Massage Gun for Sciatica: Does It Help?

If used properly, a massage gun for sciatica can be very beneficial in treating it. Because of their benefits, they have become quite the trend in the health and healing space, which is why we see so many companies coming out with their own sciatica massage gun version.

What is a Massage Gun?

A massage gun is also known as a percussion massager. It is a tool that will help make your muscles feel less sore by providing quick bursts in concentrated pulses. There is a lot to learn about this tool, and it will only be of great benefit to you when you use it properly.

Although they are really popular, most people who know about them or even use them aren’t really aware of how they work, why they work, and how they help you out. To make things clearer, we’ll take a look at the pros and cons of these devices.

1. Pros

✅ Improves Blood Circulation

Because a massage gun provides deep vibrations, it greatly improves blood circulation. Since blood circulation is improved, oxygen and nutrients move around your body quickly. As a result, it reduces the pain in the muscles, which makes way for recovery.

✅ Better Flexibility

Better blood circulation will also make you more flexible. It improves tissue health and metabolism, thus, also increasing mobility.

✅ Soreness Relief

Those who regularly hit the gym are no strangers to the muscle soreness that comes a day after an intense workout. Using a massage gun on sore muscles will relieve the soreness and reduce the pain that comes with it.

✅ Prevents Injury

Using a massage gun before a workout can be a great way to warm your muscles up. Not only will this prevent the chances of an injury, but you’ll also be able to improve your range of motion in the exercises that you perform.

✅ Improves Sleep

This is one of the best benefits of a massage gun. It relaxes your central nervous system, so if you try using it before you sleep, you are likely to have a good night’s sleep.

✅ Reduces Stress

It is well known that a massage is a good way to reduce stress and anxiety. The same is achievable with a massage gun.

✅ Better Focus

Since you’ll sleep better, your stress levels and pain will be low, and your blood circulation will be much better, your brain will be able to focus better, which will indirectly improve your performance at the gym or in sports.

2. Cons

❌ Blood Vessel Damage

If the pressure from the massage gun is too much for your muscles to handle, it could rupture your blood vessels.

❌ Could Worsen Fractures

Those who have broken bones should avoid using massage guns, as the rigorous motion of a massage gun could worsen the situation for you.

❌ Muscle Fiber Damage

Although the cells in our muscles are highly durable, they can’t take in rapid blows which come from the pounding effect of a massage gun. If used improperly, a massage gun can damage the connective tissue of your muscle fibers.

Does a Massage Gun Help With Sciatica?

When we are talking about a theragun for sciatica, it can indeed help with releasing the tension, reducing the pain, and increasing the blood flow. Because of the percussive motion, the muscles around the sciatic nerve get relieved as it also releases the pressure on the nerve. All in all, percussive therapy for sciatica will likely reduce the pain that comes with sciatica.

How To Use A Massage Gun for Sciatica?

Sciatica is the pain that you feel along the sciatic nerve. The nerve is from the spine through the hips and the glutes on each leg. The reason why this condition occurs is mostly due to the overgrowth of a bone that puts pressure on the nerve or a herniated disc.

When this happens, you’ll feel inflammation and numbness to a certain extent in the leg that has the problem. The pain is severe, but with proper treatment, it can be cured in a few weeks. Here’s how to use a percussion massager for sciatica.

The tilting forward of the anterior pelvic is what relates to the pain in sciatica. Therefore, our goal with the massage gun would be to reduce the tension that is a cause of this tilt.

Firstly, we need to test the tension in the sciatic nerve with the help of a slump test, which can ideally be performed by a physiotherapist. Then, instead of sticking the gun directly into the nerves (never do this), work around it. It will gradually and indirectly reduce the tension.

Start with the softer head of the gun. As time passes, you can use the flat head and then the bullet head. The key is to start with the head that first distributes the percussion and then focuses on one spot.

If you’re looking for a massage gun for sciatic nerve, we highly recommend you take a look at this massage gun from Ekrin Athletics. Just a few moments after using this massager, you’ll feel better. It significantly helps in improving recovery.

The device has about 56 lbs of force, and it has a very ergonomic design. It doesn’t make a lot of noise, it has four attachments and five different speeds, and it has an 8-hour battery life. Made with the best materials, this device gives great value for money.

How Often to Use a Massage Gun for Sciatica?

One of the best advantages of using a massage gun for such situations is that you can use it multiple times in a day, given that you have the right device and you know how to use it properly. Another good thing about it is that even if you don’t know how to use it, it is pretty easy to learn, and you can start treating your sciatica with it.

4 Other Ways to Reduce Pain from Sciatica

Let’s take a look at some other ways you can reduce sciatica pain without a massage gun.

1. Cold and Hot Packs

Using a cold pack where it hurts for 20 minutes multiple times a day can help make things better. Similarly, applying heat to the area where it pains can also be beneficial. A heating pad or a hot pack can do just the job. Using a combination of both can be great, too.

2. Stretches

Lower back stretches and other exercises, as recommended by a physiotherapist, can provide you relief. Avoid jerking and bouncing in these exercises.

3. Medication

There are multiple painkillers for sciatica that can ease the situation for you. Always remember to take the medicines as per the prescription.

4. Alternatives

Alternative solutions like acupuncture and chiropractors are great as well. The spinal adjustments that a chiropractor can make to decrease the pain in the spine.

FAQ

Can I Use a Massage Gun for Sciatica?

Certainly. There are multiple benefits of using a massage gun, out of which one is that it can help reduce sciatica pain. Using a massage gun for sciatica can help reduce the pain, given that you use it properly. If the question is, “will a massage gun help with sciatica?” The answer is yes.

Will a Massage Gun Help a Pinched Nerve?

To put it simply, yes. A massage gun can help manage the pain that comes from a pinched nerve. Because it has a percussive motion, it facilitates soft tissue relaxation. As a result, the blood circulation in that area increases, and the pain and inflammation around it decreases.

Should You Use a Massage Gun if It Hurts?

It depends on what hurt means in this situation. If you have pain that is from a condition like sciatica or something similar, then you should. But, if you have a broken bone or any other injury, then it’s best to consult a physical therapist before using a massage gun, and in most cases, it isn’t the best thing to do.

Conclusion

We took a look at how beneficial a massage gun is while also looking into the answer to questions like “does a vibrating massager help sciatica?” However, it’s best to consult a professional before using a massage gun to ease pain related to any similar condition. If you have more tips related to massage guns, let us know in the comment section.

Also read:

• Best Chiropractor Massage Gun
• Benefits of Massage Gun
• Mini Handheld Massagers
• Theragun Vs Hypervolt
• Best Cheap Massage Guns
• Massage Gun Heads Explained
• Bob and Brad Massage Gun Review
• Best Muscle Roller

Referenses:

1. Do Massage Guns Really Work? // NorthwestCareerCollege: https://www.northwestcareercollege.edu/blog/do-massage-guns-really-work/
2. Is A Massage Gun Good For Sciatica? Will It Help? // Massage Gun Advice:
3. https://massagegunadvice.com/is-a-massage-gun-good-for-sciatica/
4. Photos made by Torokhtiy Media Team