Last year (2020) scientists conducted a study with 32 rats, tracking the effect of massage on the restoration of local brain activity (brain plasticity) after a peripheral nerve had been injured. They specifically targetted the sciatic nerve in this trial. The Sciatic nerve is a large nerve that in humans runs from the base of your spine through the glutes and piriformis down your hamstring and into your calves. Many people experience “sciatica” whereby the sciatic nerve becomes pinched, irritated or inflamed causing Burning sensations, muscle weakness, numbness, sharp or shooting pain, tingling or pins and needles”. Interestingly the sciatic nerve is actually quite large, ranging from 1 - 2cm in diameter at different points. Its size can often be a factor in how painful symptoms become.

In the study, scientists intentionally (and quite severeley) injured the rat’s sciatic nerves.

Using Magnetic Resonance Imagery (MRI), scientists were able to conclude that regular massage treatment increased the rate of nerve regeneration in the brain, when compared to a control and “sham massage group” (the rat’s legs were held in the same position but not massaged).

“These results indicate that massage improves the restoration of local brain activity after peripheral nerve injury.” Interestingly, the “adaptive cerebral plasticity” continued to improve 4 weeks after massage treatment discontinued. Not only were the effects super positive on the brain, but long lasting!

But how did this occur?

The sciatic nerve injury caused a decrease in sensory input from the peripheral nerve to the brain leading to a decrease in “neuronal activity”. However, these regions in the brain can and do become re-activated (an example of the malleable nature of our brains). When rats were massaged in the location of that injured nerve, peripheral nerve regeneration actually sped up, and related brain regions were increasingly innervated, when compared to the non-massage groups.

This study is one of many outlining the many positive physiological effects of massage therapy. Here, we see not only how it aids soft tissue, but also the nervous system. Massage can be an incredible tool for healing, affecting a range of the bodie’s systems and functions.

If you have experienced sciatica or any other neural issues and are interested in how massage can help you, feel free to get in touch or book a massage with us today.

Furthermore, stay tuned for a sciatica specific article coming soon!

- Helena

Medicinal Massage

References

original article: “Brain plasticity after peripheral nerve injury treatment with massage therapy based on resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging”

Xiang-Xin Xing 1, Mou-Xiong Zheng 2, Xu-Yun Hua 3, Shu-Jie Ma 4, Zhen-Zhen Ma 4, Jian-Guang Xu 4

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32859803/

full article available for free download here:

https://www.nrronline.org/article.asp?issn=1673-5374;year=2021;volume=16;issue=2;spage=388;epage=393;aulast=Xing

Sciatica

https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/body/21618-sciatic-nerve-and-sciatica#:~:text=Where%20is%20the%20sciatic%20nerve,and%20lower%20legs%20(calves).

https://www.spine-health.com/conditions/spine-anatomy/sciatic-nerve-anatomy

https://www.spine-health.com/conditions/sciatica/sciatica-treatment

https://www.spine-health.com/conditions/sciatica/sciatica-treatment?source=pop-block