Finding Relief From Sciatic Pain with Physiotherapy
Sciatica is a frustrating and painful condition that can make it hard to sit, stand, walk, or even put on your shoes. It occurs when the sciatic nerve—which runs from your lower back down your leg—becomes irritated or compressed. This can be due to a bulging disc, tight hip muscles, or other spinal issues. The pain is often worse in the leg than in the back and may come with numbness, tingling, or weakness.
If left untreated, sciatica can start affecting every part of your daily life, making simple tasks more difficult and limiting your ability to stay active. Over time, it can lead to stiffness, muscle tightness, and ongoing discomfort that won’t resolve on its own.
At Move Physiotherapy, we specialize in evidence-based treatment to relieve pain, restore movement, and prevent sciatica from coming back. Our experienced physiotherapists identify the root cause of your pain and create a personalized treatment plan to help you recover faster. With clinics in Fremantle, Booragoon, and Beeliar, we’re here to stop your pain and keep it from returning.
Understanding Sciatic Pain: Causes and Diagnosis
Sciatica is not a condition itself but a set of symptoms caused by irritation or compression of the sciatic nerve, which runs from the lower back down each leg. This nerve plays a crucial role in providing sensation and muscle control in the lower limbs, so when it becomes compressed or inflamed, it can lead to sharp pain, numbness, tingling, or weakness. The pain is often worse in the leg than in the back and can significantly impact movement, making simple tasks like standing, walking, or bending extremely uncomfortable.
Several factors can contribute to sciatic nerve irritation. Herniated or bulging discs are a common cause, where the soft cushion between the spinal bones pushes out and presses on the nerve. Piriformis syndrome, a condition where a deep hip muscle tightens and compresses the sciatic nerve, can also trigger symptoms. Other causes include spinal stenosis, which is a narrowing of the spinal canal, and spondylolisthesis, where one vertebra slips forward over another, pinching the nerve. In other cases, muscle imbalances or tightness in the lower back, hips, or glutes can contribute to ongoing sciatic pain.
Our flowchat below can help with identifying your type of sciatic pain. However, we strongly recommend that your pain is assessed by an expert in diagnosing and treating these conditions.
Please Note: It is important that if you are experiencing neurological symptoms that are extending into both legs (e.g. pins and needles, numbness, weakness) that you consult a physiotherapist or medical practitioner immediately as this may be a sign of a more serious pathology.
How We Treat Sciatic Pain at Move Physiotherapy
At Move Physiotherapy, we focus on treating both the symptoms and the underlying cause of sciatic pain. Our approach combines hands-on therapy, targeted rehabilitation exercises, and education to provide long-term relief and prevent future flare-ups.
Hands-on therapy is often the first step in providing immediate pain relief. We use soft tissue release and massage to ease muscle tightness in the lower back, hips, and glutes, reducing pressure on the sciatic nerve. Joint mobilisation and spinal manipulation help restore movement in the spine, improving flexibility and reducing nerve irritation. For deeper muscle tension contributing to nerve compression, dry needling can be an effective technique. By combining these methods, we can reduce pain, improve mobility, and allow the nerve to function without restriction.
Once pain is under control, we introduce a progressive rehabilitation program designed to strengthen the body and prevent re-injury. A key focus is strengthening the muscles around the spine, hips, and sciatic nerve pathways, as this is essential for regaining mobility and preventing future flare-ups. This active approach ensures long-term reliefby addressing the weaknesses and imbalances that may have contributed to your sciatica in the first place.
At Move Physiotherapy, our goal is to help you overcome sciatic pain for good. We provide ongoing progress tracking and reassessments to ensure your treatment is working, adjusting your plan as needed to keep you moving forward. Whether you’re an athlete, office worker, or simply struggling with daily discomfort, we are here to help you move freely and without pain.
With clinics in Fremantle, Booragoon, and Beeliar, we’re ready to help you get back to doing what you love—pain-free. Book an appointment today and start your recovery journey with us.
