Last week I had a guy ask if sports massage could help with his sciatica. He was getting pain down his right leg.
I asked about his symptoms then I said Sports massage could help but I use EMMETT technique (another soft tissue therapy) these days as it is far more effective and efficient. His description was of a trapped nerve coming from his buttocks. The sciatic nerve can become impinged by gluteal muscles when there is too much tension in the area. The fabulous thing is EMMETT technique is amazing at releasing tense muscles. Relaxed muscles mean immediately less tension on the nerve.
He agreed to give EMMETT TECHNIQUE a go
Upon treating him I found that most of the tension was coming from his adductors (inner thigh muscles), as they relaxed, he felt less of the nerve pain. The tension was pulling his pelvis down.
When he came in, he said his pain level was 5/5 (extremely painful), when we finished he said it was 2/5. On testing, he could still feel it but it was only at the point of origin in his hip rather than shooting down his leg and only when his leg was raised.
When muscles and tendons are pulled and stretched and held in unnatural positions, they will become inflamed and cause irritation and discomfort. Even after muscles are relaxed, soft tissue still needs recovery time. This pain can still lessen in the following 48hours.
Image: Essential Anatomy
This client was far more comfortable when he left. The next day, he reported feeling "so much better". He was definitely sold on this treatment as he asked “if my back goes in the future, can you treat it? Will you be able to use the same technique?”
Sciatica V Piriformis syndrome
True Sciatica is a result of spinal dysfunction, however sciatic nerve impingement can occur anywhere along its route through your hip and down your leg. They produce similar symptoms and the pain in your thigh or leg can be painful and annoying.
As soon as people have pain down their leg, they automatically assume it’s sciatica, but it may not be "true" sciatica.
Nerve impingement can occur due to muscle imbalance and muscle inflammation. Releasing tension in your muscles can reduce the impingement.
Fast and effective soft tissue therapy
EMMETT is such a great soft tissue therapy. Not only is it effective, it works extremely quickly and to top it all off, it is gentle. No harsh manipulations and definitely no bone cracking!
If you’re suffering with musculoskeletal pain or like this gentleman have a pain running down your leg and you’re fed up, let’s have a chat to see if I can help.
I offer a complimentary exploratory call. Book your call now.
Alternatively join my Facebook group for more educational tips and learn to better understand your body and how it works.
I am Sabrina Qua - Soft Tissue Therapist, Movement Coach and Personal Trainer based in Worcester Park, Epsom, who helps people resolve or significantly reduce their muscular aches and pains through an integrative approach, so they can live active, enjoyable lives. More tips and information available in my Facebook group Reduce Pain and Move Better.
If you would like help reducing pain, getting stronger and moving better, book your complimentary exploratory call now.