Sciatica is one of the most common causes of leg and lower back pain. It occurs when the sciatic nerve becomes irritated or compressed, leading to sharp, burning, or radiating pain that can make even the simplest tasks difficult.
At our clinic, physical therapy is one of the most effective, research-supported treatments for relieving sciatica and preventing it from returning.
What Is Sciatica?
Sciatica refers to pain that travels along the sciatic nerve, typically from the lower back down the leg. Common causes include:
Herniated or bulging discs
Degenerative disc disease
Spinal stenosis
Piriformis syndrome
Muscle imbalances
Prolonged sitting or poor posture
A physical therapist can identify the underlying cause of your symptoms and develop a customized treatment plan to help you recover.
How Physical Therapy Helps Sciatica
1. McKenzie Method (Extension-Based Exercise)
This approach is especially effective for disc-related sciatica. Specific extension movements help reduce pressure on the nerve and “centralize” the pain—moving it out of your leg and back to your spine as you heal.
2. Manual Therapy
Hands-on techniques help relieve pain and restore mobility. These may include:
Soft tissue massage
Joint mobilizations
Myofascial release
Trigger point therapy
Manual therapy helps reduce muscle tension and improve movement patterns that may be contributing to the nerve irritation.
3. Sciatic Nerve Glides
These gentle mobility exercises improve the movement of the sciatic nerve itself, reducing sharp or tingling sensations and improving function.
4. Core Strengthening
A strong core supports your spine and helps prevent future flare-ups. Your PT will guide you through safe, effective exercises such as:
Bird dogs
Dead bugs
Modified planks
Pelvic tilts
5. Posture & Movement Retraining
Your therapist will help you improve the way you sit, stand, lift, and move throughout your day to reduce strain on your spine and prevent recurring irritation of the sciatic nerve.
6. Stretching Tight Muscles
Tight hips, hamstrings, or glutes often contribute to sciatic symptoms. Your PT may include stretches for:
Hip flexors
Piriformis
Hamstrings
Lower back
7. Pain-Relieving Modalities
While addressing the root cause, your therapist may use tools such as:
Heat or ice
Electrical stimulation (TENS)
Ultrasound
These help calm inflammation and provide short-term relief while you work on long-term recovery.
How Long Does Recovery Take?
Most patients begin noticing improvement within 2–4 weeks of consistent physical therapy. More chronic or severe cases may take longer, but PT focuses on long-lasting relief—not temporary fixes.
When Should You Seek Physical Therapy?
You should schedule an evaluation if you’re experiencing:
Pain radiating down your leg
Numbness, tingling, or burning
Weakness in your leg or foot
Pain lasting longer than a week
Difficulty sitting, standing, or walking
Early treatment leads to faster, more complete recovery.
Get Relief From Sciatica—Starting Today
If sciatica is limiting your daily life, our physical therapy team is here to help. We’ll identify the source of your pain and guide you through a personalized, proven plan to restore mobility, reduce pain, and get you back to moving comfortably.
Ready to feel better? Contact our office at 480-785-5415 today to schedule your evaluation.