Is Ashiatsu Massage Safe for Herniated Discs and Sciatica?
Is Ashiatsu Massage Safe for Herniated Discs? What About for Sciatica? | Sciatica Relief Colorado Springs
Understanding Herniated Discs and Sciatica Symptoms
If you’ve ever searched “massage for sciatica near me” or “ashiatsu massage Colorado Springs for low back pain,” you may have wondered whether massage is safe when a disc injury is involved. This is a very common recurring question asked at Inspire Movements Massage Therapy.
A herniated disc occurs when the soft inner portion of a spinal disc protrudes and irritates nearby spinal nerves. When that nerve irritation affects the sciatic nerve, symptoms can include:
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low back pain
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tingling down the leg
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numbness in the hip or foot (commonly felt in the heel)
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shooting pain while sitting
These symptoms are common among people who spend long hours sitting or performing repetitive movements. Not just high competitive sports injuries, but sitting at the desk for extended periods of time, playing instruments, having the same daily tasks day in and day out without a break, cleaning, even just using your smart phone daily can cause muscle aches and pains.
What Makes Ashiatsu Different
Ashiatsu massage uses controlled pressure from the therapist’s feet while holding overhead bars for balance. Pushing into muscle tissues as opposed to stepping into them has a significant pressure difference.
The key advantage is broad pressure distribution.
Instead of concentrated pressure from thumbs or elbows, the therapist’s foot spreads pressure across a wider area of muscle tissue making it a more effective release of tension without the soreness from the pin point work. This broader contact can help release tight muscles surrounding the spine without creating excessive point pressure.
Why Muscle Tension Matters With Disc Pain
Disc injuries rarely exist as a stand alone injury.
Muscles surrounding the spine often tighten in response to pain or instability. Often times, the pain is coming from muscle weakness.
These tight muscles can increase compression around the affected area and worsen discomfort.
Massage therapy has been shown to reduce pain intensity and improve function in people with chronic low back pain.
By reducing muscular tension, massage may help decrease stress on the surrounding structures.
When Massage Can Help Sciatica
Therapeutic massage may help when sciatic nerve symptoms are related to muscle tension or compression of the discs in the spine.
For example:
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tight glute muscles compressing the sciatic nerve
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piriformis muscle irritation
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lower back muscle guarding
Techniques such as ashiatsu massage and cupping therapy may help improve circulation and relieve tension around these areas. We always have routine exercises and stretches that can help you out at home.
When to Consult a Healthcare Provider
Massage therapy is supportive care but not a replacement for medical evaluation. If you are feeling shortness of breath, difficulty walking, loss of balance, seek a medical provider.
It’s important to consult a healthcare provider if you experience:
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severe leg weakness
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loss of bladder or bowel control
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incessant numbness or tingling worsening
These symptoms may require medical attention.
A Therapeutic Approach to Back Pain
Many people searching for “sciatica massage Colorado Springs” want a therapeutic approach that addresses the muscular side of back pain.
Ashiatsu massage offers a way to apply consistent, controlled pressure across the larger muscle groups that support the spine.
Combined with other therapeutic approaches, it can be part of a comprehensive strategy for improving mobility and reducing discomfort.
Find Ashiatsu Massage in Colorado Springs
If you’re searching for ashiatsu massage near Briargate, Research Parkway, or I-25, Inspire Movements Massage Therapy specializes in therapeutic care for low back pain, sciatica, and tension headaches.
Consistent ashiatsu massage and cupping therapy sessions can help support long-term progress on your pain relief journey. We’d be honored to help you start to find your pain relief as well. Give us a call or book online here to get your appointment scheduled!