Sciatic pain can be a real pain in the butt! Nothing is worse than relentless and constant back and lower body pain. If you have noticed a tingly numbness or weakness down the side of the body or into your lower back, you could possibly be suffering from sciatica. Speak with a registered physician first about your pain and your options for care.
Sciatica can be a chronic and frustrating condition, and it can feel like there is no way to release it. If this sounds familiar, it might be time to consult with your doctor about the benefits of massage. Massage therapy can be a terrific option to help reduce pain and improve overall health.
How exactly does sciatic pain occur, and what are the best ways to help relieve pain?
What Is Sciatic Pain and How Does It Happen?
Sciatica is a medical term that refers to pain along the sciatic nerve. Your sciatic nerve is actually the longest and widest nerve in your body. It runs along your lower spine, through your pelvic region, and down to each of your legs. The sciatic nerve supplies both motor control and sensation; because of this, sciatica can cause muscle weakness and nerve pain.
The most common cause of sciatica is a slipped or herniated disc. A slipped disc occurs when a force pushes all or part of the disc through a weaker part of the spine. The disc’s pressure on the sciatic nerve can cause intense pain. Other possible causes of sciatica are spinal stenosis, piriformis syndrome, and pelvic injury or fracture. In very rare cases, tumours or spondylolisthesis can be the source.
Luckily, there are options for the discomfort caused by sciatica, including several forms of massage therapy.
Types of Massages That Are Best for Sciatica
Massage therapy can be beneficial for muscle and nerve pain. During massages, you may feel a sense of relaxation because of the release of endorphins. Endorphins help relieve pain and heighten pleasure and are also released during physical activity and eating.
Another advantage is that different massage techniques can help increase circulation — not only blood flow, but also movement of other body fluids. The lymphatic system, for example, can become sluggish or congested.
Finally, different types of massage techniques can help release tension and pain in the body from sciatica. There is no evidence that one massage technique is universally more effective than another, so personal preference and guidance from your registered massage therapist (RMT) can help you choose what is best for you.
1. Deep Tissue Massage
Deep tissue massage focuses on the deep layers of muscles and the connective tissues around them. Sciatica can cause chronic deep pain, especially in the lower back. This massage style has been shown to help with chronic pain. During the massage, an RMT applies slow, even pressure to lengthen and relax the tissue.
Due to the firm pressure, you may feel sore afterward, but within 2–3 days many people experience a deep sense of relief. Overall, this massage style can help improve sciatica pain and more.
2. Myofascial Release Therapy
Myofascial release therapy works on the myofascial tissue that connects and supports your muscles and bones.
During treatment, an RMT starts gently and slowly searches for tightness or soreness. Once areas of stiffness are found, the RMT applies steady, light pressure to encourage release.
When sciatica flares up, surrounding muscles often tense and become painful. Myofascial release focuses on those tense areas and gradually reduces the strain.
3. Trigger Point Therapy
Trigger point therapy focuses on areas of tension known as trigger points — spots that can radiate pain to other parts of the body when pressure is applied.
These points develop where muscles are unable to release tension. Trigger point therapy works through these areas to reduce tightness and pain. It can help with sciatica flare-ups by reducing bodily stress, easing tense areas, and supporting the release of endorphins to promote relaxation.
While massage for sciatica can be relaxing and effective, it may not be suitable for everyone. There are other ways to help if massage therapy is not accessible or recommended for you.
Other Ways to Help Relieve Sciatic Nerve Pain
If you are unable to receive massage therapy or want additional options, consider visiting a physical therapist. Physiotherapy can provide exercises and activities to help relieve discomfort caused by sciatica.
For at-home care, tennis balls or massage rollers can be helpful. Tennis balls can work similarly to trigger point therapy — by gently pressing or rolling the area of tension over the ball, you can encourage tight muscles to relax. Our therapists can help you determine the best at-home routine for your condition.
We also recommend stretching the front of your body to address possible muscle imbalances. Opening up your quads and hip flexors may provide much-needed relief.
Sciatica Pain Relief Massage Near Me
A therapeutic massage can encourage relaxation and release tight muscles. It is essential to have an experienced registered massage therapist (RMT) perform these techniques. And always remember to breathe through your treatment. If you cannot breathe or talk comfortably during treatment, then the pressure is too aggressive and may be doing more harm than good. Communication with your RMT is very important.
Trained hands can help relieve pain, and the professional therapists at Urban Massage & Wellness want to help. If you are suffering from sciatica, book a massage today with our talented team.
