Today is the first day of Spring – are you ready? I certainly hope Mother Nature is ready for Spring; we’ve had enough of this white stuff in the last couple of weeks to last well into next winter!
Speaking of snow shoveling, quite a few people have come in with back issues in the last week or so. Back pain is the worst, isn’t it? Especially when it radiates down your leg. This is often due to the piriformis muscle tightening up and pressing on that pesky sciatic nerve. Today’s video will show you a technique to end that sciatic spasm right away, with the help of a friend or family member! In addition, we’ll talk about another way to do this piriformis massage if you don’t have someone else available to help. Either way, you’ll be able to relieve that pain and feel better.
Today’s video demonstrates how to use an acupressure point that releases any spasm in your piriformis muscle. It’s usually a bit painful at first, but if you take a few deep breaths and get through it, the pain reduces and reduces until it’s just about gone. Try it – I’m sure you’ll like it.
If you are home alone when your piriformis spasms, not to worry. You can do this amazing little technique that helps release all of the tension in your piriformis muscle, through a simple self-massage:
Lie on your back with knees bent and feet flat on floor.
Place your fists or back of your hands under the center of each buttock.
Now, inhale as you roll your knees gently to the right, then exhale slowly while using your abdominal muscles to pull your knees back to the center.
On your next breath, roll your knees to the other side.
Breathe deeply and continue slowly rolling your knees from one side to the other for 1 to 2 minutes. Be sure to keep your feet flat and knees bent throughout this entire exercise.
Dropping knees to the left with the fists placed under buttocks
You can also use a small child’s ball for this self-massage. Place one of these handy and inexpensive balls (you can pick them up at Walmart or Target) under one buttock at a time, instead of using your hands, making it a little easier to relax your arms and shoulders. Some people use tennis balls, but I find them too firm.
Best of Health,
Kathi
