Out, Out, Damned Sciatic Pain!

Oh sciatic, you are wreaking havoc among friends, family and clients right now so I am officially declaring war. When I keep seeing and hearing about sciatic issues it’s time for me to do something. So here’s a compilation of my favorite exercises for hip and sciatic pain relief in one place. If you’re here because you’re struggling with sciatic pain, I hope these exercises and stretches help you.

Seated Hip Stretch

I love this stretch and use it often. This is where you want to start if you’re not very bendy. Just get the ankle up on the knee, hang out, and listen to what the hip is telling you. A little pain might be necessary to get things moving, but stop if you start feeling that “something is tearing” pain.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WK5aOJCQdXg

 Education is Key

I like this video because the doctor explains the different types of issues that can cause sciatic pain and offers different exercises for each. Try them all and then pick the ones that you think are giving you the best results.

 Another Sciatic Nerve Stretch

This is a pretty common stretch that I’ve seen for sciatic relief. I tend to use this one as well when my sciatic flares up. I like it because I get to lay on the floor, on my back, you know, like sleeping except with stretching.

 Standing Pigeon Piriformis Stretch

You can do this exercise standing next to your bed or any stable raised surface. It’s a good stretch for that pesky piriformis muscle and gets you ready for the next one (if you dare). Please make sure the surface you pick is stable and not going to slide out from under you.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zJR15yFNdPs

 

Here is an article about stretching before sleep that has some great pictures of what this stretch looks like done on a bed.

The Mother of All Sciatic Stretches

Also known as Pigeon in the yoga world, this stretch is well known for opening up the hip rotators and should be considered an advanced move. I recommend working through all the other stretches above and then working slowly into this one.

So there you have it! Good luck, work smart and I look forward to hearing how you progress through these exercises and getting out of pain. As always, my table and services are available to you for assistance with sciatic pain management.

***Micro mini fine print: I’m not a doctor and this article is not intended to replace medical advice. Please listen to your body and seek medical attention when necessary.***

♥

Harvest Moon Massage Therapy is Decatur, Alabama’s Original Ashiatsu Oriental Bar Therapist!