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Benefits of Massage for Sciatic Nerve Pain

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How do you define sciatica?

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

Sciatica usually affects only the affected side. It can vary between mild and very severe. It’s typically caused by other signs such as numbness, tingling or weakness in the affected leg or foot.

Sciatica can affect your daily activities and cause walking, standing or 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 can provide temporary relief from the pain.

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

Massage therapy can be a successful method to ease discomfort. A study conducted in 2014 found that deep tissue massage could be more effective than nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications to relieve low back pain. This can be a sign of sciatica.

If you suffer from sciatica, massage may help by two methods. Massage’s primary purpose is to relax muscles that are tight. When muscles are tight they could put additional pressure on your nerves including the sciatic nerve. Massage these muscles that are tight could assist in reducing the pressure placed on your sciatic nerve.

Massage therapy for soft tissue can aid in increasing the threshold for pain by increasing your body to produce endorphins. Endorphins enhance pleasure and alleviate discomfort, leading to a greater sensation of wellbeing. They also release when you exercise, sex, and when eating.

There are many types that massage therapies can be used. There’s no evidence to suggest that one is more effective to treat sciatica than another which is why deciding on one boils down to individual preference. Here’s a list of some of the most popular kinds.

Deep tissue massage

The deep-tissue massage an intense type of massage that employs gentle strokes, and deep pressure to ease tension from your connective tissues and muscles.

A clinical study from 2014 revealed that 30 minutes with deep tissue massage for sciatica for five every day for two weeks was proven to help treat lower back pain.

Swedish massage

Swedish massage doesn’t use as much pressure as deep tissue massage. Instead, fluid and kneading motions are employed in order to increase the number of nerves within your connective tissue , and to increase the flow of blood. It also helps release general tension and encourage relaxation.

Neuromuscular massage

Neuromuscular massage employs advanced techniques for massage that use pressure deep into the tissue and friction to loosen muscles and ease tension.

Myofascial release

Myofascial release is a method employed to alleviate discomfort that is caused by your myofascial tissues , which is the tough skin that supports and protects your muscles.

Trigger points, rigid, inaccessible areas of myofascial tissues, trigger stiffness and pain. Pressure and stretching that is targeted at trigger points helps lessen stiffness and pain.

Hot stone massage

Massage using hot stones is utilized to relax and relax tension-stricken muscles. The heated stones are placed on specific areas of your body. They may be held by a massage therapist as they employ Swedish technique of massaging.

If you’re interested in giving massage therapy for sciatica a shot It is essential to select an experienced massage therapist that is experienced in treating sciatica issues.

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

Your own personal preference. Do the gender of the 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 near by or is easy to reach.

Hours. It is important to ensure that they have appointments available during times that fit with your timetable.

Cost. Find out how much they charge per session and what savings incentives, like sliding scale options.

Credentials. Be sure that the massage therapist you choose to work with is certified to perform massage therapy in the state you reside in. Many states regulate the field of massage therapy. Make sure you inquire for their credentials.

The type of massage. Massage therapists have been skilled in various types of massage while others are trained in on one or two specific types. Find out what kinds of massage 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.

Before your first appointment ensure that you inform them about any health issues you may have. You might also wish to consult with your health insurance company. Massage therapy is covered by some insurance companies particularly for an existing 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 regarding your issues prior to beginning the massage treatment to ensure it’s appropriate for you.