Suffering from Sciatica?
By Nicole Recht, LMT
et’s begin by defining fascia. Covering all the muscles and internal organs of our body as well as between our bones is a very thin layer of connective tissue known as fascia. It is one complete interconnected web. When you pull the skin off a chicken breast, the fascia is that thin transparent layer under- neath that we like to get rid of before we start cooking. Howev- er, in our bodies we want to keep it and we want it to function properly. Fascia gives our muscles and organs support. Ideally it is able to slide freely over our muscles; however, this is not always the case. Fascia can become stuck or glued down causing pain, restricted movement and diminished blood flow to the area. This can happen as a result of repetitive movement, poor posture and a host of other reasons. This is when Myofascial therapy is warranted. The goal of this type of manual therapy is to release the fas-
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cia, allowing for increased blood supply to the affective muscles and return of normal range of motion, freedom from discomfort and often a return to proper postural alignment. Myofascial therapy utilizes long, slow, holding and stretching of the tis- sue to allow for a release to occur. The vast majority of clients experience relief from pain and restricted movement within one or two sessions.
Who can benefit from Myofascial Therapy?
Myofascial therapy is appropriate for anyone who has been suffering with chronic pain, or restricted movement, for example an inability to bring the arm up over the head or twist at the trunk or even touch the toes without pain. This therapy is very beneficial for people who sit for long periods of time through- out the day, are extremely physically active or the opposite and have very little activity in their life such as the elderly. Also those suffering with chronic headaches, neck pain, back and shoulder pain or leg and hip pain.
Sciatica is a common complaint that I see in my office. The sciatic nerve begins in the low back and runs down both legs.
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Often times it can become impinged by a tight piriformis muscle which lies deep to the gluteus muscles. Sciatic pain, as anyone who has suffered from it knows, can often times be unbearable. Pain can be localized in the gluteus region or it can radiate down the back of the leg and frequently wrap around to the front down to the foot. Sitting can be extremely uncomfortable as well as walking and even just standing still. Through a variety of Myofascial stretching techniques the piriformis muscle can be released. The low back area is worked as well as the glute/hip region and the muscles of the upper thigh. Clients are amazed at the relief they experience through this therapy! Myofascial release can also positively affect conditions such as tendonitis, rotator cuff issues, frozen shoulder, shin splints, chronic headaches, stiff neck, postural alignment, low back pain and a host of others.
What should I expect during a Myofascial treat- ment?
Myofascial therapy can be done alone or can be incorpo-
rated into a traditional massage session. Very little lubricant is used so it is a great therapy if you are returning to work or other activities after your session. Additionally breath work may be utilized to increase the effectiveness of the therapy. If you have been suffering with pain and restricted movement and tradition- al massage has not improved your condition, then Myofascial Therapy is for you. Remember to always find a therapist who is certified in Myofascial Release therapy. Here’s to relief from pain!
Nicole Recht, LMT owns Camden Maine Massage Therapy in Camden, Maine and is a certified Myofascial therapist, also specializing in Neuromuscular therapy and pre and post natal massage. See ad on page 9.
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