Tennis Ball Therapy for Sciatica

Tennis ball therapy for sciatica is appropriate only if the cause of the sciatica is piriformis syndrome. Tennis ball therapy will not help with other causes of sciatica (slipped disc, degenerative disc disease, spinal stenosis, pelvic injury or tumors).

Background

• Sciatica is pain, weakness, numbness, or tingling that runs down the back of the leg and is caused by injury to or compression of the sciatic nerve. The sciatic nerve runs from the lower back through the buttocks into the legs.

Piriformis Syndrome

• One cause of sciatica is piriformis syndrome. The piriformis is a muscle that runs from the sacrum across the buttock to the greater trochanter of the femur (thigh bone). If the piriformis becomes too tight, it can compress the sciatic nerve, causing the symptoms of sciatica.

Goal

• The goal of tennis ball therapy is to release muscle tension by applying some pressure to the piriformis muscle.

Technique

• Sit on the floor. Place a tennis ball under the painful buttock just inside the outer hip bone. Let your weight sink gently into the tennis ball for 15 to 20 seconds. Then, move the ball to another spot and repeat, working the entire length of the piriformis muscle.

Caution

• Work gently, as overdoing it can increase the pain rather than relieving it. If you feel sharp pain, stop, or you may damage the muscle or nerve.