Our bodies are made up of muscles, tendons, and ligaments. The largest nerve in our bodies is the sciatic nerve. It runs from the lumbar spine down to the buttocks and can be a problem if it is put under too much pressure. Sciatica, also known as “lumbar radiculopathy”, is a painful condition caused by irritation of the sciatic nerves. This type of pain is most common in the lumbar region and behind your thigh. Sciatica sufferers often report that their pain radiates to their lower limbs.

Sciatica can make walking, standing, and exercising difficult. Sciatica can be caused by lumbar disc herniation or disc degeneration.

Physiotherapy might be able to provide relief for you. To learn more about physiotherapy and to schedule, an appointment with one of our therapists, call our clinic today.

How can I tell if my sciatica is real?

According to the Mayo Clinic: “Sciatica is most often caused by a herniated disc, bone spurs on the spine, or narrowing the spine (spinal stenosis), which compresses a part of the nerve.” This can cause inflammation, pain, and sometimes some numbness in the affected legs.

Sciatica is usually diagnosed by asking questions about your medical history and a physical exam. To locate the root cause of sciatica, many physiotherapists will also perform a CT scan or MRI.

A physiotherapist may be able to work with you:

• This will help you get back to your normal activities.
• Increase your flexibility
• Increase your range of motion
• Reduce sciatica pain.
• To prevent future injuries, we will teach you how to properly stand, bend, and twist.
• Increase your strength

What can I do to benefit from physiotherapy?

A physiotherapist can help you with sciatica pain.

Physiotherapy for sciatica can be a non-invasive and effective treatment that targets the root cause of your discomfort.

Your therapist might be able to help you prevent future sciatica or other pain by showing you how to do at-home exercises to maintain your health.

You can prevent severe sciatica symptoms from recurring by practicing good posture, good body mechanics, good health, and keeping fit.

What should I expect from a treatment plan for physiotherapy?

There are many treatment options for physiotherapy. These include passive therapies, active therapies, and ultrasound therapy.

Passive therapy

Passive therapy can include electric therapy, massage therapy, heat therapy or ultrasound therapy.

These treatments can reduce pain and stimulate blood circulation to speed up healing.

Active therapy

Active therapy is a combination of specific movements, exercises, and stretches that speed up healing and provide pain relief.

Your physiotherapist can help you learn about the various stretches and exercises that you can do at your home to relieve pain.

Electrotherapy

Electrotherapy uses electricity to increase blood flow, strengthen muscles, and improve physical function.

Ultrasound Therapy

This type of therapy is often associated with pregnant women. However, not all ultrasounds can be used for that purpose. Ultrasound therapy is a way to relieve pain by sending sound waves deep into the tissues.

Massage therapy

Massage therapy can help relieve sciatic nerve pain. Massage therapy can loosen tight muscles in the back that could be pressing on the sciatic canal. It also increases endorphin release for pain relief. Heat therapy can relax muscles and decrease inflammation.

Without the use of medication, you can get gentle and safe pain relief

Physiotherapy can often use multiple forms of care to relieve the symptoms and pain you experience with sciatica. There are many options available for you: active therapies, passive treatments, and aquatic treatments. Your therapist can help you determine which modalities are most effective for your condition.

If your physiotherapist discovers weak muscles, they will give you corrective exercises to strengthen your core. These exercises will strengthen the lower back, abdominal muscles, hip muscles, and glutes.

These exercises strengthen the spine, including the tendons, ligaments, and supporting muscles. They also keep the spine properly aligned.

Your physiotherapist will show you how to stretch muscles that are tight and stiff.

Hamstring stretching is an essential part of physiotherapy for sciatica relief. For a program of aquatic exercises, a physiotherapist may be recommended. You can exercise with the buoyancy of water!

Your therapist will help you navigate treatment and make sure you feel confident and comfortable in your ability to manage your symptoms. You may find that physiotherapy is the answer to your sciatica pain. To learn more, make an appointment.

Why wait? Get started now!

A phone call could make it possible to live a pain-free lifestyle.

Contact Unique Rehab in North York, ON  if you or someone you love is suffering from sciatica. We will arrange a personalized appointment with one of our physiotherapists.