Treat Sciatica With Pilates

Has your sciatic pain made it difficult for you to even move from one place to another? If yes, then here is a method that can help you deal with it- Pilates.

Has your sciatic pain caused due to Piriformis Syndrome made it difficult for you to even move from one place to another? If yes, then here is a method that can help you deal with it- Pilates. It strengthens your back, straightens your shoulders, tones your legs, flattens your stomach and makes you look leaner and longer.

Pilates can relieve you from sciatic pain and offer you a healthier life. It is one of the most popular and effective exercise programs that can offer an improved posture and an aligned spine. However, the downside of pilates for sciatic patients is that it may offer temporary relief from the muscle pain, just by speeding-up the circulation in affected area without attacking the underlying cause of the problem.

Starting with Pilates
Initially, start with some warm-up exercises. Your warm-up should comprise of a hot shower, followed by five minutes of walk. Now stretch the lumbar spine. This would make your body flexible.

Pilates stretches for sciatica pain relief
Hamstring Stretch: Carefully, lie down on the floor on your back with a towel wrapped around left foot. Extend the other leg. Now, pull the left leg having the band straight and exhale till you feel a stretch in your leg. Stay in that position for four seconds and get back to the normal position. Repeat the same cycle 8-10 times with both the legs. An additional tip would be to stretch till a point of discomfort but not exactly pain.

Pelvic Tilt: Lie down flat on the floor with your back straight and knees bent. Now exhale and feel the flattening of abdominal muscles. Then, inhale back and relax your backbone. Repeat the same 8-10 times.

Knee Stirs: Rest on the floor with your back straight and extend one leg towards the wall and other bent at an angle of 90 degree. Keep your pelvis as well as body still and rotate the bent leg in circular motion 8 times. Only the hip socket moves and the lower part remain still. Repeat the same with the other leg.

Elbow Press Up: This is perhaps one of the most significant sciatic nerve stretches that is beneficial for the lumbar spine. Lie down on floor with your stomach and hands outside your head. Then, press up your elbows and draw your belly upward. Now, lift the chest as well as the ribs off the mattress. Count 3 and get back to your normal position. Repeat this 10 times.

Stretches you must avoid

* Standing Toe Touch including straight down and opposite foot
* Thigh Stretch with bent knees
* Standing Hamstring stretch
* Sitting in lotus position with crossed legs

With Pilates, you can surely relieve your sciatic pain and live a better life. But, it is important to see a medical professional who can guide you to do Pilates stretches properly.

Like Pilates, Muscle Balance Therapy relieves back pain - Click here