Conditions We Treat
Massage for Sciatica Pain Relief in NYC
Numbness, tingling, or shooting pain down your leg doesn’t always mean a spine problem. Our licensed medical massage therapists specialize in addressing the root causes of sciatic pain—freeing nerve compression patterns in the hips, glutes, and low back for lasting relief.
- Available in FiDi & Midtown West – open 7 days a week
Causes
What’s Going On With Sciatica?
- Sciatica affects up to 40% of adults at some point in life. (StatPearls–NIH 2024)
- It occurs when the sciatic nerve—running from the low back through the glutes and down the leg—is irritated or compressed.
- Disc issues can cause this, but muscle tension in the piriformis or glutes (piriformis syndrome) is often more common and can mimic the same symptoms.
- Postural patterns, old injuries (like ankle sprains or ACL tears), or prolonged sitting can shift pelvic alignment and trap the nerve.
At Bodyworks DW, we view sciatica as a sign of broader movement imbalances, not just a nerve issue. The sciatic pathway runs through layers of muscle and fascia that easily tighten with posture or injury. Our work focuses on freeing that pathway, balancing the hips and spine, and retraining how your body moves—using the same integrated methods taught in our massage continuing education programs.
Related conditions: Also see our Lower Back Pain and Hip Pain pages.
How we treat
How Bodyworks DW Treats Sciatica
This cutaway view shows the sciatic nerve running beneath the piriformis muscle deep in the hip—where tightness or imbalance can compress the nerve and create radiating pain down the leg. Anatomy Plate (Gray’s, 1918)
Whole-Body Evaluation
We start with a focused intake and movement assessment to pinpoint where the nerve compression originates—hips, glutes, or low back—as well as related imbalances elsewhere that may be contributing to it. This ensures your therapist can target the true root cause of your pain efficiently.
Targeted Deep Tissue & Myofascial Work for Immediate Relief
Using advanced deep tissue and myofascial techniques, we release tension in the piriformis, glutes, hamstrings, and low back fascia to decompress the nerve and restore mobility—with the goal of providing immediate relief in Session 1.
Progressive Plan That Builds on Each Session
Once symptoms ease, we expand focus to connected areas—feet, pelvis, ribcage, shoulders, and head position—to build on your progress and prevent recurrence, while teaching you easy self-care tools to maintain results.
What to Expect
A Progressive Plan
Session 1
Release acute nerve compression and calm overactive muscles. You’ll likely feel lighter and notice reduced pain or tingling immediately.
Sessions 2–4
Reintegrate hip and core stability, correct pelvic rotation, and restore balanced stride mechanics.
Sessions 5–8+
Reinforce healthy nerve mobility throughout the body. Learn self-care and movement habits to maintain long-term relief.
Ready to start feeling better?
Book a session
Care
Home Care That Helps Between Sessions
We’ll teach you simple, effective self-care—no complex rehab routines. You’ll learn easy techniques like gentle nerve flossing, supported hip stretches, and posture awareness drills to reduce tension and keep the sciatic nerve moving freely.
For example, here’s a helpful video
Testimonial
What Our Clients Say
Pricing & wellness wallets
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No prepay—card on file to hold; pay after your session.
New here? Choose “New Client Massage” when booking to get $25 off your first visit.
Senior Therapist
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60 minutes
$160
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90 minutes
$230
/ with Senior Therapist
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Frequently Asked Questions
Have more questions? Get in touch
How do I know if my pain is really sciatica?
True sciatica involves nerve compression that radiates from the low back or glutes down the leg, often causing tingling or numbness. Muscle tension alone usually doesn’t radiate as far and presents as more of a dull ache type of pain.
Do I need a doctor’s note for sciatica massage?
No. Under NYS Title VIII licensure (see NY Board of Education FAQ #28), massage therapists can assess whether your symptoms are safe for massage. We refer out only when necessary.
What makes Bodyworks DW’s approach different?
We don’t just treat symptoms. Our therapists identify and correct the postural and movement patterns—often in the legs, hips, or pelvis—that keep the sciatic nerve irritated. This integrated approach leads to lasting results even when other treatments fall short.
How many sessions will I need?
Most clients notice improvement within 2–4 visits, and lasting relief within 5–8.
Are there precautions for lower back pain massage?
Yes — recent injuries, acute inflammation, fever/illness, or medications affecting tissue integrity require caution.
Full list: NYS Massage Therapy Precautions