Stretching Is Making Your Sciatica Pain Worse…(Here's What Actually Helps)

Why does sciatica keep coming back? After 30 years as a licensed massage therapist, I've seen the same pattern over and over — people stretch, they get temporary relief, and the pain returns within days. In this video I explain what's actually happening underneath that cycle, and why the muscles involved often test weak, not tight. What I cover: Why stretching alone doesn't stop sciatica from returning What's really going on with the piriformis, glute medius, and hamstring How protective tightening compresses the sciatic nerve Simple at-home tools — a tennis ball and a massage gun — and how to use them without overdoing it Two points that help the muscles do their job again Why your mindset going into self-care changes your results I'm a licensed massage therapist (LMT) with 30 years of hands-on experience, a certified manual lymphatic drainage therapist, and a trained applied kinesiologist. I own and train the therapists at a massage center in Portland, Oregon. I don't sell packages and I don't upsell — my goal here is to help you get out of pain and stop wasting money on things you don't need. If this helped, hit like and subscribe. I post practical, no-nonsense pain relief you can actually use at home. Disclaimer: This video is general education, not medical advice. I can't diagnose or treat any individual condition. If your pain is severe, traveling below the knee, or you have numbness, weakness, or changes in bowel or bladder function, please see a physician. #sciatica #sciaticarelief #sciaticapain #massagetherapy #piriformis #backpain #painrelief