Sports Massage for Sciatica
Sports massage can be useful in treating Sciatica. Loosening the muscles of the lower back and buttocks can ease the pressure on the sciatic nerve.
The following is for information purposes only. We recommend seeking professional advice.
1. Effleurage
Effleurage is a technique used at the beginning and end of a massage. At the start it aims to spread the oil and start to warm up the muscles underneath. It is a stroking technique in which the hands apply pressure in the direction of the heart and then ease off on the way back.
2. Petrissage
Petrissage is a kneading type technique used to further warm adn loosen the muscles. It should be applied to the lower back and the upper buttock muscles.
3. Stripping
Stripping the muscles is a common technique using one thumb along the length of a muscle. It should be used on the erector spinae muscles, either side of the spine, as well as the gluteal muscles, from the spine out towards the hip.
4. Circular Frictions
Circular frictions use just one thumb again and are a cirular motion using moderate pressure to break down knots and scar tissue etc.
5. Finishing off
Massage is finished again with some of the lighter techniques from the start to help flush out waste products and drain away blood. Petrissage is usually followed by increasingly lighter effleurage.
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