What is Sciatica
Sciatica is leg pain caused by a problem in your lower back. It happens when something puts pressure on the sciatic nerve, which runs from your lower back through your hips and buttocks and down each leg. This pain is often sharp, shooting, or burning, and it usually affects just one side of your body. You might also feel numbness, tingling, or weakness in the affected leg.
The most common cause of sciatica is a disc herniation. A disc is a cushion between the bones of your spine, and if it bulges or tears, it can press on a nerve root. Other causes include tight muscles like the piriformis, spinal stenosis, or even less common issues such as spinal tumours or poor blood circulation. The pain may feel like it’s coming from your leg, but the problem almost always starts in your back or buttocks.
Can a Physiotherapist Help with Sciatica?
Physiotherapists can assess and treat most cases of sciatica. They’re trained to find out where the problem is coming from and to treat the underlying cause, not just the symptoms. At your first appointment, they’ll ask about your pain, what makes it better or worse, and when it started. Then, they’ll examine how your body moves and test your strength, reflexes, and sensation.
This assessment helps your physiotherapist figure out whether your pain is coming from a disc, a tight muscle, or another issue. About 95% of the time, a detailed history and physical exam give enough information to start treatment. In some cases, they may refer you for imaging like an MRI to confirm what’s going on, especially if the pain is severe or not improving.
If you’ve been feeling unsure about whether physiotherapy is right for you, it’s worth knowing that most people with sciatica benefit from treatment that doesn’t involve medication or surgery. Physiotherapists help reduce pain, restore movement, and teach you how to manage your condition at home.
Physiotherapy for Sciatica
Physiotherapy treatment for sciatica depends on what’s causing your pain. If a disc herniation is pressing on a nerve, your physiotherapist may guide you through specific movements called McKenzie exercises. These are designed to help move the disc away from the nerve and reduce pain. You may start with lying down movements that gradually progress to standing exercises as your symptoms improve.
If your sciatica is caused by tight muscles, like in piriformis syndrome, treatment will focus more on manual therapy and stretching. Manual therapy includes hands-on techniques like soft tissue massage or trigger point release to reduce tension in your muscles. Your physiotherapist may also use joint mobilizations to improve the way your spine or hips move.
Other treatments might include:
- Stretching exercises to loosen tight muscles around your hips and legs.
- Strengthening exercises to improve support in your core and lower back.
- Posture correction to prevent you from aggravating the nerve again.
- Home exercises to keep you progressing between visits.
- Education about body mechanics, safe movements, and activity modification.
As you start to feel better, your physiotherapist will help you get back to your regular activities safely. They’ll give you strategies to avoid flare-ups and may suggest changes to how you move, sit, or lift things.
Should You Go To a Physiotherapist for Sciatica?
You should go to a physiotherapist if your sciatica is affecting your daily life or not improving on its own. The sooner you begin treatment, the easier it is to manage the pain and prevent long-term problems. Waiting too long can cause your body to move in unhealthy ways that lead to more pain or stiffness.
If your pain gets worse when you sit, bend, or lift, or if it travels down your leg, physiotherapy is likely to help. It’s also helpful if you’re dealing with recurring flare-ups and want to stop them from coming back. Physiotherapists can show you how to stay active without making the problem worse and how to recognize signs that your body needs rest or a change in activity.
For people who’ve already tried medication or other treatments with little success, physiotherapy is a safe next step. It doesn’t rely on drugs or injections and often prevents the need for surgery. You’re also involved in the process—you’ll learn how your body works and what to do when symptoms show up again.
Recovery takes time, but it’s possible. Most people with sciatica improve within a few weeks of starting treatment, especially when they follow a personalized plan and keep up with their home exercises.
PinPoint Health Can Help with Sciatica
At PinPoint Health, we treat sciatica with a team-based approach. Our clinics bring together chiropractors, physiotherapists, and massage therapists, all working under one roof to support your recovery. This collaboration allows us to look at your condition from every angle and offer a treatment plan that meets your specific needs.
Whether your sciatica comes from a disc issue, muscle tightness, or nerve irritation, our practitioners can guide you through a clear path to recovery. With access to multiple types of care, you won’t need to bounce between clinics or figure things out on your own. We work with you to reduce pain, restore mobility, and help you feel confident in your daily routine again.
We have convenient locations across the Greater Toronto Area, including: Toronto, Etobicoke, Brampton, Markham, Maple, Mississauga, Newmarket, Woodbridge, Oakville, Vaughan
