Is sciatica a condition?
Sciatica is the name used to describe discomfort along the sciatic nerve that runs from your lower back to your buttocks and hips and then down each leg.
Sciatica usually affects only the affected side. It may range on severity, ranging from moderate to very severe. It’s usually associated with other symptoms like tingling, numbness or weakness in the affected leg or foot.
Sciatica can affect your daily activities and cause walking, standing, or even sitting difficult. If you’d like to explore alternative painkillers to those you’ve been using massage could be able to aid. Massage isn’t able to treat the primary reason for your sciatica, however it could provide temporary relief from discomfort.
Learn more about the possible benefits of massage for sciatica. You can also test it for yourself.
Massage therapy can be a successful method of relieving discomfort. A study from 2014 even showed that deep tissue massage could be as effective as nonsteroidal antiinflammatory medications for relieving lower back pain. It could be a sign of sciatica.
If you suffer from sciatica, massage therapy can assist by two methods. Massage’s primary purpose is to relax muscles that are tense. If your muscles are tight they could put additional stress on your nerves, including the sciatic nerve. The massage of these muscles can aid 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 discomfort, leading to a greater sense of well-being. They also release when you exercise, sex, and when eating.
There are a variety of therapy using massage. There’s not much evidence to show that one is better for sciatica pain than the other which is why deciding on one boils up to personal taste. Here’s a list of some of the most commonly used kinds.
Deep tissue massage
Massage for deep tissue is an intense kind of massage that utilizes slow strokes and intense finger pressure to ease tension from your connective tissue and muscles.
A study conducted in 2014 found that 30 minutes that included deep-tissue massage for five times a week for two weeks was shown to help treat lower back pain, which includes sciatica.
Swedish massage
Swedish massage doesn’t use as much pressure as deep tissue massage. Instead, the flowing and kneading motions are employed for stimulating nerve endings within your connective tissue , and to increase the flow of blood. This also assists in releasing general tension and encourage relaxation.
Neuromuscular massage
Neuromuscular massage employs advanced techniques for massage which combine friction and pressure in the deep tissues to relax muscles and ease tension.
Myofascial release
Myofascial Release is a technique used to ease the pain caused by 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. Pressure and stretching that is targeted at trigger points can help 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 specific areas of your body. They can 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 the treatment of sciatica-related symptoms.
Here are some of the things to take into consideration when selecting one:
Your own personal preference. Does the gender of your massage therapist affect you? Certain people feel more comfortable with massage therapists of identical gender.
Location. Find a massage therapist whose practice is near by or is easy to reach.
Hours. It is important to ensure that they can schedule appointments at hours that are compatible with your timetable.
Cost. Ask about the cost per session and what savings incentives, like sliding scale options.
Credentials. Check that the professional 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 for their credentials.
The type of massage. Massage therapists have been skilled in various types of massage, while others specialize in on one or two specific types. You can ask them what massage types they are most comfortable with.
Expertise in treating sciatica. Speak to your massage therapist regarding your sciatica and inquire whether they’ve had experience dealing with sciatic pain.
Before your first appointment be sure to inform them about any health issues you may have. It is also advisable to talk to your health insurance company. Certain massage therapies are covered particularly for an existing disease.
The treatment of sciatica massage won’t fix the root cause of your discomfort, but it may aid in temporarily relieving your symptoms and increase your overall quality of living. Consult your doctor regarding your issues prior to beginning the massage treatment to ensure it’s appropriate for you.
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