Sciatica is a Royal Pain in the…
Sciatica is one of the most common types of nerve pain. It usually shows up as sharp, shooting, or burning pain that travels from the low back down into the glute or leg. For some people it’s constant, for others it comes and goes. Massage can help—but not by "fixing" the nerve directly.
What’s really going on?
Sciatica symptoms happen when the sciatic nerve is irritated, compressed, or inflamed. That can come from a herniated disc, but more often we see it caused by tight muscles—especially deep glutes like the piriformis—putting pressure on the nerve.
What massage does:
Eases tension in the hips, glutes, and low back that may be compressing the nerve
Improves circulation to reduce inflammation and support healing
Helps the nervous system shift out of fight-or-flight, which can calm pain signals
Brings attention to imbalances in posture or movement that might be contributing
What to expect in a session:
Slow, specific work through the glutes and deep hip rotators
Calf and hamstring release if the pain runs down the leg
Gentle movement to restore mobility and reduce guarding
A calm pace and clear communication to avoid aggravating the nerve
When massage might help:
Pain or tingling starts in the glute and travels down the leg
Symptoms feel worse after sitting or driving
Stretching helps temporarily, but the pain keeps coming back
You want to manage symptoms without relying only on medication
Sciatica can be frustrating, especially when it limits your movement or sleep. Massage helps by reducing the strain around the nerve and giving your body space to recover.
