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Can Massage Help with Sciatica?

Is sciatica a condition?

Sciatica is the word used to describe inflammation of the sciatic nerve that runs from your lower back to your buttocks and hips and down your legs.

Sciatica generally affects just on one of the sides, and may range on severity, ranging from moderate to very severe. It’s typically caused by other signs like tingling, numbness or weakness of the affected leg or foot.

Sciatica can hinder your everyday activities, making walking, standing or even sitting difficult. If you’d like to explore alternatives to the traditional painkillers massage might be able to aid. Massage isn’t able to treat the primary reason for your sciatica, however, it can provide temporary relief from the pain.

Learn more about the benefits of massage therapy for sciatica, and how you can do it yourself.

Sciatica pain relief massage can be a successful method to ease discomfort. A study from 2014 even showed that deep tissue massage could be more effective than nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications to relieve low back pain. It could be a sign of sciatica.

In the case of sciatica, massage may help through two different ways. Massage’s primary purpose is to relax muscles that are tense. If your muscles are tight they put greater stress on your nerves, including the sciatic nerve. The massage of these muscles can assist in reducing the pressure placed on your sciatic nerve.

Massages to the soft tissues can aid in increasing the threshold for pain by increasing your body to produce endorphins. Endorphins enhance pleasure and alleviate the pain, which results in a higher sensation of wellbeing. They also release them when you exercise, sex, and when eating.

There are a variety that massage therapies can be used. There’s no evidence to suggest that one kind is more effective for sciatica pain than the other which is why deciding on one boils down to individual preference. Here’s a list of some of the most commonly used kinds.

Deep tissue massage

Massage for deep tissue is a vigorous kind of massage that utilizes gentle strokes, and deep pressure to relieve tension from your connective tissues and muscles.

A clinical study from 2014 revealed that 30 minutes that included deep-tissue massage, five times a week for two weeks was shown to help treat lower back pain, such as sciatica.

Swedish massage

Swedish massage doesn’t use as much pressure as deep tissue massage. Instead, fluid and kneading motions are employed for stimulating nerve endings 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 is a combination of 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 technique used to ease the pain caused by myofascial tissues , your tough, flexible membrane which supports and protects your muscles.

Trigger points, stiff, rigid areas in myofascial tissues, trigger stiffness and pain. Pressure and stretching that is targeted at trigger points helps decrease stiffness and pain.

Hot stone massage

Massage using hot stones is utilized to help relax and ease tension-stricken muscles. The heated stones 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 interested in giving the sciatica massage a go It is essential to select an experienced massage therapist who is experienced in the treatment of sciatica-related symptoms.

Here are some points to keep in mind when choosing the right massage therapist:

Your own personal preference. Does the gender of your massage therapist’s gender matter to you? Certain people feel more comfortable with massage therapists of similar gender.

Location. Find a massage therapist whose practice is within a short distance or easily accessible.

Hours. You should ensure that they have appointments available during hours that are compatible with your timetable.

Cost. Find out how much they charge per session, and inquire about any costs-saving incentives, for example, an option to scale the price.

Credentials. Be sure that the massage therapist you choose to work with is certified to perform massage therapy within your state. Many states regulate the profession of massage therapy. Make sure you inquire about their qualifications.

Massage types. Certain massage therapists are educated in a variety of massage, while others specialize in on a specific type or. You can ask them what massage types they are most comfortable with.

Experienced in treating sciatica. Discuss with your massage therapist regarding your sciatica, and ask them whether they’ve had experience dealing with sciatic pain.

Prior to your first session ensure that you 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 aid in temporarily relieving your symptoms and increase your overall quality of living. Talk to your physician about your concerns prior to starting the massage treatment to ensure it’s appropriate for you.