Conditions we treat
Physiotherapy for Sciatica
Sciatica is pain that travels from the lower back or buttock down the leg, caused by an irritated nerve. It can be very painful. We assess your symptoms, help you manage the pain, keep you moving and rebuild strength.
- Brookvale4/42-46 Wattle Road, Brookvale NSW 2100
- Terrey Hills · Wednesdays17 Yulong Avenue, Terrey Hills NSW 2084
- No referral required
- One to one with a physiotherapist
- Assessment before any exercise plan
Understanding it
What is sciatica?
The sciatic nerve runs from the lower back through the buttock and down the back of each leg. When a nerve root in the lower back is irritated or compressed, often by a disc, it can send pain, tingling or numbness along that path. Doctors and physios may call this lumbar radicular pain.
Leg pain is often worse than the back pain. The good news is that many people with sciatica improve over weeks to a few months without surgery, especially when they stay as active as their symptoms allow.
Common sciatica symptoms
- Burning, sharp or electric pain down the back of one leg
- Pins and needles or numbness in the leg or foot
- Pain that is worse with sitting, bending, coughing or sneezing
- Leg pain that feels worse than the back pain
- Mild weakness in the leg or foot
Why it happens
What can contribute to sciatic nerve pain?
Disc bulge or herniation
The most common cause. A disc presses on or irritates a nearby nerve root.
Narrowing around the nerve
Age-related changes, such as spinal stenosis, can reduce the space for the nerve.
Load and posture
Long periods of sitting, heavy lifting or a sudden jump in activity can trigger symptoms.
Pregnancy
Changes in posture and load during pregnancy can irritate the nerve in some women.
How physiotherapy can help
How we assess and treat sciatica
Sciatica treatment at Solevo focuses on calming the nerve, keeping you active and then rebuilding strength, so you can work towards normal activity.
- AssessmentWe check your nerve function (strength, sensation and reflexes), look for warning signs and find which positions and movements ease or aggravate your leg pain.
- Manage the painGentle nerve and back movements, positions of relief, hands on treatment and practical changes to sitting, sleep and work.
- RebuildProgressive strengthening for your back, hips and legs, and a staged return to walking, exercise or sport. Your physio chooses your sciatica exercises after your assessment. Many clients move on to Clinical Pilates to keep building strength.
What to expect from sciatica physio
Scans
Not usually needed at first. We will refer you to your GP if symptoms are severe, worsening or not settling.
Timeframe
Recovery time varies from person to person. Your physio tracks your nerve signs at each visit and talks through what to expect for you.
Working with your GP
If you need pain relief or a medical review, we will let you and your GP know.
At home
You leave with a few simple movements and positions that help, and what to avoid for now.
Care at Solevo
Physio services for sciatica
Safety first
When to see a GP or get urgent care first for sciatica
- Numbness or tingling around the groin, inner thighs or buttocks (saddle area)
- New difficulty passing urine, loss of bladder or bowel control
- Symptoms in both legs
- Leg or foot weakness that is getting worse, or a foot that drops or slaps when walking
- Sciatica with fever, feeling very unwell, a history of cancer or unexplained weight loss
Saddle numbness, bladder or bowel changes, or rapidly worsening weakness need same-day medical care: go to an emergency department or call 000. For the other signs, see your GP before booking.
Meet your sciatica physiotherapist in Brookvale
Emma Docker
Bachelor of Sport & Exercise Science | Master of Physiotherapy
Emma has a Bachelor of Sport and Exercise Science and a Master of Physiotherapy, and sees clients at Brookvale and Terrey Hills.
FAQs
Sciatica FAQs
Will sciatica go away on its own?
Recovery time varies from person to person, and it depends on what is irritating the nerve. A physio assessment helps you understand what is going on and what to expect for you. See your GP first if you have any of the warning signs listed above.
Do I need an MRI?
Scans are not usually needed at first. We will refer you to your GP if symptoms are severe, worsening or not settling.
Should I stretch my hamstrings?
Not necessarily. Stretching can irritate a sensitive nerve in some people, so it is best to have your physio check which movements ease or aggravate your leg pain before you start stretching.
Can I keep working and exercising?
Often yes, with some changes. Your physio helps you adjust sitting, sleep, work and exercise so you can stay as active as your symptoms allow.
Do I need a referral?
No referral is needed to book a private physio appointment. If you need pain relief or a medical review, we will let you and your GP know.
What is the best treatment for sciatica?
Sciatica treatment depends on what is irritating the nerve. At Solevo it starts with an assessment, then gentle movements, hands on treatment, advice on sitting, sleep and work, and progressive strengthening.
What exercises help sciatic nerve pain?
Your physio chooses exercises after your assessment. They may include gentle nerve and back movements, strengthening for your back, hips and legs, and a staged return to walking or sport. Some movements can aggravate sciatica, so check with your physio before you start.
Is sciatica a pinched nerve?
Sciatica is often described as a pinched or irritated nerve in the lower back. It can be linked to a disc bulge or narrowing around the nerve root. See Herniated Disc for more.
How much does a sciatica physio appointment cost?
You’ll see the price for each appointment type when you book online.
Where can I book, Brookvale or Terrey Hills?
Physiotherapy is available at Solevo Physio & Studio, 4/42-46 Wattle Road, Brookvale NSW 2100, and at Terrey Hills Medical Centre, 17 Yulong Avenue, Terrey Hills NSW 2084, on Wednesdays from 8:30am to 2:30pm. Brookvale can be booked online. For Terrey Hills, call the medical centre on (02) 9450 1500.