Types of Treatment
Physical Therapy for Sciatica Louisville, Evansville & Southern Indiana
Sciatic is a term that describes the pain and other symptoms that occur when the sciatic nerve is compressed. The pain, as well as numbness and tingling in some cases, is felt in the low back, buttock, and down the back of the leg. This kind of pain, called neuropathic pain, can be highly uncomfortable and can interfere significantly with activities. The good news is that a physical therapist can help cure sciatica! Sciatica physical therapists aim to address the root cause of the pain and to help you establish routines and body mechanics that will prevent the sciatic nerve pain from returning.
How is Sciatica Diagnosed?
Pain and paresthesias (numbness and tingling) in the low back, buttock, and down the back of the leg, sometimes all the way to the ankle can indicate sciatic nerve pain, but it is important to rule out other potential causes of your symptoms. Before starting treatment, your physical therapist will ask a series of questions and perform tests to confirm the cause of your symptoms. Once the therapist has confidently determined the root cause, they will develop a plan to efficiently address the problem and you will be well on your way to eliminating your sciatic nerve pain.
Common Causes of Sciatica
Sciatica can be caused by compression of the sciatic nerve close to the spine. It can also be compressed by a very tight piriformis muscle, or various other tight muscular and fascial structures. Postural problems or poor body mechanics while sitting or standing at work can create tightness that impacts the sciatic nerve. Problems in the lower back such as tightness, disc herniation, or degeneration can also cause symptoms that mimic sciatica, so it is important to have a therapist evaluate you to decide on the correct course of treatment.
How a Physical Therapist Can Help Sciatic Nerve Pain
A sciatica physical therapist is a great way to decrease pain and get back to your normal activities. Some things your therapist may use to decrease your sciatic nerve pain include modification of your posture and body mechanics, stretching of the nerve and the muscles around it, and massage of the affected muscles. Stretches for sciatica aim to improve the mobility of the nerve and reduce symptoms of compression. Strengthening and aerobic exercise may also help reduce your sciatic nerve pain!
Free Screen on Us
We offer complimentary screens at all ProRehab locations. If you’ve been dealing with a nagging injury or persistent pain, don’t wait any longer.
Who Benefits From Spine Care at ProRehab?
Patients who have acute and chronic low-back and neck pain, muscle-tension headaches, pain extending into the arms or legs, general arthritic spine complaints, lumbar spinal stenosis, and work-related spine pain may benefit from physical therapy at ProRehab. In addition, post-surgery physical therapy is critical for successful and faster recovery from operations such as laminectomy and fusion.
Ready to reclaim your life? ProRehab is here to help.
Here’s what some of our patients had to say
Thank you so much! I love you guys and the care I received!
Zoe
ProRehab PT Patient
After just 4 visits…I feel like a brand new person. Before, I could barely walk for 15 minutes without my back screaming in pain. Now I’m zooming through therapy and going on walks at home.
Christy F.
ProRehab PT Patient
Wonderful staff, very helpful, competent and professional. They listen to what I say and are working with me to meet my goal.
Barbara E.
ProRehab PT Patient
Amazing service. They have gone out of their way to call and follow up with me while doing my at-home exercises. Highly recommend.
Josh F.
ProRehab PT Patient
I couldn’t have wished for a better place to go for my knee replacement therapy! They know what they are doing to get you back in the swing of things so you can go on with your life!
Gene O.
ProRehab PT Patient