While there are so many videos can be found on the Internet about sciatica muscle (namely, Piriformis muscle) release by means of pressing it with a tennis ball or lacrosse ball, you have to be very careful.
Jeff warns about possible consequences of such “treatment” and suggests another, more friendly and safe, way to do that.
Sciatica Muscle Stretch Video
IMPORTANT: this is only a symptomatic treatment. One has to understand the cause to prevent the consequences (buy the way, another great way which can alleviate sciatica pain, yet also is a symptomatic, is a Constructive Rest Position).
People do sit too much (hello sciatic nerve impingement) without breaks, walk in a wrong way, have bad movement habits, don’t use glutes etc.
Why Using Glutes Is Important For Preventing Piriformis Overload
Gluteus Medius works in synergy with Piriformis. If it is weak, than Piriformis do double work.
This article is useful:
Gluteus Medius Best Exercises – Search No More
But if you have APN (anterior pelvic tilt), than your efforts to strengthen Glutes will not help strategically. Check this article:
Anterior Pelvic Tilt Stretches
And this is far not a comprehensive list of possible causes. Other muscle imbalances can lead to piriformis overwork.
You have to make your posture aligned. If you don’t, you’ll be visiting your chiropractor frequently (which also works, provided you have a good one).
One of the best and well-written books about body alignment is Katy Bowman’s Alignment Matters.
It is the first five years of the “Katy Says” blog content edited and indexed for easier reading and learning.
Starting with the feet and working all the way up to the head, Katy’s clear, engaging text lays out a “user’s manual” for the human body, including stretches, habit modifications, human insights, and enough belly laughs to soften even the tightest psoas.
