Conditions we treat
Sciatica
Reviewed by Andrew Macdonald, Senior Physiotherapist — AHPRA registered, APA member
What is Sciatica
Sciatica is the name given to pain, numbness or weakness in the areas that are supplied by the sciatic nerve. These areas include hip, buttock, thigh, calf and foot. The sciatic nerve is the longest nerve in the body and when compressed, irritated or inflamed can be debilitating.
When does it occur
Sciatica is often brought on by restrictions within the spine affecting the sciatic nerve and causing referred pain. Restrictions in the pelvis could cause a tightening in the gluteal muscles putting pressure directly on the sciatic nerve.
Sciatica can also be caused by more serious issues which is why it is important to consult a physiotherapist if you notice any referred pain in the leg. It may not always be a biomechanical or disc related issue that causes sciatica which is why its important it is diagnosed correctly.
Sciatica is most commonly preceded by a few weeks of back pain before the leg pain becomes worse than the back pain. In severe cases, it can damage nerves and leg reflexes and cause muscle atrophy of the lower leg most noticeably in the calf.
Often people wait until the pain is unbearable to consult with a physiotherapist. It is important to consult a professional when the pain initially begins as sciatica can cause long-term damage which means longer treatment and longer recovery times.
Sciatica Treatments
Sciatica can have numerous sources thus there are a number of Physiotherapy treatments, none of which involve drugs or surgery. Techniques we use include manual therapies (MT) including muscle energy technique (MET), core rehabilitation (CR), dry needling, soft tissue techniques (STT), trigger point therapy (TPT) and home exercise regime (HEP).
Consult Andrew to review your complete medical history and perform a thorough physical examination to determine the cause of your sciatica. You may require x-rays, which Andrew will discuss with you when you attend the clinic. X-Rays are usually bulk billed so no additional cost is involved. Once all the information is gathered and reviewed treatment options are discussed.
How we treat it
Treatments used for sciatica
Manual TherapyManual therapy uses hands-on techniques — soft tissue work, trigger point therapy, joint mobilisation and fascia distortion release — to ease pain, restore movement and speed recovery.
Dry NeedlingDry needling uses thin, sterile needles to release tight, overactive trigger points in muscle — a Western, evidence-based technique distinct from traditional acupuncture.
Exercise RehabilitationA structured, progressive exercise programme — tailored to your condition and stage of recovery — to rebuild strength, restore movement and prevent injuries recurring.Frequently asked questions
How long does sciatica take to go away?
Mild sciatica can settle within a few weeks with the right treatment, but more significant nerve irritation can take a couple of months. Getting it assessed early makes a real difference — sciatica that's left untreated for a long time tends to take longer to resolve and has more potential to cause lasting nerve damage.
Is walking good for sciatica or does it make it worse?
Gentle walking is usually helpful for sciatica, since prolonged bed rest tends to stiffen the spine and can slow recovery. That said, if walking clearly worsens your leg pain, it's worth having Andrew assess exactly what's driving your symptoms before continuing — sciatica has several possible causes and the right approach depends on which one applies to you.
What's the fastest way to relieve sciatica pain?
There's no single quick fix, since sciatica can come from a few different sources in the spine or pelvis. Andrew's approach combines manual therapy, dry needling and a targeted exercise programme to reduce the nerve irritation at its source, rather than just easing the pain temporarily.
When should I see a physiotherapist for sciatica?
As soon as leg pain starts, rather than waiting for it to become unbearable. Sciatica is often preceded by a few weeks of back pain before the leg symptoms take over, and seeing Andrew early — especially if you notice numbness, weakness, or a foot that drags — gives you the best chance of a faster, more complete recovery.
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