Unpinching the Nerve
Targeted relief for the sharp, shooting pain that travels from your lower back down your leg.

Sciatica is more than just a backache. It is a distinct, often debilitating condition characterized by sharp, shooting pain that radiates from the lower back, through the hips and buttocks, and down one leg. For many in Cochise County, this pain can make simple tasks like driving, sitting at a desk, or even walking feel impossible. At Shepherd's Touch, we understand that sciatica is not just a symptom to be masked with medication, but a mechanical issue that requires a mechanical solution. Our targeted massage therapy approach focuses on releasing the specific muscular impingements that are compressing the sciatic nerve, offering you a pathway back to pain-free movement.
The sciatic nerve is the longest and widest nerve in the human body, running from the lower back through the hips and down each leg. When this nerve becomes compressed or irritated, the result is sciatica. While herniated discs are a common cause, a significant number of cases are actually caused by muscular tension—specifically in the piriformis muscle. This small muscle, located deep in the buttock, sits directly over (and sometimes through) the sciatic nerve. When the piriformis becomes tight or spasms due to overuse, prolonged sitting, or injury, it can clamp down on the nerve like a vice. This is known as Piriformis Syndrome. Conventional treatments often focus on inflammation, but if the muscle remains tight, the pressure on the nerve remains. Our therapy targets this source of tension directly.
Sharp, burning pain radiating from the lower back to the buttock and leg
Pain that worsens when sitting for long periods
A constant dull ache in one side of the rear
Numbness, tingling, or muscle weakness in the affected leg or foot
Difficulty standing up due to shooting pain
We don't just chase symptoms. We use targeted modalities to address the source of your tension.
Our primary goal is to release the tension in the piriformis muscle. We use deep, precise trigger point therapy and myofascial release techniques to physically relax the muscle belly. By softening this muscle, we directly reduce the pressure it places on the sciatic nerve, often providing immediate relief from the shooting pain.
The lumbar spine is the anchor for the sciatic nerve. We work to release tension in the quadratus lumborum (QL) and gluteal muscles, which often compensate for the pain. This helps to decompress the lower vertebrae, creating more space for the nerve roots to exit the spine without irritation.
Sciatica often leads to a guarded, stiff gait as you try to avoid pain. We use passive stretching and joint mobilization techniques to restore normal range of motion in the hips. This breaks the cycle of stiffness and pain, allowing you to walk and move naturally again.
We guide you through gentle 'nerve flossing' movements during the session. These techniques help the sciatic nerve glide smoothly through the surrounding tissues, preventing adhesions and reducing the sensitivity of the nerve itself.
Living with sciatica can feel like a life sentence of limited mobility, but it doesn't have to be. By addressing the muscular compression that is often the source of the pain, we can help you find lasting relief. You don't have to rely solely on painkillers or consider surgery as your only option. Let us help you unpinch the nerve, relax the muscles, and get back to the activities you love—whether that's hiking the Huachucas or simply sitting comfortably for dinner.
60-Minute Targeted Massage
Direct relief for the tight muscles and locked joints that keep stealing your mobility.
Wellness Screening
We don’t guess. We map out how your muscles, posture, and habits are fueling pain — so we address the source.
Pain Relief Roadmap
Gives you a simple plan so the relief lasts — not just a quick fix.
*Limited availability. Valid for first-time local residents of Cochise County.

103 Turquoise St, Bisbee, AZ 85603
(520) 346-0584
License: MT-28731
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