Ankle Sciatic Nerve Flossing

Exercise Overview

The ankle sciatic nerve flossing exercise is used to mobilize the sciatic nerve to help reduce inflammation and peripheral nerve impingement. Generally this exercise is to be done in a pain free range of motion, if the end ranges are intolerable you can modify the exercise by shortening the range. This exercise is recommended to be completed on a padded surface like a yoga mat. Begin by lying down on your back with one thigh raise to 90 degrees hip flexion and supported with both arms. Extend the knee as much as you can without experiencing nerve tension symptoms. Keep the non-target leg straight and parallel with the floor. Floss the sciatic nerve by simultaneously looking up with your head while dorsiflexing (heel pointing towards ceiling) your raised foot. Once your maximal tolerable and tension free range is reached, plantarflex the ankle (toes pointing to ceiling) while looking down with your head to complete a repetition.

Muscles Involved

Sciatic Nerve

Related Conditions

L4-L5, L5-S1 Lumbar Disc HerniationPiriformis SyndromePeripheral Sciatic Nerve EntrapmentSciaticaDisc Bulge or Bulging DiscSlipped Disc / Pinched DiscProlapsed DiscHerniated Nucleus Pulposus (HNP)

Equipment Needed

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