Sciatica is a clinical health condition caused due to pinching or compression of the sciatic nerve. Once irritated, the nerve sends painful sensations through the lower back, buttocks, legs and, in some cases, the feet too. The pain occurs on one side of your lower back, affecting the base of the spine and the back of the leg as well. The good news is you don’t need surgery or pain meds to get rid of the pain. Physical therapy is enough to relieve the pain and reduce the chances of flare-ups. So, what do physiotherapy treatments for sciatica include? Let’s find out.
What to Expect From Physiotherapy Treatments for Sciatica?
The physiotherapist first diagnoses the condition based on which they create the treatment plan. They ask you to walk on your toes or stand up from a squat to identify the source of the pain. Once they detect that the sciatic nerve is the source, they run specific physical tests to assess your nerves and spine. Now they study the results and prescribe exercises and other treatments accordingly.
The most common and effective physiotherapy treatments for sciatica are:
Spine stabilization exercises
Spinal instability is one of the main reasons behind sciatica. Injuries to the muscles and ligaments around the spine can press the sciatic nerve, causing pain. So, physiotherapists prescribe spinal stabilization exercises to alleviate the pain, strengthen your back and keep it healthy.
Soft tissue release therapy
Soft tissue release therapy relieves pressure and tension on the sciatic nerve. The process involves breaking down of muscle tensions and improving blood flow to the affected area. It improves the function of your back muscles, reduces pain and restores the optimal condition of the sciatic nerve.
Posture correction
Poor posture is one of the main contributing factors for sciatica pain. Whether you walk, sit or sleep, you must make sure your posture isn’t causing stress on the sciatic nerve. A chiropractor or physiotherapist can guide you through posture correction techniques so you don’t end up irritating your sciatic nerve.
Dry needling/IMS
IMS or intramuscular stimulation reduces the pressure on the sciatic nerve and associated muscles, ligaments and tissues. The process involves the desensitization of the affected muscles and nerves and boosting the natural healing process of your body.
Strengthening exercises and stretches
Resistance and bodyweight exercises help strengthen the muscles surrounding the legs, abdomen, hips and lower back. Physical therapists may prescribe either isometric or isotonic exercises or both, depending on the severity of your condition.
The treatments vary from person to person. It depends on the severity of your condition, your lifestyle habits and any existing medical condition. Each treatment at a physiotherapy or chiropractic clinic focuses on releasing the pressure off the sciatic nerve and bringing you relief.
Get Physiotherapy for Efficient Sciatic Pain Relief
Sciatica is painful. It prevents you from doing the things you like and makes even the simplest activities seem overwhelming. Physiotherapy not only treats the condition but also ensures it doesn’t recur. All treatments are holistic in nature but as effective as surgery.
At Physiotherapy First, we have years of experience treating patients with sciatica. Share your health concerns with us over call or book an appointment directly. We attend to each patient individually.
