Can Massage Help with Sciatica

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Massage Therapy for treating sciatica

Sciatica is a word for pain that runs through your lower back, across your hips and buttocks, and down each knee.Sciatica usually affects only one side of the body and can be moderate to extreme in severity. Other signs, such as numbness, tingling, or stiffness in the affected leg and foot, are common.Sciatica can find it impossible to stand, walk, or even rest, and can make your everyday routines difficult. Massage can be a good alternative to conventional painkillers if you want to try something different. It won’t fix the root problem that’s causing your sciatica, but it might help you feel better for a while.Continue reading to learn more about the possible effects of massage for sciatica, as well as how to give it a shot for yourself.

What are the benefits of massage for sciatica?

Massage therapy is a great way to get rid of suffering. Deep tissue massage can be as successful as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications in treating low back pain, which is a symptom of sciatica, according to a 2014 report.Massage can benefit sciatica sufferers in two ways. The greatest advantage of massage is that it relaxes sore muscles. When your muscles are tight, your nerves, including your sciatic nerve, are put under more strain. The strain on your sciatic nerve can be relieved by massaging these stressed muscles.By inducing the release of endorphins, soft tissue massage can also help to improve the pain tolerance. Endorphins increase feelings of well-being by increasing satisfaction and relieving discomfort. They’re also released during sexual activity, physical activity, and feeding.

What’s the best type of massage for sciatica?

Massage therapy comes in a variety of forms. There isn’t any indication that one form is better than the other for sciatica discomfort, but it’s a matter of personal choice. Here are a few of the more popular kinds.

Deep tissue massage

Deep tissue massage is a strenuous form of massage that uses slow strokes and deep finger pressure to relieve muscle and connective tissue discomfort.A 2014 clinical study showed that treating low back pain, like sciatica, with a 30-minute deep tissue massage five days a week for two weeks was successful.

Swedish massage

The pressure used in Swedish massage is less than that used in deep tissue massage. Instead, flowing, kneading motions are used to relax nerve endings and increase blood supply in the connective tissue. It also aids in the release of generalized tension and the promotion of relaxation.

Neuromuscular massage

Neuromuscular massage combines deep tissue stimulation and friction with sophisticated massage methods to release clenched muscles and alleviate pain.

Myofascial release

Myofascial release is a pain-relieving procedure that targets the myofascial tissues, which are the tough membranes that protect and sustain the muscles.Pressure and stiffness are caused by trigger points, which are rigid, immovable regions within the myofascial tissues. Pain and stiffness can be reduced by applying focused pressure and stretching to the trigger points.

Hot stone massage

Hot stone massage is used to loosen stressed muscles and encourage sleep. The massage therapist can place heated stones on specific parts of your body and hold them while using Swedish massage techniques.

How do I find a massage therapist?

If you want to try massage for sciatica, make sure to find a licensed massage therapist with experience treating sciatica symptoms.

You can locate a massage therapist by using the following resources:

  • Obtain a prescription from the psychiatrist.
  • enlist the support of your friends and family to make a recommendation.
  • Use the National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage & Bodywork’s database to scan the American Massage Therapy Association’s database.

Remember the following factors when selecting a massage therapist:

  • Your own preference.  Should you care about the massage therapist’s gender? Some patients want to see therapists who are of the same gender.
  • The place.  Choose a massage therapist whose office is nearby or available.
  • Hours.  You want to make sure that they have appointments available at times that are convenient for you.
  • The price.  Inquire about their session fees and any cost-cutting options, such as a sliding-scale option.
  • Credentials are important.  Make sure the massage therapist you select is qualified to practice in your state. The massage therapy practice is regulated in most states. Be certain to inquire about their qualifications.
  • Massage of a certain kind. Some massage practitioners are specialized in a variety of massage techniques, while others specialize in one or two. Inquire about the different styles of massages they’ve had.
  • Expertise in the treatment of sciatica.  Discuss your sciatica with your massage therapist to see if they have any experience treating sciatica.

Be sure you tell them of any other health problems you have before your first session. It’s still a good idea to contact the health-insurance company. Massage therapy is covered by some insurance plans, particularly if it is used to treat an underlying disorder.

Massage for sciatica can not heal the root source of your discomfort, but it will help to ease symptoms and increase the quality of life temporarily. Before beginning massage therapy, talk to the doctor about your symptoms to make sure it’s right for you.

Sciatica – Symptoms and causes