Treatment for Sciatica
Sciatica refers to pain that radiates along the sciatic nerve, typically starting around your lower back and down to the hips, buttocks, and eventually each leg. It usually only affects one side of the body and most commonly occurs when something compresses a part or many parts of the sciatic nerve. Sciatica can be treated with medication, stretches, and, most importantly, physical therapy.
As a therapist, I will design a rehabilitation programme to reduce or eliminate your pain. This will normalise body mechanics to alleviate compression of the nerve, improve the strength of core muscles, and improve flexibility of muscles and nerves (yes, nerves)
A home exercise programme can also be designed and is a key element of the rehabilitation process. Therapy techniques and stretching may be able to reduce compressive forces on the nerve caused by things like hip joint dysfunction, muscle spasms, etc. Strengthening the spinal column and the tendons and muscles that support it, can also help relieve some sciatic pain. Strong core muscles will reduce pain because they support the spine and keep it in alignment, thereby minimising the likelihood of experiencing sciatica in the future.
A rehab plan is also suggested and is designed to target muscles that cause pain when they’re tight and inflexible. Stretching the nerves is important, as the sciatic nerve is designed to glide freely between muscles, fascia, and other structures in the body. Nerve stretching exercises are commonly referred to as “nerve glides” or “neural flossing” and are usually a key component of the rehabilitation of sciatica.
The biggest myth about sciatica pain is that you should rest and let your body naturally heal. In most cases, a day or two of rest is fine, but actually stretching and working out the parts of the body that are hurting can reduce pain. That is why physical therapy is a great solution for combating sciatic pain. Working with your therapist to figure out the best movements and stretches to deal with your specific areas of pain can be of great benefit
If you'd like to sort out your Sciatica?
Give me a message from the contact page or fill out your details below to get £20 off your first session!
Remember I treat from my own clinic in Upleadon but also travel to Gloucester, Newent, Cheltenham and the surrounding areas