Sciatica Physiotherapy
Assessment-Led Rehabilitation & Treatment
Condition Overview
Sciatica describes discomfort radiating along the path of the sciatic nerve, which travels from the lower back through the hips and down each leg. It is often caused by localized compression of a nerve root in the lumbar spine. Graded physical therapy helps reduce nerve compression by building supporting muscles and restoring mechanical alignment.
Possible Contributors
Factors that commonly play a role in this condition (individual diagnosis depends on assessment):
- Lumbar disc herniation or bulging placing pressure on nerve roots
- Narrowing of the spinal canal (Spinal Stenosis) around nerves
- Localized compression by the piriformis muscle in the gluteal area
- Lumbar spine joint stiffness leading to movement restrictions
Common Symptoms & Functional Imbalances
- Shooting discomfort traveling from lower back down the buttock and leg
- Tingling, burning, or mild numbness in the calf or foot
- Discomfort that intensifies when sitting, coughing, or bending forward
- Mild weakness in the leg or foot during walking
How Physiotherapy Can Support Recovery
- •Guiding patients through nerve-gliding movements to ease neural sensitivity.
- •Teaching specific core and spinal extension exercises to manage disc stress.
- •Employing manual physical therapy to address lumbar and gluteal muscle tension.
- •Advising on safe sitting postures and support cushions to reduce nerve load.
Safety Warning: When to Seek Medical Evaluation
Please consult a medical doctor or visit an emergency room immediately if you experience any of the following:
- Progressive leg weakness that causes your foot to drag (foot drop)
- Numbness in the groin or inner thigh area ('saddle anesthesia')
- Sciatica symptoms accompanied by sudden loss of bowel or bladder control
- Sudden severe pain in both legs accompanied by motor weakness
* Physiotherapy is a support tool and is not appropriate for active infections, major structural fractures, or progressive neurological emergencies.
Treatment Settings
Home visits are very beneficial during acute flare-ups to help manage severe radiating discomfort. As mobility improves, clinic sessions allow advanced core and functional strengthening.
Director and Senior Physiotherapist
Dr. Deeksha Singh
BPT · MPT (Orthopaedics) · MIAP
All physical therapies and assessment-led roadmaps are designed and supervised by Dr. Deeksha.
View doctor profile →Your First Session
During your initial evaluation, we typically check:
- →Straight Leg Raise and specific nerve tension tests
- →Reflex and dermatomal sensory evaluations
- →Lumbar movement range and disc-pressure trigger assessment
- →Hip mobility and piriformis muscle flexibility check
Common Interventions
- Neural Mobilization & Nerve Gliding Exercises
- Mckenzie Extension Protocols
- Gentle Lumbar Traction & Manual Mobilization
- Core & Pelvic Stabilization Training
- TENS therapy to help manage radiating discomfort
Sciatica FAQ
Frequently asked questions about therapy duration and outcomes.
Can tight glutes cause sciatica-like pain?
Yes. Compression of the sciatic nerve by the piriformis muscle in the buttock mimics disc-related sciatica. This is often referred to as Piriformis Syndrome and responds well to targeted physical therapy.
What sleeping position is best for sciatica?
Sleeping on your back with a pillow under your knees, or on your side with a pillow between your knees, helps keep the lumbar spine in a neutral position, reducing pressure on nerve roots.
Related Rehabilitation Resources
Ready to start your recovery?
Book a clinic appointment or request a home physiotherapy visit.