What Massage Modality Is Right for Me?
If you’ve suffered from Sciatica for long enough, it’s time to put a stop to it and you need massage therapy for sciatica.
Even Pope Francis said in an interview this year that he suffered from sciatica and was getting a regular massage to help with the sciatica symptoms.
He said, “The worst thing that happened was an attack of sciatica – really! – that I had the first month because I was sitting in an armchair to do interviews and it hurt. Sciatica is very painful, very painful! I don’t wish it on anyone!”.
Massage therapists see sciatica in their clients frequently. There’s a reason why massage therapy has endured for thousands of years and has been a trusted ally in the fight against muscular and nervous system issues!
For those who have or are suffering from sciatica you already know how debilitating it can be.
Weeks (or months) of pure agony make you feel grateful for the moments you can sit, sleep or walk upright without pain.
If you’re suffering from sciatica, or know someone who is, massage therapy is a great source of natural pain relief. Read on to learn more!
GPs now prefer Massage than pain medicines
Painkillers were the first line of treatment for Sciatica for many years until major international guidelines for the management of low back pain changed recently.
Changes included moving strongly away from prescription drugs due to an overwhelming amount of research that showed these pain medicines had little to no effect compared to placebo.
Instead, Dr Adrian Traeger, lead author of the research from the Musculoskeletal Health Group at the University’s School of Public Health, recommends non-medicinal approaches like yoga, heat, physiotherapy and massage therapy for Sciatica.
He said, “Until now, the recommended approach to help LBP (lower back pain) in general practice was to prescribe simple pain medicines such as paracetamol or anti-inflammatories,” said Traeger.
“If you have an uncomplicated case of recent-onset LBP, your doctor may now simply provide advice on how to remain active and non-drug methods for pain relief such as heat and massage, and arrange to see you in two weeks to make sure the pain has settled.
Massage Therapy for Sciatica has actual results
It’s not a fad, a hype or an advertising tactic to lure you to book a massage.
There are real client success stories that can inspire you. Pope Francis himself can attest to this.
In the UK, local massage therapist Tatina Samprini has launched a national petition to include massage to the current NHS options.
Because it works.
One of her clients came in with back pain and Sciatica. He suffered from a prolapsed disc and has endured constant pain since its occurance.
“NHS physio treatment had not worked and he was not eager for a back surgery, so he decided to try massage. After the first treatment, his sciatica symptoms were reduced considerably.
After a couple of massages, his back felt much better too.
He eventually didn’t need the operation! Semprini shared in a story for the local independent newspaper Waltham Forest Echo.
Meanwhile, Tom Conroy revealed to the East Anglian Times how he became a massage therapist himself after his massage therapy for Sciatica proved to be so successful.
“There have been points in my life where the pain of Sciatica was stopping so much of life’s enjoyment, preventing career avenues, and leading to a real loss of confidence in myself” Conroy said.
Jan Campbell is another patient who claimed one trigger point therapy treatment completely relieved a nasty stubborn hip pain he had harbored for five months.
Our recommendation?
If you haven’t already found a skilled professional massage therapist near you to work with yet, find one on the MassageBook massage therapy directory.
Massage therapy for Sciatica works – and can bring back the welcome feeling of pain-free mobility and fidget-free sitting.
Research says Massage Therapy for Sciatica is Effective
According to WebMD, massage can be effective in relieving Sciatic pain.
In a study conducted among 400 patients with low back pain, patients who received a massage reported less pain and improved functioning.
Surprisingly, more than a third of these massage patients claimed they were absolutely pain-free and 4% said their condition improved.
The American Massage therapy Association (AMTA) also advocated massage therapy for Sciatica following their comprehensive research which proves that massage therapy can effectively decrease pain, disability and depression associated with low back pain.
But How does Massage Therapy for Sciatica work?
It could be like answering how massage therapy has been known to work for back pain.
But when the pain radiates past the buttocks, down the thigh, into the lower leg, and even to the foot, all on one side, it usually is sciatica.
Some people will be more prone to Sciatica than others: those who suffer from chronic back pain, obese, diabetics, smokers, office workers and couch potatoes.
Best Types of Massage Therapy for Sciatica
First, find a licensed massage therapist who has experience with treating sciatica.
Experienced and skilled professionals can perform trigger-point therapy and other specific techniques to relieve your pain.
Jeff Smoot, vice president of the American Massage Therapy Association recommended this type of massage therapy for sciatica in an article from Prevention.com.
Smoot himself schedules patients for visits seven to ten days apart, applying specific techniques to relax the tight tissues surrounding the sciatic nerve.
The pressure can be quite deep depending on your pain tolerance. But for many, if the pressure is bearable, amazing pain relief can be achieved immediately afterwards.
Otherwise, Smoot cautions that you should talk to your doctor about other types of therapy that can complement massage techniques.
Most massage therapists also recommend neuromuscular therapy and deep tissue massage for managing Sciatica. These types of massage therapy can loosen tight muscles that impinge the nerve, restore healthy blood flow, and offer much-needed relief.
Finally, massage has many helpful benefits to your body other than pain relief: it can reduce your stress and help release those “feel-good” happy hormones that you need to break free from pain.
Always Consults with your Doctor
Massage therapy for Sciatica, just like other remedies, isn’t a miracle cure. For many, however, it provides a solution to sciatic pain without negative side effects.
Ready to give it a try?Skilled and publicly reviewed massage therapists who specialize in treating Sciatica can be found in the MassageBook massage therapist directory.
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Massage therapy is very useful for pain and stress relief. Very nice post, I got a lot more information on your article. Thanks!
Good blog on sciatica. I have it from a car accident. It’s no joke! Massage is the only thing that keeps me out of pain! 😁
The massage Therapy for Sciatica has actual results. Research says Massage Therapy for Sciatica is Effective because many people have benefitted from it.