Whether you’re a professional athlete or just like to stay active, there’s a good chance you’ve experienced some form of sciatica. This condition can be extremely painful, making it difficult to move and function normally. However, there are ways to manage and treat sciatica, including sports massage. In this article, we’ll discuss the basics of sports massage for sciatica and how it can help relieve your pain.

What Is Sports Massage?

Sports massage is a type of sports therapy that uses physical treatment techniques to help athletes and sports players prevent sports injuries, recover from sports injuries, and manage pain. It aims to loosen the soft tissue restrictions which can occur as a result of injury or overuse. This can be through massaging or by applying pressure at specific points on the body in order to reduce tension and increase blood flow.

It’s a form of therapeutic massage aimed at treating sports-related injuries but it may also be used for relaxing muscles after exercise or for rehabilitation from more severe sports injuries such as fractures.

What Is Sciatica?

Sciatica is a medical condition that causes pain along the course of the sciatic nerve, most often caused by compression or irritation of the nerve root. Symptoms may include pain, numbness, or weakness in the leg and foot. Sciatica occurs when the sciatic nerve, which runs from your hips to your feet, is irritated. In most cases, the exact cause of sciatica can’t be determined; in some instances, it might be linked to a herniated disk or spinal stenosis, a narrowing of the part of the spine where nerves travel.

Why Is Sports Massage Good For Sciatica?

Sports massage is a great way to work on the muscles which helps relieve some of the symptoms of sciatica. When specific sports massage for sciatica occurs, it can really help the sports therapist work on the areas that need attention and reduce muscle tension in those areas. In addition, sports therapists know how to apply sports massage at just the right amount of pressure to get into those affected tight spots without causing more pain or injury.

This is important because people with sciatica very often have a heightened level of pain sensitivity and may even be experiencing some increased clumsiness as a result of their condition. So sports therapists are well aware of this – something which cannot necessarily be guaranteed from other health care providers working with people who have been diagnosed with sciatica.

Which Types Of Sports Massage Are Recommended For Sciatica?

There are several types of sports massage that can be used for sciatica, but the most common is an effleurage sports massage, sometimes also known as Swedish sports massage. An effleurage sports massage generally works by applying downward pressure to muscles followed by using long, gliding strokes across the grain of the muscle.  

Sports therapists may use other sports massage techniques to help relieve their clients’ symptoms too. These include petrissage sports massage (lifting and kneading), friction sports massage (scratching), and tapotement sports massage (rapid rhythmic tapping or percussing).

What Sports Are Beneficial For People With Sciatica?

All sports that encourage good posture and back support are beneficial for people who suffer from sciatica pain. Be mindful not to lean forward while playing sports like badminton or tennis as this will put unnecessary pressure on the lower back causing muscular tightness and aggravating symptoms of sciatica.

Self-massage techniques such as the Crossed Hamstring technique and lower back stretching exercises can also be beneficial sports-specific ways to treat symptoms of sciatica.

How Often Should Sports Massage For Sciatica Performed?

The sports massage for sciatica should be performed at least once a month. This will help to keep the pain and the tension away, and also improve the blood flow. The sports massage for sciatica technique can also be used before working out or playing sports as it helps to increase the production of endorphins – this is one of the reasons why sports massage is so effective – you can actually feel better!

Sports massage focuses on alleviating tension in knots that are located around your hips, buttocks, and lower back, which are common sites for people suffering from sciatica. It’s important to know what needs to be treated because if these knots are not released they can result in more serious conditions such as sciatica.

The sports massage for sciatica technique is not only good for the sportsperson, but it can also be very effective and helpful to people that spend a lot of time either sitting or standing. The sports massage technique has been known to help patients suffering from arthritis, colon disease, constipation, even menstrual cramps!

It is advised that sports massage should not be painful and you should be able to feel a stretch in the muscles without pain. If these symptoms are present, it bodes well to see a sports massage therapist for an assessment and treatment plan.

Is Sports Massage For Sciatica Covered By Health Insurance?

Because most health insurance companies do not cover sports massage therapy, you will almost certainly be liable for the whole expense if you seek treatment. Even if your health insurance covers you, there may be some restrictions.

Depending on the insurance, massage treatment may be defined differently. The reason you’re receiving a massage, as well as the definition of massage, will most likely decide whether or not your insurance will cover it. If your insurance doesn’t cover massage therapy, make sure to inquire about other choices. It’s also a good idea to talk to your doctor about them.

Some sports massage therapists have reported being told by primary care doctors that sports massage is not covered by their medical insurance plan. However, it actually can be covered if the sports massage therapist works with a physical therapist or chiropractor who offers a service called “manual therapy” to a patient for sciatica.

That’s a lot of questions, and we can answer them all! If you’re curious about sports massage for sciatica- what it is, how it works, which types are most beneficial, and more- call us today. We offer a variety of massages that can help reduce the pain and inflammation associated with sciatica, and our skilled therapists will work with you to create a treatment plan tailored specifically to your needs. So don’t suffer any longer; give us a call today!

Are You  Experiencing Sciatica But Don’t Know Where to Turn for Help?

Beyond Ergonomics gives athletes and desk professionals answers to their pain problems. Body imbalances, repetitive use, and lack of movement are the cause of many injuries and pain. Beyond Ergonomics helps you discover your imbalances and create change. MedicinEvolution’s purpose is to reduce pain and other symptoms that you haven’t had luck with. MedicinEvolution Bodywork Beyond Massage is the solution for many problems plaguing your body.  Make your appointment today!