Sciatica can affect your comfort, movement and everyday activities. Our physiotherapy approach focuses on understanding your individual symptoms, physical presentation and rehabilitation goals.
Sciatica describes symptoms associated with irritation or sensitivity involving the sciatic nerve and its related structures. Symptoms can vary significantly between individuals.
Some people may experience discomfort around the lower back, buttock or leg, while others may notice changes in sensation or movement.
A physiotherapy assessment can help explore your symptoms, movement and functional needs, helping to guide an appropriate rehabilitation approach.
Symptoms can differ from person to person. Common experiences may include:
Discomfort may be experienced around the buttock, back of the thigh or further down the leg.
Some people describe symptoms travelling from the lower back or buttock into the leg.
Certain movements or positions may feel uncomfortable or more difficult.
Symptoms may affect walking, exercise, work or other everyday activities.
Some people find their symptoms affect comfortable resting or sleeping positions.
Ongoing symptoms can sometimes make people feel uncertain about movement and activity.
Your physiotherapist will first take time to understand your symptoms and how they affect your everyday activities.
Your rehabilitation plan may include different approaches depending on your assessment and individual goals.
Understanding your symptoms and learning practical strategies can help you feel more confident managing your condition.
Where appropriate, exercises can be selected and progressed around your current ability and rehabilitation goals.
Where clinically appropriate, hands-on techniques may form part of a wider rehabilitation programme.
We can discuss ways of adapting activity while working towards a gradual return to the things that matter to you.
A suitable home programme may be recommended to support movement and rehabilitation between appointments.
Your rehabilitation approach can be reviewed and progressed as your symptoms, confidence and function change.
If symptoms are affecting your movement, work, exercise or everyday activities, an assessment may help you understand your presentation and available rehabilitation options.
Sciatica-like symptoms can occasionally be associated with conditions requiring urgent medical assessment. Seek urgent medical advice if you develop severe or rapidly worsening symptoms, particularly significant weakness, numbness around the saddle/groin area, or changes to bladder or bowel control.
If you are concerned about your symptoms, contact an appropriate healthcare professional for individual advice.
Some common questions about sciatica and physiotherapy assessment.
If sciatica-like symptoms are affecting your everyday life, book an assessment to discuss your symptoms, movement and rehabilitation goals.