Appropriate CST exercises for Sciatica pain

[Black Rob]

Hi there,

One of my clients has sciatica pain. I've been doing intu flow with him, plenty of pelvic tilts, hip circles, figure eights with the leg - seems to help abit. He is obese so still need to give him a good workout, but don't want to aggravate the problem. Side rock-it. front swings, seems to be bring on the pain. But Im assuming this is happening because the glutes/piriformis is being contracted thus eventually tightening up. Is it wise to continue and just get him to stretch out when the pain comes on?

Any exercises or advice, much appreciated

Thanks

[hermanchauw]

How is the soft tissue quality? Check for trigger points.

[Black Rob]

Soft tissue isn't the best. Flexion at the hip seems to bring on pain as well as abduction. Adduction relieves tension in piriformis but when abducting the 'good' leg he has shooting pain in groin of effected leg.For the past week, we had been doing assisted one legged squats to strengthen glutes, I have a feeling this brought back on the pain. He's had the sciatica for 6 years, intu flow and stretching has helped, - he has been doing intu flow at least 2-3 times per week. Possibly one legged squats was too much for him to take?
Have released tension in past by pressing trigger point in piriformis. Gained more movement. Any suggestions?

Thanks

[Health First Fitness UK]

Rob were you at the European Cert? Remember that Sciatic pain can have many causes and that the site of the pain is very rarely the origin of the pain. Has your client been assessed for disc herniations? If not suggest to him to do so immediately! This article may help you to help your client http://stopchasingpain.blogspot.com/...r-muscles.html I also have a Free E-book by the same dude called "The Top Ten Trigger Points" send me an email and I'll send it to you. What stretches is your client practising?

[Black Rob]

Thanks for the advice, Michael. Yes, its Rob from Euro cert. He hasn't been assessed for disc herniation, but will advise him to get it checked out. In terms of stretching, I have him doing seated glute/piriformis stretch, shinbox switch (holding pose), pigeon pose. The stretching we do is focused on primarily glutes, but not excluding hip flexors, hams, calves, but he does stretch 2-3 times a week - full body. Would PNF stretching be beneficial? You mentioned site isn't always source..he does have shoulder injury from years of bodybuilding..possible link?

I've sent you an email, mate. Hope to hear from ya soon.

THanks again, bro.

[Health First Fitness UK]

If there are trigger points in any muscle then stretching that muscle is pointless until the trigger points have been addressed. Yes the shoulder injury is a possible link but as many other factors could be as well - if in doubt refer out! I've emailed you the e-book as you requested bro