By Dean Baldwin, Remedial Massage Therapist
Sciatica and how it affects you!
In this blog we will outline what the condition Sciatica is and how it is felt throughout the body. We will provide you with some self care tips and treatment options that will assist you with any discomfort you may be feeling. So let’s get started!
What is Sciatica?
Sciatica is a condition that impacts the sciatic nerve, which runs from the lower back through the glutes, legs and down to the foot. It is common to feel a burning sensation, foot numbness and even weakness in those areas. This is caused by the sciatic nerve becoming impinged (squashed), and some of the contributing factors can be muscle tension or poor hip or lower back positioning.
What are the treatment options for Sciatica?
Sciatica can be a debilitating condition and can inhibit your daily life activities such as sitting and even walking. Some of the best treatment options can be remedial massage as well as physiotherapy. Remedial massage will assist with relieving any stiffness in the muscles of the back, hips and legs. Physiotherapy will provide strengthening exercises for affected regions to make the lasting change. Therefore, working hand in hand with both forms of therapy is an effective way of combating sciatica.
Self care exercises for Sciatica
There are multiple exercises or stretching techniques for reducing any discomfort felt from sciatica. Below is a list of our 3 top exercises to get you started
- Cat Cow - this exercise is great for increasing gentle movement throughout the lower back and should be done slowly and repeated at least 10 times.
2. Cobra pose - this exercise creates back extension, which could help with decompressing of the nerves in the back and as well as reducing the symptoms of sciatica. This should be held for a short period (only as much as it feels comfortable and not painful) at the top of the extension. It should be done slowly and repeated at least 10 times.
3. Piriformis stretch - this can relieve stiffness in the piriformis muscle to ensure that it’s not compressing on the sciatica nerve. It should be held for 20 - 30 seconds. Once completed switch legs.
If you are experiencing any symptoms of sciatica, feel free to book a remedial massage or physiotherapy appointment on the website or call our reception team on 03 9498 0205. We would be happy to assist you to achieve a pain-free life.
Thank you and be well
How can we help you?
At Melbourne Sports Physiotherapy our goal is to get you moving pain free as soon as possible. But, we also want you to actually move better and live a healthier, more active and fulfilling life!
If your sports, fitness training or work has been wearing your body down, book in with one of our expert physiotherapists or massage therapists so we can help you reduce your pain and get you moving again.
You can make an appointment by calling 03 9498 0205 or booking online.
BOOK ONLINE NOW TO FIX YOUR PAIN
Other Very Useful Blog Posts.
2. Running Injuries, and How Physiotherapy Can Help.
1. Medicare Rebates for Physiotherapy
4. Why Stretching a Painful Tendon Doesn't Work.
View previous Melbourne Sports Physiotherapy blog posts by clicking on the year below:
2020 - 2019 - 2018 - 2017 - 2016.