Easter already, this year is flying by! We hope you all get some time to relax, or with friends and family, and happy (early) Songkran to all our Thai friends!

Our Holborn branch will be closed from Friday 29th March to Monday 1st April inclusive (and open again as usual from Tuesday 2nd April)

Our Spitalfields branch will stay open every day through Easter

What is sciatica?

Sciatica is a common pain condition that is easy to explain but hard to treat! The symptoms present as pain, numbness, and weakness down (usually a single) leg. The pain can be sharp or simply irritating, and can radiate all the way down to the feet. There may also be leg numbness or weakness, particularly after having been sitting or lying down for extended periods. It is caused when the sciatic nerve (which runs from the lower back, through hips and buttocks, and down each leg) becomes trapped, irritated, or compressed. Some degree of sciatica is extremely common, with an estimated 40% of people (in the United States) experiencing it during their lifetimes.

The root cause is hard to reliably identify because there are numerous possible underlying causes of the nerve irritation. The most common is a slipped disc, where one of the cushions between vertebrae pushes out to one side. But other causes may be “spital stenosis” in which a part of the spine that nerves (including the sciatic nerve) pass through is narrowed; or a condition called piriformis syndrome (spasming of the piriformis muscle in the buttocks).

How can it be treated?

Sciatica normally resolves within a few weeks or months, but given the irritation many people seek treatment in the meantime. Remember what we are talking about here is treatment of the symptoms, rather than treatment of the underlying nerve irritation. Treatment for the latter is rarer and harder, and may involve surgery to “decompress” the nerve.

As for treating symptoms, most GPs will recommend self-care at first: gentle exercise, some special mobility and stretching exercises, heat packs, as well as lifestyle changes (posture correction, better technique for lifting heavy objects, regular exercise). If the symptoms persist then a referral for physiotherapy will often result in a recommendation for massage. This could be self-massage using a special ball or roller, or professional massage treatment.

The common types of massage recommended are sports massage, Swedish massage (whose longer strokes can be beneficial), and deep tissue massage (which we can provide). Any type of massage can help with temporary relief from the sciatica pain. Deep tissue work can be particularly effective if tightness in the piriformis is causing the nerve irritation.

If you do visit Thai Kosai for help with sciatica, please remember that we are not physiotherapists! We cannot help develop a rehabilitation plan, or give a medical diagnosis of the underlying cause of the nerve compression. But we are happy to provide deep tissue massage, to explore whether loosening the muscles in the lower back, glutes and legs helps, on either a temporary or a more lasting basis.

Good news, massage fans!
We will be opening our Holborn branch on Saturdays, starting on Saturday 24 February 2024
The shop will open at 11am, just like Monday-Friday, but closing time might be a little flexible in the early weeks
Go ahead and get yourself booked in for some weekend R&R!

Reflexology is a service often offered by spas who specialise in massage and so we are sometimes asked whether we provide it (the answer is that we do not!). But since a Thai foot massage would not feel too different from a reflexology session, we will write a little about reflexology to help clarify the difference.

What is it?

Reflexology is a cross between acupuncture and massage: practitioners believe that each point targeted corresponds to another body part or organ, but rather than targeting them by needle the reflexologist applies manual pressure. The reflexology target points are all on the recipient’s feet, hands and (less frequently) ears.

Reflexology sessions are generally 45-60 minutes and start with some Q&A about the patient’s lifestyle, health, diet, and any conditions for which they are seeking treatment.

The therapist will then determine the range of reflexology points to be targeted, relevant to the objectives of the patient. The reflexology is normally carried out lying down, or on a recliner, and the setting would not be so different from a traditional massage treatment room (soft music, lighting etc.) to aid relaxation.

The therapist then uses their fingers and palms to apply gentle pressure to the identified target points. While reflexologists do use their hands, and oil or cream is normally used when applying pressure to the feet, reflexology isn’t strictly a form of massage

Where did it come from?

As with so many traditional remedies, reflexology is thought to have its roots in China, although there is plenty of evidence of its use in ancient Egypt, some 2500 years BC. In modern times, Dr William Fitzgerald is usually credited as the “father” of the modern form in United States in the early 20th century, having studied the practice being carried out by native Americans.

Does it work?

Well it is non-invasive and involves no medicines or drugs so at the very worst it is harmless! There is scant evidence of reflexology treating medical conditions, but some limited evidence for its help with pain and anxiety-related conditions. Our opinion is that similar relaxation and anxiety-reducing benefits can be achieved with a massage, and in fact a reflexology session feels quite like a hand/foot massage treatment

Some of our therapists are qualified to offer reflexology but it’s not a service we currently offer in either branch. If you don’t feel like trying a full-blown reflexology session then you can always try a Thai foot massage instead!

For once we are early organising our holiday opening hours!

Here are the closing times for both shops:

We hope to see you all before the break, to get your pre-Christmas massage fix! 🙏

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