Sciatica happens when the sciatic nerve, which runs from the lower back down each leg, is irritated or compressed. It typically causes a sharp or burning pain down the back of one leg, sometimes with tingling, numbness or weakness. At W11 Therapy in South Granville, CCHPBC-licensed RMTs assess and treat the soft tissue around it - the low back, glutes, hips and the backs of the legs. Massage therapy doesn't release a compressed nerve; the NHS includes massage among the hands-on techniques used in physiotherapy for sciatica, alongside exercise advice.
Call 9-1-1 or go to an emergency department if you have sciatica in both legs, numbness around your genitals or bottom, new difficulty controlling your bladder or bowels, or severe or worsening weakness or numbness in both legs.
Sciatica-focused sessions are standard massage therapy sessions with CCHPBC-licensed RMTs. We direct bill Sun Life, Manulife, Pacific Blue Cross, Green Shield, Canada Life and ICBC when your plan allows it. Related: massage for back pain, massage for hip pain.
W11 Therapy is a registered massage therapy clinic at 1520 W 11th Ave, Vancouver BC V6J 2B5. Licensed providers and direct billing options. Open 7 days, 8am-8pm. Call (778) 995-3745.