Sciatica Physiotherapy Treatment and Exercises

QI Spine Clinic, 4 years ago

Why sciatica physiotherapy treatment is effective?

Sciatica is a common condition that can be extremely painful and life-changing. Conservative treatment is most often used before the surgical option. Physiotherapy is an important component of the conservative treatment that promotes the physical and psychological health of the patient. Physiotherapy for sciatica includes exercises to reduce pain and discomfort, techniques for improving spinal movement, walking and posture, and manual therapy. It also involves counseling sessions such as pain management advice and helps in building self-confidence. Strengthening exercises for supporting muscles and stretching exercises for tight muscles are included in sciatica physiotherapy treatment. The focus of sciatica physiotherapy treatment must be on the person, their symptoms, and goals.

When do I start sciatica physiotherapy treatment?

As per research, the sooner you start pain treatment, the higher the chances of feeling relief quickly. Sciatica has an undesirable impact on daily life and so you need an effective way to get relief from sciatica pain. Sciatica physiotherapy treatment should be designed to get you back to leading a pain-free life quickly. Most sciatica cases get resolved within 3-5 months but severe cases take a year.

Sciatica physiotherapy treatment exercises

Sciatica physiotherapy treatment plans consist of two components namely passive physical therapy and active exercises. Passive sciatica physiotherapy treatment focuses on reducing your pain by heat or ice therapies, etc. Active sciatica physiotherapy treatment includes stretching exercises for specific muscle groups with core strengthening exercises. Therapists or spine specialists teach these specific exercises and practicing them regularly may ease out sciatica pain. Sciatica physiotherapy treatment at home helps recover many patients from sciatica pain and may prove to be the right treatment for you. A comprehensive sciatica physiotherapy treatment plan for sciatica is what you need to do exercises within the safety, privacy, and comfort of your home. You should aim to do the following exercises regularly along with other activities such as walking, yoga, swimming, etc.

1. Knee to chest stretch –

   Bend one knee up towards your chest and hold it with both hands. Hold this position for 20-30 seconds with controlled deep breaths.

2. Back extension –

   Keep your neck straight, arch your back up by pushing down on your hands. Breathe and hold this position for 5-10 seconds. Return to the start position.

3. Sciatic mobilizing stretch –

   Bend one knee up to your chest, hold the back of your upper leg with both hands and then slowly straighten the knee. Hold for 20-30 seconds while taking deep breaths. Bend the knee and go back to the starting position.

4. Standing hamstring stretch –

   Keep your back straight and lean forward. Hold this position for 20-30 seconds.

5. Lying deep gluteal stretch –

   Pull your left thigh towards you, keeping your base of spine on the floor throughout and your hips straight. Hold this position for 20-30 seconds while taking deep breaths.

Things to take care of during sciatica physiotherapy treatment

Some common problems might contribute to sciatica and if you understand how to address these, you might be able to have a successful sciatica physiotherapy treatment at home itself.

• Poor sitting posture – Change your workstation to ensure these activities are not worsening your symptoms
• Poor lifting technique – Know how to lift objects while properly supporting and protecting your spine
• Poor core strength – Exercise regimen to enhance your strength may be necessary
• Poor spinal mobility – You might need to include mobility exercises as a stiff spine is at risk of developing pain

Below are a few tips while performing the exercises for sciatica physiotherapy treatment at home.

• Do not tense your neck, chest, or shoulders
• Do not press your lower back down into the floor as you stretch
• Do not bend your neck backward
• Keep your hips on the floor
• You should not arch your lower back at any time
• Use a towel around your thigh if you can’t hold it

How does sciatica physiotherapy treatment help you?

Targeted sciatica physiotherapy treatment can benefit you in many ways.

• It reduces pain in the short term through gentle nerve stretching and spinal mobility work to reduce the sensitivity of the irritated nerve
• It ensures long-term results and minimizes the recurrence of your symptoms by completing a personalized rehab plan
• It ascertains that you have no lingering weakness that can affect your function and quality of life in the future. Sometimes, once acute sciatica pain or symptoms resolves; at times there may be some leftover weakness, which makes it difficult for you to carry out normal tasks. Such remaining weaknesses are identified and addressed

Advice and education on the posture, positions, and activity levels that are suitable for you to allow your symptoms and keeps you comfortable.