Can Physical Therapy Help With Sciatica Pain?
Sciatica pain arises from the compression of the large nerve in the body.
Sciatica pain arises from the compression of the large nerve in the body. The sciatic nerve begins at the lower back and runs into the buttocks and the legs. When irritated, the nerve may cause shooting and sharp pain that radiates into the legs from the buttocks and lower back. While severe and alarming, there are ways to alleviate sciatica pain and underlying conditions.
This article explores how physical therapy can manage sciatica pain.
Benefits of physical therapy for people with sciatica
Physical therapy helps alleviate symptoms connected to sciatica pain, such as inflammation and pain. It also increases patients' ability to perform standard functions even while sciatica is present. Therapy will minimize sciatica pain when it occurs and help prevent the condition from returning.
The process starts with a physical therapist creating a program for rehabilitation specific to the patient. Sciatica can result from different underlying conditions with varying levels of pain and discomfort. For this reason, the physical therapist must first find the right strategy for the program.
A physical rehabilitation program will ultimately lead to pain relief, improving nerve compression and strengthening body mechanics and muscle performance.
Other benefits include the improvement of posture and long-term health. Many physical therapists will introduce an exercise program as a significant component that patients can practice consistently and independently.
The aim of physical therapy for patients with sciatica
Physical therapy programs and exercises for patients with sciatica will strengthen the tissues close to the compressed nerve which causes the pain. This includes muscles and tissues in the buttocks, thigh, and lower back. By treating sciatica with physical therapy, patients can expect gradual pain relief in the buttocks, lower back, thighs, and even abdomen.
Sciatica can cause difficulty and discomfort in everyday activities such as walking, sitting, and standing. Because of this, physical therapists will focus on restoring basic functional movement patterns and improving lower body mobility.
Other objectives include eliminating muscle spasms and healing the joint function of the lumbar spine. Patients must commit to working alongside physical therapists on a frequent schedule to ensure an entirely successful therapy program.
Live pain-free
Pain relief from sciatica requires work with a professional therapist and an established program of exercises and other considerations for optimal improvement in mobility, pain relief, and future prevention.
By no means should those affected with sciatica attempt to introduce exercises themselves without the aid of a licensed physical therapist. Unauthorized exercise routines can exacerbate the issue, leading to more nerve compression and irritation. If a person suspects they have sciatica, they should contact a physical therapist to begin treatment for safe and effective results.
Liberated Rehabilitation is a mobile physical therapy service in the Phoenix metro area specializing in fully personalized in-home physical therapy. We provide tailored physical therapy in the home or work setting for faster, better recovery. Call (602)755-2276 to schedule an appointment.
