Sciatica can disrupt your life—causing pain that radiates from your lower back to your legs and making even simple activities difficult. The good news? Physiotherapy is one of the most effective, evidence-based treatments for sciatica. In this blog, we break down what sciatica is, how physio helps, and what you can expect from treatment.

What is Sciatica?

Sciatica is not a condition in itself, but an umbrella term that refers to pain that radiates along the sciatic nerve. This nerve runs from your lower back through your hips and buttocks and down each leg. You don’t necessarily need to have lower back pain in order to have sciatica. You can have symptoms and leg pain without having any back pain at all! 

Often, there is no moment of onset for sciatica and symptoms tend to develop over a period of time. Common causes include:

• Herniated discs
• Spinal stenosis
• Piriformis syndrome
• Degenerative disc disease
• Spondylolisthesis

Symptoms typically include:

• Sharp, burning, or shooting pain in lower back, buttock and the lower leg
• Numbness or tingling
• Muscle weakness
• Pain that worsens with sitting, coughing, or sneezing

How Does Physio for Sciatica Work?

Physiotherapy aims to reduce nerve irritation, restore mobility, and prevent recurrence by treating the root cause of your sciatica. Evidence-based physio interventions may include:

• Manual therapy: To mobilise spinal joints and reduce nerve compression.
• Targeted exercise therapy: Strengthening and stretching exercises to relieve pressure on the sciatic nerve.
• Biomechanics review: To improve body mechanics and reduce spinal strain.
• Education: Empowering you with strategies to manage pain and avoid flare-ups.
• Neural gliding techniques: Specific exercises that help improve mobility of the sciatic nerve.

Benefits of Sciatica Physio

Physiotherapy doesn’t just treat the symptoms—it targets the underlying dysfunction. Key benefits include:

• Pain relief without medication or surgery
• Improved flexibility and strength
• Better movement patterns
• Faster return to work and activities
• Long-term prevention strategies

Why Choose My Physio  for Sciatica Treatment?

At My Physio and Massage Duncraig we take a personalised, hands-on approach backed by the latest evidence in musculoskeletal care. Here’s what sets us apart:

• Experienced physiotherapists trained in spinal rehabilitation
• Individualised treatment plans
• Access to guided exercise programs
• Focus on education and self-management
• Friendly, supportive environment

Whether your sciatica is acute or chronic, we’ll help you move better, feel better, and get back to doing what you love.

What To Expect in Your Sciatica Physio Appointment

Initial Assessment:
Your physio will conduct a thorough history and physical examination, testing your mobility, strength, reflexes, and nerve tension. Most importantly, we will also screen for ‘red flags’ and want to know if you’ve had an injury, fever, problems controlling your bowels or bladder, previous cancers or unexpected weight loss. The answers to these questions are important because if these symptoms are present, the cause of sciatica could be a serious condition, (e.g. a bone fracture, infection or cancer). These are rare, however.

Diagnosis & Plan:
We’ll explain the most likely cause/s of your sciatica and design a treatment plan tailored to your goals.

Treatment Sessions:
These may include hands-on therapy, supervised exercises, and home program guidance. Most patients feel improvement within a few sessions.

Progress Review:
Your plan evolves as you recover. We monitor your progress and adjust exercises or techniques as needed.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Do I need a scan?

The majority of cases do not require any imaging and resolve within a period of 4-8 weeks with targeted physiotherapy intervention. In fact, a study in 2013* found that unnecessary MRI scans for back pain resulted in prolonged disability and increased medical costs! However, your physio will not hesitate to refer you for further investigation and management if ‘red flags’ are identified, or if symptoms are not settling beyond 8 weeks of physiotherapy intervention.

How long does it take to recover from sciatica with physio?

Recovery times vary depending on severity and cause, but many people see improvement within 4–6 weeks with consistent physiotherapy.

Can I exercise with sciatica?

Yes, with the right exercises. Physiotherapists prescribe movements that are safe and therapeutic, avoiding those that aggravate the nerve.

Do I need a doctor’s referral?

No referral is needed to see a physiotherapist. But we’ll work closely with your GP or specialist if necessary.

What if I’ve had sciatica for years?

Chronic sciatica can still improve significantly with physiotherapy. It’s never too late to start.

Ready to Start Your Recovery?

Don’t let sciatica limit your life. Book an appointment with My Physio today and take the first step toward pain relief and better movement.

📞 Call us at 9447 6152
🌐 Visit us and book online at https://myphysioperth.com.au

*Webster, Barbara S. BSPT, PA-C; Bauer, Ann Z. MPH; Choi, YoonSun MA; Cifuentes, Manuel MD, MPH, ScD; Pransky, Glenn S. MD, MOccH. Iatrogenic Consequences of Early Magnetic Resonance Imaging in Acute, Work-Related, Disabling Low Back Pain. Spine 38(22):p 1939-1946, October 15, 2013. | DOI: 10.1097/BRS.0b013e3182a42eb6