Is Massage Therapy a Good Treatment Option for My Sciatica?

If you suffer from sciatica and have recurring bouts of it, you’re likely seeking alternatives to prescription drugs. Although you may need medication, it always has side effects. Nerve-suppressing medications can make you tired, and you must be alert during the day.

Board-certified physical therapist Dr. Mohamed Hablas at Outreach Manual Physical Therapy  treats sciatica with various active and passive physical therapy techniques. Myofascial release, stretches, targeted exercises, manual therapy including soft tissue mobilization, and massages are all effective physical therapy treatments for sciatica. 

Massages are routinely incorporated into physical therapy. You can also benefit from additional massage sessions with a board-certified masseuse who understands sciatica. 

A massage is beneficial in reducing your sciatica pain in the following ways: 

Releases tense muscles 

The sciatic nerve is the longest in your body, extending from the lower back to your heel. When the nerve gets compressed, you can feel pain anywhere from the top to near the bottom of the nerve, which means pain in various spots down your leg. 

Your muscles may tighten up involuntarily. Some of them can become knotted; you can feel the knots. The muscles can also spasm, putting more pressure on your sciatic nerve. Muscle spasms can cause severe pain that makes it difficult to walk. 

Massages help release tight, tense muscles. Dr. Hablas stretches and elongates the contracted muscles, which helps alleviate pressure on your sciatic nerve. 

Increases circulation 

Your circulatory system brings fresh and continuous blood flow to all areas of your body. Your blood contains oxygen, vitamins, minerals, proteins, and other life-giving nutrients that your muscles, tendons, ligaments, nerves, and bones need to remain healthy. 

Massage therapy improves blood circulation at the site of your pain. Increased blood circulation helps ease your pain when the healing nutrients rush to the site. 

Releases endorphins

Scientists have proven the connection between the body and the brain. A massage can trigger the release of endorphins, hormones that help reduce pain and send signals to your brain to elevate your mood, known as feel-good hormones. 

Helps relieve stress

When you’re in pain, you’re stressed. Your adrenal glands produce more of the hormone cortisol when you’re stressed. 

Long-term stress that induces chronically high cortisol levels can harm your health. Excess cortisol can alter or damage your digestive system, immune system, or growth process. 

Massage therapy triggers your body to lower your cortisol level. You feel more relaxed, which decreases your perception of pain. 

Call Outreach Manual Physical Therapy or book an appointment through our online portal today to relieve sciatica pain.