Sciatica is a type of pain caused by compression or irritation of the sciatic nerve, which runs from the lower back through each leg. This condition can cause a range of symptoms, including tingling, numbness, and muscle weakness in the affected area. Fortunately, massage can offer relief from sciatica pain. Let’s take a closer look at how massage works to relieve sciatica pain.
How Does Massage Help with Sciatica?
Massage is an effective way to reduce tension and inflammation in the muscles surrounding the sciatic nerve. A registered massage therapist (RMT) will use various techniques to target the areas that are causing discomfort. These techniques can include kneading, stretching, and applying pressure to specific points on the body. The goal is to reduce any knots or tightness in the muscles and to improve flexibility, which helps relieve tension and stress near the nerve root.
In addition to relieving tension in the muscles, massage also helps improve circulation throughout your body, which can help reduce inflammation around the sciatic nerve and promote healing within your body. By increasing circulation, massage also helps your body flush out toxins and excess fluids that may be contributing to inflammation in your lower back. It also increases oxygen levels throughout your body, which helps speed up recovery time after an injury or flare-up of sciatica symptoms.
When Is Massage Recommended for Sciatica Pain?
Massage is typically recommended when other treatments – such as exercise, physiotherapy, or medication – have not been successful in providing relief from sciatica pain. However, it’s important to note that massage should be used alongside other treatments rather than as a standalone option. For example, if you suffer from an underlying condition such as arthritis or disc herniation that is causing your sciatica pain, massage alone may not be sufficient for providing long-term relief; other treatments may need to be implemented as well.
Overall, massage can be a great way to provide relief from sciatica pain without resorting to medication or surgery. By targeting areas of tension and increasing circulation throughout your body, massage can help reduce inflammation around the sciatic nerve and promote faster healing time after a flare-up or injury occurs.
If you have any questions or would like to explore further, please book a free, no-charge online appointment with either myself, Natalie Yeo, RMT, or another RMT in Waterloo or Kitchener at CARESPACE. We are happy to listen and are here to help!
Read About Other Effective Treatments for Sciatica Pain
Understanding Sciatica and How Physiotherapy Can Help
A Chiropractor Can Help with Sciatica Pain
