01/30/2026
Sciatica is a symptom—not a diagnosis. And not all leg pain comes from the same source. 🦵💥
If you’re dealing with leg pain, there’s a chance it’s Sciatica or Piriformis Syndrome. They are often confused, but here are some key differences:
➡️ True sciatica
Happens when the sciatic nerve is irritated or compressed at the spine—often from a disc bulge or spinal issue.
Pain typically travels from the low back, through the hip, and down the leg.
Signs that may suggest sciatica:
- Pain that travels from the low back or hip down one leg
- Pain mostly on one side of the body
- Sharp, burning, or electric-like pain
- Tingling or numbness in the leg or foot
- Pain that gets worse with sitting, coughing, or sneezing
- Weakness in the leg or foot
- Pain that follows a clear path (butt → thigh → calf → foot)
➡️ Piriformis syndrome
Happens when a small muscle deep in the glute (the piriformis) presses on the sciatic nerve.
Pain is usually felt in the butt and may radiate down the leg—but the source is muscular, not spinal.
Signs that may suggest piriformis syndrome:
- Deep ache in the buttock
- Pain that may travel down the back of the thigh (but usually not all the way to the foot)
- Pain that worsens with sitting for long periods
- Pain when standing up from sitting
- Pain with walking, running, or climbing stairs
- Tenderness when pressing on the buttock muscle
- Limited hip rotation or discomfort with hip movement
Why this matters for massage therapy 👇
✔ Piriformis-related pain often responds well to targeted soft tissue work
✔ True sciatica may benefit from massage as supportive care (reducing tension and guarding), but usually needs a broader treatment approach
✔ Treating the wrong source = slower results
This is why proper assessment matters—not just chasing the symptom, but understanding the cause.
It’s important to see a medical professional for a proper diagnosis. At Enhanced Healing, we offer assessments at the start of your session to ensure your treatment is personalized to your needs. 💆 ✨
Book online at any of our 3 beautiful RMT clinics in Kelowna 🩵
