Deep tissue massage for hip and glute pain
Piriformis syndrome · hip flexor tightness · glute dysfunction · sciatica · SI joint pain
The hip joint is surrounded by over 20 muscles, stacked in layers, each capable of creating distinct pain patterns that refer throughout your lower body. Unlike tension you can stretch out or ignore, deep hip restrictions are stubborn. We specialize in the specific techniques needed to release them.
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Years in the East Bay
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Therapists, same-week availability
Understanding your hip and glute pain.
The hip is one of the body's most complex joints. When even a few of its 20+ muscles get tight or weak, the whole system suffers.
Piriformis syndrome
Deep, burning pain in your glute that sometimes shoots down your leg. This small rotator muscle deep in your hip spans from the sacrum to the outer edge of the hip and can compress your sciatic nerve. We see this frequently in runners and cyclists who've increased training too quickly.
Hip flexor tightness
Sitting for 8+ hours or repetitively flexing your hip creates chronically shortened hip flexors. When you stand, these tight muscles pull on your pelvis, creating pain in your low back and limiting hip extension. The first few steps after sitting often feel stiff and restricted.
Glute medius dysfunction
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.
Hip pain doesn't discriminate.
Desk workers and tech professionals
Sitting is particularly hard on hips. If you're commuting to SF or working long hours at a desk, your hips are likely compromised.
- 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
Runners and endurance athletes
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
Cyclists
The cycling position creates specific hip issues, especially 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
Active adults over 50
As we age, hip mobility becomes crucial for maintaining independence and quality of life.
- Maintaining balance through hip stability work
- Preserving range of motion for daily activities
- Reducing fall risk through better hip function
What to expect.
This is targeted work designed to create change, not just temporary relief.
Initial assessment
We start by going over your detailed intake form and discussing what's going on. We'll cover when the pain started, what makes it better or worse, your activity level and goals, and previous injuries or surgeries.
The treatment
We work through each region of the hip systematically:
- Deep work on glute max, focusing on trigger points
- Specific piriformis release using pin-and-stretch techniques
- Addressing the deep six hip rotators
- IT band and the muscles underneath
- Glute medius and minimus release
- TFL (tensor fasciae latae) work
- Hip flexor release including psoas work when appropriate
- Quad-hip flexor junction work
- Addressing the often-missed iliacus
- Connecting hip work to low back and hamstrings
- Movement re-education
- Testing improvements before you leave
After your session
Most clients feel the difference immediately. We'll go over what we found, recommended stretches for your pattern, and foam rolling techniques specific to your needs. Drink extra water, keep moving gently, and expect some productive soreness for 24 to 48 hours.
Ready to address your hip pain? Let's figure out what's going on.
Book a sessionWhy choose Verdure for hip and glute pain.
We understand movement
We focus on biomechanics, compensation patterns, and creating lasting change. Many clients come after trying generic massage, bodywork that didn't address the issue, or physical therapy they want to supplement with manual work.
Convenient location
1029 Solano Ave Ste E, Albany, CA. 15 minutes from downtown Oakland. Easy access from I-80 or San Pablo Ave. Flexible scheduling with same-week availability.
Real results
- Sleeping through the night without hip pain
- Running without persistent glute ache
- Sitting at work comfortably
- Returning to activities they'd stopped
Recovery at home.
Extend the benefits of your session with targeted foam rolling for the hips and glutes.
Frequently asked questions.
Stop compensating. Start resolving.
Whether your hip pain comes from training, desk work, or years of compensation, lasting relief is possible.
Want to save on multiple sessions?
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