Physical Therapy
Physical therapy for sciatica pain relief focuses on managing the underlying cause of your pain and alleviating your symptoms. Physical therapy for sciatica typically includes exercises, stretches, and manual therapy techniques. The specific exercises and stretches prescribed will depend on the underlying cause of your sciatica pain.
If a herniated disc causes the pain, your physical therapist may prescribe exercises that stretch and strengthen the muscles that support the spine. These exercises help take pressure off the herniated disc and ease symptoms. If the sciatica is caused by spinal stenosis or narrowing of the spaces within your spine, a physical therapist may focus on stretching exercises that improve flexibility in the spine and legs.
In addition to exercises, manual therapy techniques such as massage can also relieve pressure on the sciatic nerve and provide short-term pain relief. A physical therapist will design a treatment plan specifically based on the underlying cause of sciatica pain.
