Targeted treatment for sciatic pain, piriformis syndrome and nerve tension in the leg at Beverley Road, New Malden KT3 4AW. BTEC Level 5, 66 five-star reviews. First session £80.
Sciatica is pain, tingling or numbness running from the lower back through the buttock and into the leg, and it is one of the most debilitating conditions seen in practice. Most people assume it requires medical intervention. In many cases, targeted soft tissue work resolves it faster and more completely than rest or medication alone.
The sciatic nerve can be irritated in two main places: at the lumbar spine, where a disc or bony structure presses on the nerve root, or in the gluteal region, where a tight piriformis muscle compresses the nerve as it passes through or beneath it. Both produce nearly identical symptoms. Sports massage addresses the muscular component directly by releasing the piriformis, surrounding gluteals and lumbar musculature, reducing nerve compression without touching the spine itself. Sciatica often travels with hip pain and lower back pain.
The piriformis sits deep in the gluteal region and the sciatic nerve passes directly through or beneath it. When tight, it compresses the nerve. Direct release of this muscle is the most effective intervention for piriformis syndrome.
Gluteus medius and minimus tightness increases the load on the piriformis. Releasing the whole gluteal complex, not just the piriformis in isolation, produces more lasting results.
Tight hip flexors and erector spinae increase anterior pelvic tilt, loading the lumbar discs that may be irritating the sciatic nerve root. Releasing these reduces mechanical pressure on the affected level.
Where appropriate, gentle neural mobilisation encourages the sciatic nerve to move freely through the surrounding soft tissue, reducing the tension that contributes to symptoms.
The most common cause of sciatica that responds to massage: deep gluteal tightness compressing the nerve. Usually one-sided, aggravated by sitting and relieved initially by walking.
Soft tissue work reduces the muscular load on lumbar disc levels, decreasing the mechanical compression driving nerve irritation. Improvement is gradual but consistent; 4 to 6 sessions is a realistic expectation.
Prolonged sitting tightens hip flexors, loads the lower back and compresses the piriformis, creating a perfect environment for sciatic symptoms. Desk workers are one of the most common presenting groups.
Overuse tightening of the piriformis during running, particularly in those with a weak gluteus medius or who overpronate. Often presents as buttock pain that develops during long runs.
Many clients present with both lower back pain and sciatic symptoms. Treatment addresses the whole lumbar-pelvic complex, not just the leg symptoms in isolation.
Sciatica that clears then returns every few months usually indicates an unresolved underlying pattern: tight hip flexors, inhibited glutes and anterior pelvic tilt. Remedial massage is particularly suited to this presentation.
The session starts with a conversation about your symptoms, where the pain travels and what provokes it, followed by hands-on assessment of the piriformis, gluteals and lumbar musculature to establish where the compression is coming from. Treatment then releases the structures loading the nerve, working the whole lumbar-pelvic complex rather than chasing the leg symptoms.
First session £80 (usually £100) · view all rates · 🏛️ MSMA member; private health insurance may cover sessions, receipt provided on request.
"I found Nick nearly a year back. At 42 I couldn't jog without pain. With a tailored treatment plan Nick changed all of that. Nick is honest, considerate, knowledgeable and methodical in his approach."
MattRunner · Google Review"Nick was recommended by a good friend and I couldn't have asked for a better service. He explained the plan he had for me in a very reassuring way. Will be seeing him again once my cricket season is over."
GaryActive client · Google Review"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."
JohnManual worker · Google ReviewRead all 66 reviews on the reviews page.
Yes, in many cases. Sciatica caused by piriformis tightness or soft tissue nerve tension responds very well to targeted release work. When sciatica is driven by a lumbar disc problem, soft tissue work on the surrounding musculature reduces the load on the affected structures and can significantly reduce symptoms. Nick will assess your specific presentation and advise on the most appropriate approach.
True sciatica involves compression or irritation of the sciatic nerve root at the lumbar spine, usually from a disc bulge or bony impingement. Piriformis syndrome involves the sciatic nerve being compressed by the piriformis muscle in the gluteal region. Both produce very similar symptoms (pain, tingling or numbness down the leg) but have different causes. Sports massage is highly effective for piriformis syndrome and can reduce nerve irritation in both presentations.
For most people with sciatica, targeted soft tissue work is safe and beneficial. Nick works on the piriformis, surrounding gluteal muscles and lumbar structures rather than directly on the nerve. If you have severe acute symptoms such as significant weakness in the leg, loss of bowel or bladder control, or very sharp shooting pain, seek medical assessment first. For most presentations of sciatic pain and leg tingling, massage can begin immediately.
For piriformis-driven sciatica, 3 to 5 sessions close together often produces significant relief. For sciatica with a disc component, improvement is typically more gradual; expect 4 to 6 sessions while the underlying irritation settles. You will get an honest assessment after the first session.
First session £80 (usually £100): assessment and treatment in the same appointment at Beverley Road, New Malden KT3 4AW.