Deep Tissue Massage for Hip and Glute Pain

Deep, burning pain in your glute that sometimes shoots down your leg often indicates piriformis involvement. This small rotator muscle deep in your hip that spans from the sacrum to the outer edge of the hip can compress your sciatic nerve. We see this frequently in runners and cyclists who've increased their training too quickly or intensely.

Sitting for 8+ hours or repetitively flexing your hip creates chronically shortened and engaged hip flexors. When you stand, these tight muscles pull on your pelvis, creating pain in your low back and limiting your hip extension. The first few steps after sitting often feel stiff and restricted.

Your glute medius stabilizes your pelvis when you walk or run. When weak or inhibited, other muscles overcompensate, leading to IT band issues, knee pain, and persistent hip ache.

Sitting is particularly hard on hips. If you're commuting to and from San Francisco or working long hours sitting at your desk, your hips are likely compromised. We see many clients from all over the Bay Area dealing with:

Low back pain that actually originates from tight hips.

Difficulty standing up straight after sitting.

Glute weakness and poor activation.

Chronic tension that stretching doesn't resolve.

Whether training on Berkeley fire trails or doing loops around Lake Merritt, repetitive motion takes its toll:

IT band syndrome that starts at the hip

Piriformis tightness from increased mileage

Hip flexor strain from hill running

Compensation patterns from previous injuries

The cycling aero position can create specific hip issues, specially if your bike fit is off or hasn’t been updated:

Shortened hip flexors from the bent position

Glute weakness from quad dominance

Piriformis syndrome from saddle pressure

Low back pain from hip immobility

As we age, hip mobility becomes crucial for maintaining independence:

Maintaining balance through hip stability work

Preserving range of motion for daily activities

Reducing fall risk through better hip function

We start by going over your detailed intake form and observing movement concerns. We'll discuss which muscles are overworking and which have become inhibited. We’ll ask:

- When the pain started

- What makes it better or worse

- Your activity level and goals

- Previous injuries or surgeries

This is targeted work designed to create change. Here's what we address:

Posterior Hip & Glutes

Deep work on glute max, focusing on trigger points

Specific piriformis release using pin-and-stretch techniques

Addressing the deep six hip rotators

Lateral Hip

IT band and the muscles underneath

Glute medius and minimus release

TFL (tensor fasciae latae) work

Anterior Hip

Hip flexor release including psoas work when appropriate

Quad-hip flexor junction work

Addressing the often-missed iliacus

Integration Work

Connecting hip work to low back and hamstrings

Movement re-education

Testing improvements before you leave

Most clients stand taller and move easier often-times immediately. We'll go over:

- Any questions you may have about the treatment and post-treatment care.

- Recommended stretches for your pattern

- Effective foam rolling techniques