Can Massage Help Sciatic Pain? (Here’s the Truth)
- Mick Breen
- Jul 10
- 2 min read
Sciatic Pain Isn’t What You Think
Most people come in saying they have sciatica. But true sciatica—nerve root compression in the lower back—is less common than you think.
What they usually have is sciatic-like pain:
A deep ache in the glutes
Pain down the back of the leg
Tightness in the lower back
Numbness or tingling
The cause? Often tight or overactive muscles compressing the sciatic nerve as it passes through the hips (hello, piriformis).
So Can Massage Help?
Short Answer: Yes. But it depends.
Massage can:
Relieve muscle tension in the glutes and lower back
Improve blood flow and mobility
Reduce pressure on the sciatic nerve
But it won’t fix true nerve root compression (like a herniated disc).
What We Do at MSTT
At Melbourne Soft Tissue Therapy, we:
Assess whether it’s true sciatica or muscular compression
Use deep tissue techniques, dry needling, and cupping to release tension
Focus on restoring normal movement patterns so the nerve isn’t constantly irritated
Client Example: The Runner With “Sciatica”
A client came in with pain shooting down his leg whenever he ran. He’d been diagnosed with sciatica by his GP and told to rest.
Turns out, his piriformis was locked up from sitting all day and then smashing hill sprints on the weekend.
Two sessions of dry needling + targeted glute strength work = pain-free running in under 3 weeks.
The Key: Fix the Cause
Massage helps manage symptoms, but lasting change comes from:
Strengthening the big muscles (glutes, hips)
Improving posture and movement habits
Avoiding long periods of sitting or poor loading patterns
This is why we combine treatment with education and strength work.
Final Word
Massage can absolutely help sciatic pain—if it’s muscular. If it’s true nerve root compression, we’ll help you identify it and refer you for further care if needed.
At MSTT, we don’t just treat pain. We fix the patterns causing it.
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