaxation.
Neuromuscular massage
Neuromuscular massage employs advanced techniques of massage that use pressure deep into the tissue and friction to loosen muscles and ease tension.
Myofascial release
Myofascial release is a method used to ease discomfort that is caused by your myofascial tissues , which is the tough skin that protects and surrounds the muscles.
Trigger points, rigid, inaccessible areas of myofascial tissues, trigger stiffness and pain. The targeted pressure and stretching of trigger points helps decrease stiffness and pain.
Hot stone massage
The use of hot stones to help relax and ease tension-stricken muscles. Stones that are heated are placed on certain areas of your body. They may be carried by the massage therapist, while they utilize Swedish methods of massage.
If you’re considering giving the sciatica massage a go it is important to select an experienced massage therapist that has expertise in treating sciatica issues.
Here are some points to keep in mind when choosing the right massage therapist:
Your own personal preference. Do the gender of the massage therapist affect you? Certain people feel more comfortable with therapists who are similar gender.
Location. Find a massage therapist whose practice is near by or is easy to reach.
Hours. You should ensure that they can schedule appointments at hours that are compatible with your timetable.
Cost. Ask about the cost per session and what costs-saving incentives, for example, sliding scale options.
Credentials. Be sure that the massage therapist you choose to work with is certified to perform massage therapy in the state you reside in. Many states regulate the profession of massage therapy. Be sure to inquire about their qualifications.
Massage types. Certain massage therapists are educated in a variety of massage while others are trained in on a specific type or. Find out what kinds of massage they’re most experienced with.
Experienced in treating sciatica. Discuss with your massage therapist regarding your sciatica, and ask them whether they’ve had experience the treatment of sciatica.
Before your first appointment be sure to inform them about any medical conditions you suffer from. It is also advisable to consult with your health insurance company. Certain massage therapies are covered specifically for unrelated health issue.
The treatment for sciatica will not fix the root cause of your discomfort, but it may assist in temporarily relieving the symptoms and enhance the quality of your living. Consult your doctor regarding your issues prior to beginning massage therapy to ensure that it is safe for you.
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- February 13, 2025 5:43 pm