Condition
Sciatica
Sciatica can feel relentless — that sharp, shooting pain down the leg, tingling, or numbness that just won’t let up. It’s usually caused by irritation or compression of the sciatic nerve, often from a disc problem or spinal stiffness. At Back to Fitness Physio, we’ll identify what’s triggering your symptoms and guide you through a personalised recovery plan using hands-on therapy, targeted rehab, and Pilates to reduce pressure on the nerve and get you moving freely again.
What is Sciatica?
Sciatica is a type of nerve pain that comes from irritation or compression of the sciatic nerve — the largest nerve in the body. It often causes pain that starts in the lower back or buttock and travels down the leg. Some people describe it as sharp or shooting; others feel burning, tingling, or numbness. It might come and go, or feel constant, and it can sometimes make walking, sitting, or even sleeping uncomfortable.
The most common causes include a slipped or bulging disc, spinal stiffness, tight gluteal muscles, or inflammation around the nerve. It’s especially common in people who spend a lot of time sitting, lift heavy loads, or have recently started a new activity or exercise routine.
Sciatica can affect anyone — but the good news is that most cases respond well to physiotherapy. The key is understanding what’s irritating the nerve and using the right combination of movement, manual therapy, and rehab to reduce pressure and restore normal function.
What are the Common Symptoms of Sciatica?
Sciatica is most often felt as pain that radiates from the lower back or buttock down the back of one leg. It may travel as far as the calf or foot and is usually described as sharp, burning, shooting, or electric-like. Some people feel a deep ache or pressure instead, and the pain may be constant or triggered by certain movements like bending, sitting, or twisting.
Other common symptoms include tingling, numbness, or a feeling of weakness in the leg or foot. You might find it hard to stand up tall, get comfortable in bed, or walk for long without pain flaring up. In some cases, the pain eases when walking but worsens when sitting still — or vice versa.
While these symptoms can be intense and frustrating, sciatica is rarely dangerous. With the right treatment, most people improve significantly without needing injections or surgery. The key is identifying what’s irritating the nerve and building a tailored plan to relieve it.
How we can Help With Sciatica
At Back to Fitness Physio, we start by identifying exactly what’s causing the irritation or compression of your sciatic nerve — whether that’s a disc issue, spinal stiffness, muscle tension, or something else. We’ll carry out a thorough assessment to test your mobility, strength, and nerve function, so we can tailor a plan that’s right for you.
Treatment may include hands-on therapy to release tight muscles or ease joint stiffness, along with gentle nerve glides and movement retraining to reduce pressure on the nerve. We’ll help you gradually build strength and control in the muscles that support your spine, hips and pelvis — often through guided rehab or 1:1 Pilates sessions.
As you improve, you may benefit from Reformer Pilates, Back to Activity, or Strength classes at our Physio Rehab Barn to help prevent flare-ups and build long-term resilience. For more stubborn cases, we may also offer K-Laser to reduce inflammation and support nerve healing.
Our goal is to get you out of pain and back to feeling confident, mobile and strong again.
Benefits of Sciatica Treatment
Effective treatment for sciatica can feel life-changing. That constant, nagging pain down your leg, the worry about making it worse, and the disruption to your sleep, walking or sitting — all of it starts to ease as we get to the root cause and treat it properly.
With the right combination of hands-on care and progressive rehab, you can expect to see real improvements in mobility, posture, and nerve function. As pain settles, you’ll likely notice better balance, greater leg strength, and more confidence in how you move. Many people also report improved sleep, reduced reliance on painkillers, and fewer flare-ups over time.
Importantly, our aim isn’t just short-term relief — it’s long-term results. Through a mix of physiotherapy, Pilates, and strength-focused rehab, we’ll help you rebuild trust in your body and return to the things that matter most to you — whether that’s walking the dog, training in the gym, or sitting through a meeting without discomfort.
Faq's
Sciatica FAQs
How to relieve sciatica pain?
Gentle movement is key — lying still for long periods often makes it worse. Try short walks, avoid prolonged sitting, and apply heat to ease muscle tension. A physiotherapist can guide you through stretches, exercises, and manual treatment to relieve nerve pressure and promote healing.
Can sciatica cause groin pain?
Sciatica typically affects the back of the leg, but pain can sometimes refer into the hip or groin area depending on which nerve is involved. If you’re unsure, a physio assessment can help rule out other causes and identify the source of your pain.
How long does sciatica last?
It varies. Some people feel better within a few weeks; others with more persistent irritation may need a longer course of rehab, typically at least 12 weeks. The earlier you get the right support, the quicker and more complete your recovery tends to be.
What is the best treatment for sciatica?
There’s no one-size-fits-all solution — but a combination of hands-on physiotherapy, nerve and mobility exercises, and targeted rehab usually gives the best results. Pilates, strength work, and tools like K-Laser can also play a role depending on your symptoms.
How does a physio help with sciatica?
We help by reducing pressure on the sciatic nerve, improving mobility, and guiding you through a rehab plan that strengthens and stabilises your spine, hips, and pelvis. You’ll also learn how to manage flare-ups and reduce the chances of it coming back.
Can sciatica go away on its own?
Sometimes it can, especially if it’s mild — but if the pain is lasting more than a couple of weeks, affecting daily life, or getting worse, it’s best to get it assessed. Early treatment usually means a faster, more effective recovery.
Should I rest or keep moving with sciatica?
It’s best to stay gently active. Complete rest can make sciatica worse. We’ll help you find the right balance — avoiding aggravating movements while building strength and confidence through safe, gradual progress.
