From nerve pain to relief: how physiotherapy treats sciatica
How physio treats sciatica
Become pain-free
Introduction
Shooting pain down your leg. Tingling in your foot. A dull ache that just won’t go away.
If any of that sounds familiar, you may be dealing with sciatica - a condition caused by irritation or compression of the sciatic nerve. It can affect your walking, your sleep, and your confidence to move.
At Functional Movement Physio in Liverpool City Centre, we help patients with sciatica every week. Whether your symptoms are recent or ongoing, physiotherapy can offer lasting relief, improve mobility, and prevent it from becoming a long-term issue.
In this guide, you’ll learn:
What sciatica is and why it happens
How to tell if your symptoms are nerve-related
What physiotherapy actually does to treat sciatica
Key exercises and treatments we use in our clinic
When to see a physio and what to expect
Let’s explore how the right rehab can help you feel better and move forward, pain-free.
What is sciatica?
Sciatica is not a diagnosis itself, but a symptom of an underlying problem. It refers to pain, tingling, or weakness caused by irritation of the sciatic nerve - the longest nerve in the body. It typically affects:
The lower back
One or both buttocks
The back of the thigh
The calf and foot
Common causes of sciatica
Herniated disc pressing on the nerve root
Degenerative disc disease
Facet joint inflammation
Piriformis syndrome (a muscle compressing the nerve)
Spinal stenosis or narrowing of the nerve passage
Postural issues or muscle imbalances
Symptoms can range from mild tingling to sharp, electric-like pain down the leg.
How do I know if it’s sciatica?
You might have sciatica if you experience:
Pain that travels down the leg (usually one side)
Pins and needles, numbness, or burning sensations
Difficulty standing or walking due to nerve pain
Muscle weakness in the leg or foot
Pain that worsens with sitting, bending, or coughing
It’s important to see a qualified physiotherapist to assess the root cause—not just treat the symptom.
Can physiotherapy help with sciatica?
Absolutely. Physiotherapy is one of the most effective, non-invasive treatments for sciatica.
At Functional Movement Physio, our goal is to:
Reduce nerve irritation
Relieve pressure from surrounding joints, discs, or muscles
Improve spinal mobility and posture
Rebuild strength and movement confidence
Prevent recurrence with education and conditioning
Physiotherapy treatment plan for sciatica
Your treatment will depend on the cause and severity of your symptoms. But here’s how we typically approach it:
🔹 1. Initial assessment
We test:
Nerve sensitivity
Movement patterns
Muscle tightness and control
Spinal alignment and flexibility
Functional impact (sitting, walking, sleeping)
🔹 2. Manual therapy
We use:
Joint mobilisation to improve spinal movement
Soft tissue techniques to release tight glutes or piriformis
Nerve glides or “flossing” to restore mobility of the sciatic nerve
🔹 3. Tailored exercises
We build a progressive programme including:
Pelvic control drills
Core strengthening
Glute activation
Hamstring flexibility
Postural and ergonomic correction
🔹 4. Education and pain management
We’ll help you:
Understand your condition
Modify aggravating activities
Create a movement routine you can follow at home or work
When to see a physio for sciatica
Don’t wait for the pain to become unmanageable. You should book an assessment if:
You’ve had back or leg pain for more than a few days
Your symptoms are spreading down your leg
You’re struggling with movement or sleep
You’ve had flare-ups before and want to prevent recurrence
Early treatment improves outcomes and shortens recovery time.
How long does sciatica take to heal?
It depends on the cause and severity.
With consistent physiotherapy, most people improve within 4 to 8 weeks. For more severe cases, rehab may take longer, but the vast majority recover without surgery.
Client story: sciatica relief in Liverpool
Tom, a 35-year-old graphic designer from Liverpool, came to us with intense sciatic pain that worsened after long days at his desk. He couldn’t sit for more than 15 minutes without pain radiating down his leg.
After 6 sessions of tailored physio:
His sitting tolerance improved
He was back to cycling to work
He felt confident managing his condition independently
Tips to manage sciatica at home
Use heat or ice to ease discomfort
Try gentle movements, such as walking or light stretches
Avoid prolonged sitting or slouched postures
Strengthen your core to support the spine
Don’t push through sharp, shooting pain—rest and modify instead
Quick takeaways
Sciatica is caused by irritation or compression of the sciatic nerve
Physiotherapy treats both the pain and the underlying cause
Manual therapy, nerve glides, and tailored rehab can relieve symptoms
Early intervention leads to better outcomes
Functional Movement Physio in Liverpool offers expert, local support for sciatica recovery
FAQs
Is sciatica always caused by a disc issue?
Not always. Other causes include muscle tightness, joint inflammation, or nerve entrapment.
Can I exercise with sciatica?
Yes, but the right kind of exercise matters. We’ll guide you on safe and effective movements for your stage of recovery.
Do I need a scan before seeing a physio?
In most cases, no. A physiotherapy assessment can often identify the source without needing imaging unless red flags are present.
Will my sciatica go away on its own?
Sometimes mild cases resolve, but many persist without treatment. Physiotherapy helps speed up recovery and prevents future episodes.
Do you treat sciatica at your Liverpool clinic?
Yes. It’s one of the most common conditions we treat at Functional Movement Physio in Liverpool City Centre.
Conclusion
Sciatica can be painful, frustrating, and limiting-but it doesn’t have to control your life. With expert physiotherapy, you can reduce nerve pain, restore your movement, and feel confident again.
At Functional Movement Physio in Liverpool City Centre, we create personalised treatment plans that get results - whether you're managing a new flare-up or long-term symptoms.
Book your assessment today and take the first step toward pain-free movement.
