14 Apr How Physical Therapy Can Help Sciatica

Sciatica

Did you know that the sciatic nerve is the largest nerve in the body? Sciatica occurs when the sciatic nerve is irritated. This is a painful condition, but it can be treated with physical therapy. Strengthening, stretching and aerobic conditioning are the main types of exercises used to help heal the pain sciatica causes. The movements of these exercises cause the exchange of nutrients and fluids in the spinal discs. The movement helps to relieve the pressure that runs from the lower spine and down the back of the thigh to the legs and feet.

There are two different types physical therapy treatments when it comes to sciatica, passive and active. To prepare the body for the necessary exercises, the passive treatments are used. Passive treatments are manual therapies to restore symmetry in the lumbosacral spine and pelvis. This treatment relaxes tight muscles in spasms and calms the nervous system using gentle approaches such as PRRT (primal reflex release techniques) and/or AAT (associated awareness techniques). This can include deep tissue massages, hot and cold therapies and ultrasound. Once your body is relaxed, the active treatments can be applied.

The active treatment portion includes exercises that are fit to your health and history. The best exercises are the ones that can externally rotate the hip. Examples of exercises that do this are the Figure 4 Stretch and the Pigeon Stretch. Both of these exercises rotate the hips and give you the good stretch that you need. Your physical therapist will choose the exercise program that will best help your condition.

Common causes of sciatica include lumbar herniated disc, degenerative disc disease, isthmic spondylolisthesis, lumbar spinal stenosis, piriformis syndrome, and sacroiliac joint dysfunction. The underlying medical cause will affect what your physical therapist decides to do. Seeing a physical therapist is the best thing to do to reduce the sciatica pain you’re feeling now and to prevent future pain. Exercise and movement will help sciatica pain better than resting!

Lake Country Physical Therapy & Sportscare PC offers the very best physical therapy in Ontario County. We treat all your wants and needs with our trusted and experienced Physical Therapists and staff. To begin to feel pain and stress free, start your Physical Therapy journey today and schedule your evaluation by calling (585) 396-1400.