Sciatica refers to the sciatic nerve where the pain is characterized by mild, dull, or severe as well as a burning, numb, or tingling sensations. The sciatic never runs from the lower back to the end of the leg. Although not possible to 'cure' it is possible to treat sciatica through massage and stretches; in the worst instance injections can relieve pain. The condition can eventually go away and is very common in pregnant women. Deep Tissue or Sports Massage can help relieve knots and adhesions contributing towards the pain and stretches help range of motion.

Neck pain is a common response to a sedentary lifestyle or straining of muscles. Cases of cervical spondylosis are due to wear and tear and require constant strengthening where a physiotherapist may come in handy.  But more generally, posture is the root of the issue and with some dedication and deep tissue massage, we can help muscles relax. Where there is an injury the neck needs to be examined and sports massage can be applied to aid recovery. 

Plantar fasciitis is inflammation of the plantar fascia, a part of your foot that connects your heel bone to your toes.

Pain from plantar fasciitis develops gradually over time. The pain can be dull or sharp. You may experience a burning or ache on the bottom of the foot extending outward from the heel. Reflexology massage can help relieve this condition, reducing inflammation and targeting the heel with massage alongside the help of regular stretches. You may need to look into arch support for your shoes.

Lymphedema is the build-up of fluid in soft body tissues when the lymph system is damaged or blocked. Symptoms of heaviness or tightness can be very uncomfortable and in worst cases, lymph nodes are removed. Manual lymphatic drainage can help this ever common condition where the massage helps to stimulate nodes to do their job and drain the area. It may take a few treatments but Yas has seen results with this therapy when done regularly. In more serious cases, medical consent may need to be given. 

Arthritis is a condition tricky to manage. Affecting joints as we age, this is a common condition I come across and believe in the power of massage to help reduce stiffness and inflammation. Massage can increase the blood flow to the affected area which relieves any pain but again must be maintained on a regular basis. A case study in Massage Today showed that massage improves joint function, sleep quality and daytime energy levels. 

Endometriosis is a condition where the lining of the womb grows outside the uterine cavity, causing painful periods or when having sexual contact. This has been attributed to genes and also hormones causing the issue which means like any other condition, wellbeing and management is an important routine to keep. I have had clients benefit from lymphatic drainage to help this and reflexology could also be considered to enable hormone balance. An operation to remove the additional tissue is something to consider but other options such as hormone therapy or CBD is usually the first port to call before more invasive treatment.  

Upper and lower back pain is another common condition that affects many of us. Whether it is from a sedantary lifestyle or exercising too much there are many different origins of the pain. It could be muscle tightness, imbalance in the hips, tight quadrecepts or even down to tendon or ligament strain. Relief from this is rest, painkillers and massage which can help aid the healing process.  Stretches can also be applied to relieve the quadrum laborum or strengthening the glute muscles. Yas reccommends deep tissue for optimal relief. 

This is a painful and debilitating condition that can affect women experiencing menopause but can also occur at other ages too. There is no clear reason for having this injury but it is characterised by stiffness, limited movement and pain in the joint. Steroid injections are very effective at helping the pain and sports massage can improve range of movement and improve the symptoms. Usually this condition can go away on its own after a few years but can be annoying to tolerate. Frequent stretches are prescribed by professionals. 

Fibromyalgia is a disorder characterized by widespread musculoskeletal pain accompanied by fatigue, sleep, memory and mood issues. Frustratingly difficult to diagnose and under-researched, it comes to be identified when all other options are ruled out. Sufferers can benefit from massage to help manage the painful condition much like others by lowering inflammation.