According to Garry Adkins, NCTMB, CMI, sciatic nerve dysfunction affects nearly 40% of adults at some point during their lives. Many of those with sciatica pain actually have piriformis syndrome where the piriformis has contracted around the sciatic nerve. Another cause of low back, sacroiliac and sciatic pain can be a rotated pelvis. While working with professional athletes, Garry found that including treatment of the hip flexors at the front of the body helped relieve and eliminate sciatica and low back pain for the long haul. He also discovered that treating damaged sacral and sacroiliac ligaments can significantly reduce sciatica and its symptoms. I was lucky to study with Garry last week in Portland where he shared his assessment and massage techniques for treating sciatica.Treatment begins by assessing muscle function around the pelvic area and then checking hip alignment. Whichever hip is rotated forward is the side we work the front of and then we address the back of the opposite side. The treatment is intense AND highly effective.
If you can’t make it to a professional massage therapist for treatment for your sciatica or low back pain, try some of these hip flexor stretches and exercises on your own and discover the connection for yourself:
Flex Those Flexors – 3 Steps to Powerful Hips
You might also want to check out this newsletter article on the link between tight hip flexors and lower back pain:
How Tight Hip Flexors & Hamstrings Can Contribute to Lower Back Pain
If you would like to experience an effective massage treatment for sciatica and lower back pain, contact me for a session. I would be happy to share these new techniques with you so you can feel better soon!