SupremeSciatica that won't let you sit still?
Ten minutes in the car and it starts. A dull ache in the buttock, then a burning line down the back of your leg. Painkillers take the edge off. They don't move the muscle that's pressing on the nerve.
Nick Monczakowski 4.9 from 74 Google reviews · 13+ years
Sciatica or piriformis?
Both send pain, tingling or numbness down the leg. Where the nerve is being squeezed decides how fast it settles.
Piriformis syndrome
A tight piriformis deep in the glute squeezes the sciatic nerve as it passes underneath. Usually one-sided, worse sitting and eased at first by walking. This is the version that responds fastest to massage, often within 3 to 5 sessions close together.
Disc-related sciatica
A disc or bony structure irritates the nerve root where it leaves the spine. Massage can't move a disc. It can take the muscular load off that level so the irritation settles. Expect steadier progress over 4 to 6 sessions.
The leg is where you feel it.
The nerve is getting squeezed.
Your sciatic nerve runs from your lower back, through the buttock and down the leg. Squeeze it anywhere along the way and the whole line lights up.
Sitting makes the squeeze worse.
Hours in a chair shorten your hip flexors, tip the pelvis and load the deep glute muscles that sit right on top of the nerve.
Rest calms it. It doesn't release it.
Lie down for a week and it settles. Go back to your desk or the car and the same tight muscles squeeze the same nerve again.
Take the pressure off the nerve.
Piriformis
The sciatic nerve passes right through or beneath it. When it tightens it squeezes the nerve. Releasing it is often the single biggest change.
Glute medius & minimus
Tight glutes pile extra load onto the piriformis. Working the whole group, not one muscle, is what makes the result last.
Lower back & hip flexors
Tight hip flexors tilt the pelvis forward and load the lumbar discs that can irritate the nerve root. Free them up and that pressure drops.
Gentle nerve mobility
Where it suits you, gentle movement work helps the nerve glide freely through the tissue around it instead of catching.
Which one sounds like yours?
The desk sitter
Hours in a chair tighten the hip flexors, load the lower back and squash the piriformis. One of the most common groups Nick sees. Massage for desk workers →
The long-run ache
Buttock pain that creeps in on longer runs. Usually an overworked piriformis with a weak glute medius behind it. Massage for runners →
The driver
Clutch leg, wallet in the back pocket, hours on the A3. A classic recipe for one-sided sciatic pain. Driver stiffness →
Back and leg together
Lower back pain with sciatic symptoms. Treatment covers the whole lower back and pelvis, not just the leg. Back pain →
The one that keeps returning
Clears, then returns every few months. Usually tight hip flexors, sleepy glutes and a tilted pelvis that were never sorted.
After a flare-up
Recently settled but nervous it will come back. Treatment now is the cheapest time to stop the next one.
Sciatica myths. Busted.
“I need to rest it.”
Tap to flip →A few days of rest can calm a flare. Weeks of it let the muscles around the nerve stiffen up more. Gentle movement and treatment usually settle it faster.
“It's definitely a slipped disc.”
Tap to flip →Often it isn't. A tight piriformis deep in the glute can cause almost identical symptoms. That version responds especially well to massage.
“Stretching will sort it.”
Tap to flip →The right stretch helps. The wrong one can tug on an irritated nerve and flare it up. Get it assessed first, then stretch with a plan.
One hour. A proper plan.
- 01
Talk
Where the pain travels, what sets it off and what you've already tried.
- 02
Assess
Hands-on assessment of the piriformis, glutes and lower back to find where the pressure is coming from.
- 03
Treat
Release of the muscles loading the nerve, working the whole lower back and pelvis, not just the leg.
- 04
Plan
Simple stretches to hold the result and an honest view on how many sessions you need.
Back on their feet. In their words.
“I was recommended Nick whilst suffering chronic back pain and associated sciatica in both legs… After 2 and a bit months I'm pain free and able to walk and do yoga classes again.”
Holly · Back pain & sciatica“I work manual labour for 9 hours a day and my back was in so much pain. I couldn't stand up straight and could barely hobble through the front door. After a 1-hour session there was a huge improvement in my back pain and hip mobility.”
John · Manual worker“I've had a back injury and I've seen changes within few sessions. Big help!”
Zuzana · Back injuryWhen to see your GP first
Call 999 or go to A&E straight away if you have numbness around your bottom or genitals, or any change in controlling your bladder or bowels.
Call NHS 111 or see your GP before booking if you have leg pain with any of these:
- Weakness in your leg or foot that is getting worse
- Sciatica in both legs at the same time
- Pain after a fall, accident or injury
- Pain alongside a fever, unexplained weight loss or feeling generally unwell
Not sure? WhatsApp Nick a quick description first. If massage isn't the right first step, he'll tell you before you book.
Before you book for sciatica.
Can sports massage help with sciatica?
In many cases, yes. Sciatica caused by a tight piriformis or muscle tension around the nerve responds very well to targeted release. When a disc is involved, easing the muscles around it takes load off that level and can reduce symptoms a lot. Nick will look at your presentation and tell you honestly what to expect.
What is the difference between sciatica and piriformis syndrome?
Sciatica usually means the nerve root is irritated at the lower back, often by a disc. Piriformis syndrome is the same nerve being squeezed by the piriformis muscle in the buttock. The symptoms look almost the same but the causes differ. Massage is very effective for piriformis syndrome and helps ease nerve irritation in both.
Is it safe to have massage with sciatica?
For most people, yes. Nick works on the piriformis, glutes and lower back muscles rather than on the nerve itself. If you have significant leg weakness, numbness around your groin or any change in bladder or bowel control, get medical help first.
How many sessions for sciatica?
Piriformis-driven sciatica often eases a lot within 3 to 5 sessions close together. If a disc is involved, progress is steadier and 4 to 6 sessions is realistic. You'll get an honest recommendation after the first session.
Often travels with sciatica.
Sit down without dreading it.
- £80 first session, assessment included
- Mon–Fri 11am–7pm
- Near New Malden station · free street parking
- Personal reply from Nick, usually same day
“I recently had my first session with him and after was feeling a lot better than before.”