Easing Sciatica Pain with Physical Therapy
Sciatica is a term used to describe pain that radiates along the sciatic nerve – usually felt in the lower back, buttocks and legs. Symptoms can vary in intensity and range from mild tingling or numbness to sharp pain.
The sciatic nerve is the longest nerve in the body, thus leading to an increased risk of inflammation and injury. The cause of sciatica is oftentimes related to irritation or compression of a nerve root within the lower spine.
Physical therapy and exercise are holistic ways to treat sciatica pain. Movement methods reduce inflammation and improve range of motion, flexibility, and strength. Stretching exercises, core stabilization exercises, and other types of targeted physical therapy are all effective ways to manage sciatica symptoms.
At ProFysio Physical Therapy, our team prescribes therapeutic exercises and treatment plans for each individual’s unique set of symptoms. Schedule an appointment today at (732) 812-5200 to begin easing sciatica pain with physical therapy.
How Can a Physical Therapist Help Me Find Relief?
A physical therapist’s goal is to design treatment plans that will provide short-term and long-term relief. In addition to physical therapy exercises, your therapist may also recommend lifestyle changes to help maintain long-term comfort, such as maintaining a healthy weight, avoiding activities that aggravate pain, and participating in regular aerobic activity.
ProFysio Physical Therapy also offers patients a variety of other pain-relieving modalities that your physical therapist may recommend. This may include the following and more:
A study published by the National Library of Medicine further demonstrates the effectiveness of physical therapy treatments in relieving sciatica symptoms. Results showed that physical therapy was successful in not only easing pain, but also improving functional outcomes in patients with acute and subacute sciatica. In fact, PT treatments yielded significant improvements in pain intensity, functional disability, and depression scores when compared to control groups.
Consult with a Physical Therapist Today
A physical therapist can determine the underlying cause of your sciatica symptoms and develop a customized treatment plan for your specific needs. The goal of physical therapy is to improve strength and mobility while helping the patient return to their normal activities and lifestyle with minimal or no difficulty.
Consult with a physical therapist to further inquire about which sciatica treatments will be best for you. Give us a call at (732) 812-5200 to schedule your initial appointment.