Question by <3 molly b: How do i massage someone with a sciatic nerve in their leg plz help?
i have to give a massage to a older lady that has a sciatic nerve… never have b4 and i know i have to communicate with her about it and see how she likes but any advice for me from someone who knows or has given one?

Best answer:

Answer by mj
Hi Molly,
First let me assure you that I am a qualified Advanced Sports Therapist who has worked on as many back complaints as sports injuries and have found no greater joy than assisting people of all ages out of severe pain.
True Sciatica is an inflammation of the sciatic nerve.
Sciatica is not a diagnosis but a symptom so it is imperative you acquire the highly important information and perform the proper tests before treating. To explain all would be to write a manual.
Does the complaint cause any problems with urination or bowel movement? (Red flag)
Does the pain interrupt normal sleep pattern? (Red flag)
Is there any loss of appetite or weight loss? (Red flag)
If any of these are positive medical referral and investigation is essential before any treatment commences.

The symptom of sciatica can be caused by many factors, Piriformis syndrome and herniated disc being the most common. The former being a muscle under the buttocks under which the nerve runs, though with about 10% it runs through the muscle. This can be successfully treated with massage and stretching.
Herniated disc can be treated with massage and traction but only with the correct procedure and consent of any G.P. or consultant.

Never massage any area you have not examined and never take for granted possible causes. I have a book which illustrates this in the case of a woman who was diagnosed with a herniated disc when the cause was shingles.
No one is perfect but start gently with massage starting below the problem area with alternate gentle traction.

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