Massage Therapy for Sciatica Pain

Massage Therapy for Sciatica Pain

If you’ve ever experienced the sharp, radiating pain of sciatica, you know how disruptive it can be to daily life. Whether it’s a dull ache that lingers or a sudden jolt of discomfort that shoots down your leg, sciatica can keep you from doing the things you love and even from simple routines like walking comfortably or getting a restful night’s sleep.

At All Body Kneads, we understand how deeply pain can affect not only your body but also your sense of well-being. Massage therapy is a safe, nurturing way to ease sciatica pain and support your body’s natural healing process. Call today to schedule an appointemetn at 517-898-2899 or book online HERE.

How Massage Helps with Sciatica

Massage therapy addresses sciatica by targeting the root cause of nerve irritation—often tight or inflamed muscles in the lower back, hips, or glutes that press against the sciatic nerve.

Here’s how massage can make a difference:

  • Reduces muscle tension: Tight muscles, especially in the piriformis and lower back, can compress the sciatic nerve. Massage gently loosens these muscles, creating space for relief.
  • Increases circulation: Improved blood flow delivers oxygen and nutrients to irritated tissues, supporting healing and reducing inflammation.
  • Encourages relaxation: Pain often brings stress, which leads to even more muscle tension. Massage helps reset the nervous system, easing both physical and emotional strain.
  • Improves mobility: Regular sessions can help restore flexibility in your hips and spine, making movement more comfortable and less painful.

Many of our clients find that pairing massage with gentle stretching at home keeps sciatica symptoms under control between sessions.

Gentle Stretches for Sciatica Relief

In addition to massage, these simple stretches can help release tension and create space for the sciatic nerve:

  1. Piriformis Stretch
    • Lie on your back, bend your knees, and cross one ankle over the opposite knee.
    • Gently pull the lower leg toward your chest until you feel a stretch in your glutes.
    • Hold for 20–30 seconds and switch sides.
  2. Knee-to-Chest Stretch
    • Lie on your back with both legs extended.
    • Pull one knee toward your chest while keeping the other leg straight.
    • Hold for 20–30 seconds, then switch sides.
  3. Seated Forward Stretch
    • Sit on the floor with legs extended.
    • Slowly lean forward, reaching toward your toes.
    • Keep your back straight and stop at a comfortable stretch.
  4. Cat-Cow Movement
    • On hands and knees, alternate arching your back up (cat) and dipping it down (cow).
    • This gentle motion helps keep the spine flexible and reduces stiffness.

Remember, stretching should never cause sharp pain—only a gentle pull. If you’re unsure, listen to your body and ease into it.

Adding Infrared Sauna for Extra Relief

For many people with sciatica, combining massage with heat therapy offers even greater comfort. Our infrared sauna deeply penetrates muscles with soothing warmth, helping to:

  • Ease tight muscles in the lower back and hips
  • Improve circulation to speed healing
  • Reduce inflammation naturally
  • Provide overall relaxation and stress relief

If you’ve ever searched for “infrared sauna near me,” you’ll be glad to know that All Body Kneads offers this gentle therapy right here in Lansing. Pairing massage with the sauna creates a powerful one-two punch for calming sciatica discomfort.

Find Relief Today

You don’t have to live with the constant ache and frustration of sciatica. With the right care, relief is possible. At All Body Kneads, we take the time to listen to your concerns, nurture your body, and create a plan that fits your needs—whether that’s massage, stretching support, or adding the healing warmth of the infrared sauna.

Book your massage today and take the first step toward comfort and ease. Your body deserves to feel cared for, and we are here to help.

Call 517-898-2899 or book online HERE. We have evening and weekend appointments available.

The Difference Between Infrared Sauna and a Traditional Sauna

The Difference Between Infrared Sauna and a Traditional Sauna

For centuries, saunas have been used for relaxation, recovery, and healing. But if you’ve been searching for an “infrared sauna near me”, you may be wondering, what’s the difference between an infrared sauna and a traditional sauna? And more importantly, which one is right for you? Let’s walk through the benefits, pros and cons, and when and how to use them so you can make the best choice for your body.


Traditional Sauna: The Classic Heat Therapy

A traditional sauna uses wood, gas, or electric heat to warm the air inside the room, raising the temperature anywhere from 150–195°F. The hot air then warms your body from the outside in.

Pros of a Traditional Sauna

  • Creates a deep, whole-body sweat quickly
  • Time-tested for relaxation and detoxification
  • Great for social sauna sessions (common in Nordic cultures)

Cons of a Traditional Sauna

  • Can feel overwhelmingly hot for some people
  • Not ideal for those with heat sensitivity or certain medical conditions
  • Requires more energy to heat the room

Infrared Sauna: Gentle Heat with Deep Benefits

Instead of heating the air around you, an infrared sauna uses light to gently warm your body directly, usually at a much lower temperature (120–150°F). Many people find this gentler, yet just as effective.

Pros of an Infrared Sauna

  • More comfortable heat for longer sessions
  • Penetrates deeper into muscles and joints
  • Can support pain relief, circulation, and skin health
  • Uses less energy than traditional saunas

Cons of an Infrared Sauna

  • Doesn’t offer the same “steam room” effect some people love
  • Sweat response may take longer for first-time users

For more on infrared sauna benefits, check out our blog: 5 Healing Benefits of Infrared Sauna Therapy.


Who Might Benefit Most from Infrared Sauna?

An infrared sauna is often ideal for:

  • People who feel drained or dizzy in high heat
  • Athletes looking for muscle recovery after workouts
  • Those managing chronic pain, arthritis, or joint stiffness
  • Anyone seeking a gentle, calming way to support detox and immune health

Curious how sauna sessions support your immune system? Read more here: Boost Your Immune System Naturally.


How Often Should You Use an Infrared Sauna?

A common question is: “how often should you use an infrared sauna?” The answer depends on your health goals. For general relaxation and wellness, 2–3 times per week is wonderful. If you’re focusing on pain relief or recovery, some people benefit from daily sessions. Always listen to your body and start slow—about 15–20 minutes—to see how you feel.


When to Use an Infrared Sauna

Infrared saunas can fit beautifully into your routine:

  • After a workout: To help soothe sore muscles and support recovery
  • Before bedtime: To relax your body and mind for restful sleep
  • On stressful days: As a calming reset for body and spirit

Pairing a sauna with a massage can be especially therapeutic—warming and loosening your muscles before or after bodywork. Explore our Infrared Spa Treatments to see how you can combine both for maximum benefit.


The Bottom Line

Both infrared and traditional saunas offer incredible wellness benefits. Traditional saunas bring that classic, intense sweat, while infrared saunas provide a gentler, more targeted experience that’s easier on the body.

If you’re looking for a nurturing, comfortable way to relax, recover, and support your health, an infrared sauna session may be exactly what your body is asking for.


Ready to Experience the Benefits?

At All Body Kneads, we invite you to discover the healing comfort of our infrared spa treatments. Whether on its own or paired with a massage, it’s a gift of wellness your body will thank you for.

Book your infrared sauna session today and give yourself the care you deserve. You can also call All Body Kneads at 517-898-2899.