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5 Effective Self-Massage Techniques for Sciatica Relief

If you're suffering from sciatica, watch the video below to learn 5 simple self-massage techniques that can help relieve your pain and improve your mobility.

6 Natural Solutions To Stop Sciatica, More 4 Life Physical Therapy St. Louis MO 63011 Gladly Serving Ballwin, Manchester, Chesterfield, Des Peres, Ellisville, and St. Louis County.

5 Self-Massage Techniques for Sciatica Relief

The 5 self-massage techniques below target the muscles groups around the sciatic nerve.  Namely those are the lower back muscles, piriformis, hamstrings, and calves.

Gentle Back Massage

This technique helps relax the back muscles and opens up the spaces where the sciatic nerve exits the spine. Here's how to do it:

  • Lie on the floor or a firm surface with your knees pulled towards your chest.
  • Rock gently back and forth to massage the back extensors and relieve tension.

Lower Back Self Massage Technique for Sciatica

If you can't get down or up from the floor is uncomfortable, you can use a couch or bed.  The massage just won't be as firm.

Releasing the Psoas Muscle

The psoas muscle can compress the lower back and affect the sciatic nerve.

Release it as follows:

  • Lie on your back with your legs elevated on a couch or pillows.
  • Locate the psoas muscle between your hip bone and belly button.
  • Apply gentle pressure with your fingertips for 2-3 minutes to relax the muscle.

Manual psoas release self massage for sciatica

Alternatively, use a psoas release tool for deeper pressure.

How to use the Pso-Rite psoas release tool to relieve sciatica

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Releasing the Piriformis

The piriformis muscle can irritate the sciatic nerve. Here's how to release it:

  • Use a tennis ball or massage ball under your buttock while seated or lying down.
  • Target the ends of the piriformis near the sacrum and hip bone, avoiding direct pressure on the nerve.
  • You can also roll slightly onto your side to massage the outer hip muscles, like the gluteus medius and minimus.

Piriformis Self Massage Technique for Sciatica

Massaging the Hamstrings and Calves

Tight hamstrings and calves can worsen sciatica symptoms. Try these methods:

  • Use a massage stick to gently roll along the muscles.
  • For deeper knots, apply manual pressure with your hands.
  • Focus on areas near the back of the thigh, knee, and shin bone.

hamstring self massage for sciatica calf self massage for sciatica

Using a Massage Gun

A massage gun can help relax large muscle groups effectively. Here's how:

  • Use the gun on the hamstrings and calves, focusing on tender areas.
  • Apply light pressure to avoid irritating the sciatic nerve near bony areas.
  • If your massage gun has a heated head, use it for additional relaxation.

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Need Massage For Sciatica?

If you life in the St. Louis area and need help for sciatica, our hands-on physical therapy combines soft-tissue massage, joint manipulation, dry needling, exercises, and other techniques to help you not only temporarily relieve sciatica, but to get rid of it for good.

If you'd like long-term lasting relief from sciatica, tap the button below to request an appointment.

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