What is Sciatica?
Sciatica refers to back pain caused by a problem with the sciatic nerve. This is a large nerve that runs from the lower back down the back of each leg. When something injures or puts pressure on the sciatic nerve, it can cause pain in the lower back that spreads to the hip, buttocks, and leg. Up to 90% of people recover from sciatica without surgery.
How Health Plus physical therapy will help in Sciatica Pain?
A physical therapist may use several types of treatments to
reduce your sciatica pain and symptoms. Active treatments include motions,
stretches, and specific exercises, aimed at reducing pain and accelerating
healing. A physical therapist will also teach you different motions that you
can do at home in order to manage your pain. If a physical therapist discovers
any weak muscles, you will be given corrective exercises for core
strengthening.
The strengthening exercises in your physical therapy
treatments focus not only on the lower back, but also on the hip muscles,
abdominal muscles, and glutes. All of the exercises you participate in will
help strengthen the spinal column (including your tendons, ligaments, and
supporting muscles) while also keeping the spine in proper alignment.
The stretching exercises in physical therapy target muscles
that are inflexible and tight. Hamstring stretching is an important part of a
physical therapy treatment program to alleviate sciatica. An aquatic exercise
program may also be recommended by a physical therapist. You can do exercises
easily with the buoyancy of water.
Passive treatments may include massage therapy, ice and heat therapies, electric therapy, or ultrasound. All of these different modalities help reduce pain, stimulate blood flow, and accelerate healing. Massage therapy is typically conducted for sciatica relief, as it helps alleviate sciatic nerve pain. It loosens up tight back muscles that may be pressing on the sciatic nerve, and it increases the release of endorphins for pain relief. Ice and heat therapies are also common, as they help ease pain, relax muscles, and reduce inflammation. Electrotherapy may also be applied, which uses electricity to also aid in reducing pain, strengthening muscles, ramping up circulation, and improving physical function.
Do you have sciatica?
Sciatica is diagnosed through a physical examination and an
evaluation of medical history. ACT scan or MRI may be also be performed, in
order to locate the root cause of sciatica. Physical therapy often results in
better and faster results than surgery or pain medication. Once you are
diagnosed with sciatica, our physical therapist will work with you to manage
and relieve the condition. This includes:
- Increasing strength.
- Improving motion.
- Reducing sciatica pain.
- Educating you on how to stand, bend, and twist.
- Improving flexibility.
- Returning to normal activities.
Schedule your appointment today:
If you are looking for an effective, safe, and non-invasive approach to sciatica treatment, physical therapy is your best option. At Health Plus, PT treatments work to target the root of the problem by applying extensive assessments, in order to determine the best individualized treatment plan for every patient’s needs. These will be dependent upon the severity of each patient’s condition and will help to relieve pain and improve function.
Physical therapy is one of the most successful ways to treat sciatica. In addition to in-clinic treatments, our physical therapist will also provide you with targeted stretches and exercises you can do at home, in order to combat any sciatica pains you may feel in the future. Your risk of sciatica can be significantly reduced by practicing proper body mechanics, maintaining proper posture, and staying in shape, with the help of our physical therapist at edison.
If you have been living with sciatica, or you think you may be experiencing sciatica symptoms, don’t hesitate to schedule your consultation today. Our licensed physical therapists will meet with you to perform a comprehensive exam that will help determine what the best treatment plan will be for you. Don’t let your sciatica pain dictate your life any longer – find relief today with physical therapy
To learn more about how we can help you to improve your health and pain-free life get to connect or make an appointment today.
Call us at (732) 494-5999 to book your consult today!
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