Physiotherapy for Sciatica: What Really Works According to Evidence

Sciatica can be a painful and debilitating condition that affects your ability to sit, walk, drive, or sleep. At Body Fit Physiotherapy in North Adelaide, we regularly help people recover from sciatica using the latest, evidence-based treatment approaches.

In this article, we’ll explain:

• What sciatica actually is

• The common causes of sciatic nerve pain

• How physiotherapy helps

• When you might need imaging or medical referral

• What you can do to start feeling better now

🔍 What is Sciatica?

Sciatica is not a diagnosis — it’s a symptom. It refers to pain caused by irritation or compression of the sciatic nerve, which runs from your lower back down the leg.

People with sciatica may experience:

• Sharp or burning pain down the leg

• Numbness or tingling

• Weakness in the leg or foot

• Pain that worsens when sitting, bending, or coughing

⚠️ Common Causes of Sciatica

The most common causes include:

• Disc bulge or herniation (pressing on the nerve root)

• Spinal stenosis (narrowing of the spinal canal)

• Piriformis syndrome (nerve irritated by tight hip muscles)

• Postural overload or prolonged sitting

• Poor lifting technique or deconditioning

Sciatica is rarely caused by something serious — but it does need proper management.

🧠 Do I Need a Scan?

Not necessarily. According to guidelines from the American College of Physicians and RACGP, imaging (MRI or CT) is only recommended if:

• There is significant leg weakness

• You have bowel/bladder changes

• Pain persists despite 6 weeks of physio

• Surgical consultation is being considered

Most cases improve without scans or surgery. But it is recommended that you seek the advice of a medical professional to ensure this is the case for your presentation

✅ How Physiotherapy Helps Sciatica

At Body Fit, our approach is individualised and follows the best evidence available. Treatment may include:

1. Thorough Assessment

We identify whether your pain is truly sciatica or referred pain from joints/muscles. This helps avoid overdiagnosis and fear.

2. Pain-Relieving Positions & Movement

Gentle movements and nerve glides can improve mobility and reduce inflammation.

🧘 Example: McKenzie-based extension exercises

3. Hands-On Treatment

   
   

Techniques like joint mobilisation, dry needling or soft tissue work reduce local tension and neural irritation.

4. Strength & Mobility Rehab

Long-term recovery requires strengthening of:

• Core stabilisers

• Glutes and hips

• Lumbar extensors

5. Education & Load Management

Understanding that pain does not equal damage is key. We guide you through graded activity, work modifications, and sitting strategies.

🏃 How Long Does It Take to Recover?

Most people improve within 6–12 weeks.

Factors that improve outcomes include:

• Early physiotherapy

• Remaining active (not resting in bed)

• Addressing contributing factors like posture, weak glutes, or poor core control

🧾 What the Research Says

• Qaseem et al. (2017): Physiotherapy and movement-based rehab are first-line for sciatica; imaging and opioids should be avoided unless red flags are present.

• Stochkendahl et al. (2018): Manual therapy + exercise yields better long-term outcomes than passive treatments.

• Vroomen et al. (2002): 75% of acute sciatica patients improve without imaging or surgery.

📍 Why Choose Body Fit Physiotherapy?

Our North Adelaide team offers:

• One-on-one, personalised sessions

• Experience in complex and chronic sciatica cases

• Focus on education, movement, and self-management

• Support across Prospect, Medindie, and Walkerville

🧭 Still in Pain? Start Recovering Now

Don’t wait for a scan or specialist referral.

Get assessed by one of our experienced physiotherapists today and start a targeted treatment plan that helps you move again — safely and confidently.

📞 Call now or Book Online at www.bodyfit.life

📍 Serving North Adelaide, Prospect, Walkerville & surrounding suburbs

📚 References:

• Qaseem A. et al. (2017). Noninvasive Treatments for Acute, Subacute, and Chronic Low Back Pain: A Clinical Practice Guideline from the ACP.

• Stochkendahl MJ et al. (2018). National Clinical Guidelines for Low Back Pain and Radiculopathy.

• Vroomen PC et al. (2002). Conservative treatment for sciatica: a systematic review.