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Sciatica
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Sciatica Treatment in Perth

Leg pain, tingling, and numbness that won't quit — we identify the source and get your sciatic nerve moving freely again.

Book an Appointment08 6113 8062

Sciatica

Sciatica Treatment in Perth

Sciatica describes pain, tingling, or numbness that travels along the path of the sciatic nerve — typically from the lower back through the buttock and down the back of the leg. It may extend below the knee and into the foot, and is frequently accompanied by sharp or burning pain that worsens with sitting, coughing, or sneezing.

At Move Physiotherapy, we don't treat sciatica as a diagnosis — we treat the cause. Whether it's a disc irritation, a tight piriformis, or nerve root compression in the lumbar spine, accurate diagnosis determines effective treatment.

Most cases resolve fully with the right physiotherapy management, without the need for surgery or injections.

🛡️
Satisfaction Guarantee
Have we met your expectations? If not, we will refund your out-of-pocket expense — no questions asked.
Sciatica
Sciatica
🛡️
Satisfaction Guarantee
Have we met your expectations? If not, we will refund your out-of-pocket expense — no questions asked.

Causes

Common Causes of Sciatica

Lumbar disc bulge or prolapse compressing a nerve root
Piriformis syndrome — sciatic nerve compression in the buttock
Lumbar spinal stenosis narrowing the nerve canal
Facet joint arthrosis with foraminal narrowing
Spondylolisthesis — vertebral slippage compressing nerve roots

Our Approach

The Move Process

01
Identify the Source
Neurological testing, provocation tests, and movement assessment to determine where the sciatic nerve is being compressed — disc, piriformis, or spinal stenosis.
02
Neural Mobilisation
Specific nerve gliding and mobilisation techniques to restore sciatic nerve mobility and reduce neural tension — critical for recovery and pain relief.
03
Reduce Compression
Manual therapy, traction techniques, and positional education to decompress the irritated nerve root and manage disc pressure through the recovery phase.
04
Build Protective Strength
Targeted gluteal, hamstring, and lumbar stabiliser strengthening to reduce the mechanical forces driving nerve irritation and prevent recurrence.

Why Move Physiotherapy

What sets us apart

✦
Source-First Diagnosis
We identify exactly where the sciatic nerve is being compressed before commencing treatment — because the cause determines the approach.
✦
Neural Mobilisation Expertise
Nerve gliding techniques are a specific and effective treatment for sciatic nerve irritation. Our physiotherapists are trained in current neural mobilisation approaches.
✦
Satisfaction Guarantee
Have we met your expectations? If not, we will refund your out-of-pocket expense — no questions asked.

Common Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does sciatica take to get better?+
Most cases caused by disc herniation improve significantly within 8-12 weeks with appropriate physiotherapy. Large disc herniations often resorb spontaneously over time. Piriformis syndrome typically resolves within 4-8 weeks. Cases caused by spinal stenosis have a more variable timeline.
Can I exercise with sciatica?+
Yes — in most cases, gentle guided exercise is an important part of recovery. Avoiding all movement leads to deconditioning. Your physiotherapist will guide you on which movements are appropriate and progressively load your rehabilitation as symptoms settle.
Do I need surgery for sciatica?+
The vast majority of sciatica cases resolve without surgery. Surgery is considered only when conservative management has failed over an adequate period, or when there is progressive neurological deficit or cauda equina involvement.
Why does my sciatica hurt more when sitting?+
Sitting — especially slumped or forward-flexed — increases intradiscal pressure and stretches the sciatic nerve. This is a hallmark feature of disc-related sciatica. Ergonomic guidance, posture correction, and frequent position changes are an important part of early management.
Can sciatica affect both legs?+
True bilateral sciatica is uncommon and should raise concern about a central disc prolapse or cauda equina syndrome, which is a surgical emergency. If you have bilateral leg symptoms with any bladder or bowel changes, seek emergency care immediately.
Is sciatica the same as a slipped disc?+
"Slipped disc" is a colloquial term for disc herniation or prolapse. A herniated disc is one of the most common causes of sciatica, but sciatica can also arise from piriformis syndrome and spinal stenosis. Not all disc herniations cause sciatica, and not all sciatica is caused by disc herniation.

Full Treatment Pathway

Related Services

Effective treatment for sciatica often involves more than one service. Explore the approaches we use as part of a complete care pathway.

General Physiotherapy

Expert assessment, hands-on treatment, and progressive rehabilitation for all musculoskeletal conditions.

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Dry Needling

Trigger point dry needling to reduce muscle guarding, relieve pain, and restore movement quickly.

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Ready to get moving?

Beeliar, Booragoon and East Fremantle -- early morning, evening and Saturday appointments available.

Book OnlineCall 08 6113 8062