
Sciatica is a condition that can cause pain, tingling, and numbness in the lower back and legs. The sciatic nerve is the largest and longest nerve in the body, running from the spinal cord down to the feet. When this nerve is compressed or irritated, it can cause sciatica symptoms. Massage therapy is a great way to relieve sciatic pain.
Common symptoms of this condition include pain in the lower back and hip, pain down the back of the leg, sciatic nerve pain when sitting, shooting pain down the leg, and numbness or tingling in the foot.
Massage therapy can help relieve these symptoms by decreasing inflammation and muscle tension around the sciatic nerve.
There are several types of massage that can help decrease pain that is associated with sciatica.
Myofascial release is a type of massage that focuses on releasing the fascia, or connective tissue, around the sciatic nerve.
Trigger point massage targets specific areas of muscle tension that may be contributing to sciatic pain.
Cupping massage is another effective type of massage for sciatica. This type of massage uses glass or silicone cups to create suction. The cups are placed on the skin and used to massage the affected areas. Cupping can help release muscle tension and increase blood flow to the area, which can decrease pain.
Neuromuscular massage is another type of massage that can be effective for sciatica. This type of massage focuses on deeper pressure and friction.
Oftentimes, in massage therapy, these are all combined into the massage session.
If you are experiencing sciatica pain, massage therapy can help.