Sciatica Pain Relief with Massage Therapy in Brentwood, CA
Targeted massage therapy for sciatic nerve pain radiating down the leg.
the root causes of your condition and provide lasting relief.
⚠️Signs You May Need This Treatment
You may benefit from this treatment if you experience:
Common Causes
- Piriformis muscle tension
- Herniated disc pressure
- Spinal stenosis
- Lower back compression
How Massage Therapy Helps
Therapeutic massage addresses this condition through multiple mechanisms: reducing muscle tension, improving circulation, releasing trigger points, decreasing inflammation, and promoting natural healing responses.
Recommended Treatment Approaches
- Deep tissue massage
- Piriformis release
- Myofascial release
What to Expect During Treatment
During your first visit, we conduct a thorough intake to understand your pain patterns, medical history, and treatment goals. Your massage session is customized to your specific condition and may combine multiple techniques for optimal results.
Treatment Frequency
Most clients experience significant improvement within 3-6 sessions. We typically recommend:
- Acute conditions: 1-2 sessions per week for 2-4 weeks
- Chronic conditions: 1 session per week for 6-8 weeks, then maintenance
- Maintenance: 1-2 sessions per month for ongoing relief
🎯What to Expect: Session Timeline
8-12 sessions over 6-8 weeks for piriformis syndrome; longer for disc-related sciatica
Orthopedic testing to identify source (piriformis vs disc), gentle work on lower back paraspinals, hip rotators, and piriformis muscle. We avoid deep pressure initially.
True piriformis syndrome: 40-50% improvement in 2-3 sessions. Disc-related sciatica: slower progress, focus on pain management. Always work alongside medical treatment.
Note: Everyone responds differently. Timeline depends on condition severity, how long you've had it, overall health, and home care compliance.
🏠Home Care Between Sessions
Maximize your results with these self-care strategies:
Piriformis Stretches
Figure-4 stretch lying on back, pigeon pose (gentle), and seated spinal twist. Hold 30-60 seconds, 3-4x daily. Stop if tingling increases.
Avoid Aggravating Positions
No prolonged sitting (use standing desk breaks every 30 min). Avoid crossing legs. Sleep with pillow between knees if side-sleeping.
Ice for Inflammation
Ice pack on lower back/buttock for 15 minutes 3-4x daily, especially after activity. Reduces nerve inflammation and muscle spasm.
Walking Program
Gentle walking 10-20 min daily helps - movement pumps circulation to compressed nerve. Stop if pain significantly increases.
Integration with Other Therapies
Massage therapy works best as part of a comprehensive treatment plan. We often recommend combining massage with other therapies such as physical therapy, chiropractic care, or appropriate exercises for optimal results.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the difference between true sciatica and piriformis syndrome?
True sciatica is sciatic nerve compression at the spine (often from herniated disc). Piriformis syndrome is sciatic nerve compression by the piriformis muscle in the buttock. Symptoms are similar, but piriformis syndrome responds MUCH better to massage. Medical diagnosis needed to distinguish.
Can massage make sciatica worse?
Improperly applied pressure can aggravate inflamed nerves. We use gentle, specific techniques avoiding direct nerve pressure. Some temporary increased tingling is normal as blood flow increases. Sharp pain increase means stop immediately - we adjust technique.
How long does it take for sciatica to go away with massage?
Piriformis syndrome: 4-8 weeks with consistent treatment. Disc-related sciatica: massage helps manage pain but disc healing takes 6-12 months. Massage is supportive therapy, not cure, for disc issues. MD clearance required.
Should I rest completely or stay active with sciatica?
Gentle movement better than complete rest (resting too much can stiffen muscles). Avoid heavy lifting, twisting, prolonged sitting. Walking, swimming, gentle stretching recommended. Listen to your body - pain increase means stop.
Will the numbness go away after massage?
If caused by muscle compression (piriformis syndrome): yes, usually 70-80% improvement in 6-8 sessions. If from disc compression: variable - depends on degree of nerve damage. Persistent numbness requires medical evaluation.
Can sciatica come back after successful treatment?
Yes, if underlying causes aren't addressed. Maintenance massage every 3-4 weeks, core strengthening, proper lifting mechanics, and ergonomic adjustments reduce recurrence by 70-80%. Prevention is key.
🔗This Treatment Also Helps With
These related conditions often improve with the same treatment approach: