The Sciatic Scoop
Answers to all your questions
Why Choose Physical Therapy?
Physical therapy is considered a conservative treatment meaning that it does not require surgical or invasive intervention to be effective, therefore reducing discomfort and recovery time for the patient. Physical therapy can help patients with sciatic nerve pain by reducing their discomfort, improving mobility, and reducing duration of flare-ups in the future (Wheeler, 1995). Your physical therapist will closely monitor your condition as you progress to determine when or if you need to be referred to another medical provider for further evaluation (Delitto et al., 2012). For these reasons, physical therapy should be considered before surgical intervention for cases of sciatica not requiring immediate intervention.
What is Physical Therapy?
Physical therapy is a medical profession revolving around the treatment and management of chronic and acute conditions affecting a persons ability to participate in their normal daily activities. When attending physical therapy, your treatment will be overseen by a licensed Physical Therapist (DPT, MPT, PT) who will create a plan of care for you based on your condition and medical history. These treatments can involve a variety of techniques designed to reduce pain, improve flexibility, and strengthen your body.
Goals of Treatment
Goals of physical therapy when working with a patient with sciatic nerve pain is to reduce the pain and discomfort they are having, improve their motion and function, and teach them techniques to manage their symptoms in the future.
Examination
The first thing a physical therapist will do upon your arrival to PT is perform an evaluation that may include examination of your back, hips, pelvis, and legs, as well as ask you a series of simple questions regarding your condition. During this evaluation, the PT will screen you for warning signs of more serious conditions and also assess your current pain, strength, and flexibility (Delitto et al., 2012). These findings will allow your PT to design a plan of care specific to you and your condition while also ensuring that you are in the right place and do not require further medical intervention.
Treatment
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Once your PT has completed their evaluation, they will begin treatment that may include guided stretching and strengthening, as well as hands on therapeutic techniques designed to reduce your pain and improve recovery. These interventions will be individualized to each patient and may include:
- Nerve glides/ tensioners help to reduce nerve irritability and alleviate pain
- Joint mobilizations to improve mobility
- Gentle traction to alleviate pain and reduce pressure on nerve roots
- Stretching to improve mobility and relieve pressure over nerve pathways
- Strengthening to improve posture and stability (Delitto et al., 2012)
Section References
Delitto, A., George, S. Z., Van Dillen, L., Whitman, J. M., Sowa, G., Shekelle, P., Denninger, T. R., & Godges, J. J. (2012). Low back pain: clinical practice guidelines linked to the international classification of functioning, disability, and health from the orthopaedic section of the American Physical Therapy Association. Journal of Orthopaedic & Sports Physical Therapy, 42(4), A1–A57. https://doi.org/10.2519/jospt.2012.42.4.A1
Wheeler, A. H. (1995). Diagnosis and management of low back pain and sciatica. American Family Physician, 52(5), 1333.