Washington DC Physical Therapy for Sciatic Nerve Pain

At Release Physical Therapy both of our Washington DC offices and Virginia location treat patients with Sciatica pain. Sciatica, also known as sciatic nerve pain, is a condition characterized by pain that follows the path of the sciatic nerve. The sciatic nerve originates in the lower back, travels through the buttocks, and extends down the back of each leg. Irritation or compression of the nerve can occur at any point along its pathway, leading to symptoms that may radiate into the buttocks, back of the thigh, and even down to the ankle or foot. Sciatica pain can range from a dull ache to a sharp, burning sensation. It may even feel like a sudden jolt or electric shock. The pain can worsen when coughing, sneezing, or sitting for extended periods. Typically, sciatica affects only one side of the body. Sciatica is a common condition affecting approximately 40% of individuals in the United States at some point in their lives.

What is the best physical therapy for sciatica?

The treatment approach for sciatica can vary depending on the location of the nerve compression. If the compression is in the spine, our therapists may utilize manual techniques such as joint mobilization, manipulations, trigger point massage, dry needling, laser therapy, mckenzie mechanical diagnosis and therapy (MDT), postural training, active release technique (ART), maitland techniques and therapeutic exercises. These techniques aim to relieve nerve pressure, improve spinal mobility, and enhance overall function.

If the nerve compression is in the buttocks or extends down the leg, our therapists may employ techniques like trigger point massage, sacroiliac joint mobilizations, dry needling, laser therapy, shockwave therapy, active release technique (ART), Graston Technique, and therapeutic exercises. These methods target the muscles and structures in the buttocks and leg to reduce tension and alleviate pressure on the sciatic nerve.

At Release Physical Therapy, our team of physical therapists will provide one-on-one care to ensure that you receive the highest quality treatment. You will always be seen by a doctor throughout your entire treatment, as we do not utilize physical therapist assistants or rehab techs.

How long does physical therapy take for sciatica?

The timeline for treatment typically varies depending on the severity of the cause of the nerve irritation. However, treatment usually lasts ~4-12 weeks, with a frequency of 1-2 visits a week, with adherence to treatment and necessary lifestyle changes for a full recovery.

Is physical therapy good for sciatica?

Physical therapy is one of the most effective conservative treatments for treatment of sciatica. The sooner you seek proper treatment, the more likely to address the cause of sciatica and avoid worsening or further complications of symptoms. At Release Physical Therapy we offer state-of-the-art equipment that we use in conjunction with traditional physical therapy to improve on healing time and outcomes.

Does physical therapy work for sciatica?

Yes, physical therapy is the most effective conservative treatment for sciatica. It can help alleviate pain, improve mobility, and strengthen the muscles that support the spine and hips.

At release physical therapy, we offer specialized treatments such as Graston, Trigger Point Dry Needling, shockwave therapy, Laser treatment, Posture and Ergonomic assessment, McKenzie Mechanical Diagnosis and Therapy (MDT), and Active Release Techniques (ART) among others. Our physical therapists work one-on-one with you, dedicating an hour each session to design a specific plan of care and treatments tailored to your needs. This personalized approach ensures that your sciatica is addressed in the most effective way possible, helping you to regain mobility and live pain-free.

Is physical therapy good for sciatic nerve pain?

Physical therapy is one of the most effective non-surgical solutions for sciatica. At Release Physical Therapy, our therapists will assist you in pinpointing and modifying the activities that contributed to your condition, thereby aiding in your recovery process. Our team utilizes a range of treatment techniques and advanced technologies to manage and reduce your pain and symptoms. Promptly seeking the right treatment can help tackle the underlying cause of sciatica and prevent the worsening or further complications of symptoms.

Is it better to see a chiropractor or physical therapist for sciatica?

Both chiropractors and physical therapists can provide relief for sciatica, physical therapy is often recommended as the first line of treatment. Physical therapists use a variety of techniques and modalities to alleviate sciatica pain, improve mobility, and strengthen the muscles of the hips and spine. They also provide education on posture and body mechanics to prevent future episodes of sciatica. Physical therapy aims to address the root cause of the pain and provide long-term solutions, rather than just temporary relief.

What is the best exercise for sciatica?

The most effective exercise for sciatica largely depends on the location of the nerve compression. If the compression is in the lumbar spine, we often recommend the McKenzie Mechanical Diagnosis and Therapy Method ( MDT), specifically prone press-ups. However, if the nerve is compressed in the buttock or hamstring, we suggest sciatic nerve glides. This exercise aims to gently mobilize the nerve from the position where it’s being impinged, thereby reducing the pain radiating into the leg.

For optimal results, we advise our clients to incorporate both exercises into their routines!

Should you rest or exercise with sciatica pain?

While it may seem counterintuitive, complete rest is seldom the best approach when dealing with sciatica. Instead, modifying your activities to avoid those that exacerbate your pain is key. Maintaining movement is crucial, even if it means altering how you go about your day. For instance, if sitting intensifies your discomfort, we might suggest incorporating more standing time into your routine. The goal is to adjust your activities to minimize pain, not to eliminate activity altogether. At Release Physical Therapy, your therapist will work one-on-one with you to modify your activities not only to promote healing but also to keep you active. Remember, movement is a form of medicine.

What will make sciatica worse?

There are many things that can exacerbate sciatica symptoms, including:

• Prolonged sitting: Sitting for a prolonged time can put pressure on the sciatic nerve causing increased pain.
• Poor posture and body mechanics: especially while sitting or doing strenuous activities this can put additional strain on the lower back and sciatic nerve
• Carrying things in your back pocket: This has been termed “ back pocket sciatica”. People who carry their wallets or cell phones in their back pockets then sit down with them in their pockets, this causes increased pressure through the buttock muscle which then affects the sciatic nerve.
• Lack of exercise: A sedentary lifestyle, can lead to weakness in your hips, core, and back muscles which can put increased pressure on the spine and an increase in sciatic nerve symptoms
• Obesity: Excess weight can put additional stress on the spine and its supporting structures, including the discs and nerves. This increased pressure can lead to compression or irritation of the sciatic nerve, resulting in sciatica symptoms such as pain, numbness, tingling, or weakness in the lower back, buttocks, and legs.

Conclusion

At Release Physical Therapy, we understand how debilitating sciatic nerve pain can be. It can limit your ability to engage in everyday activities, restrict your mobility, and even make travel uncomfortable due to prolonged sitting. This is why we are committed to helping you alleviate this pain and regain your quality of life. Each individualized needs are different and at Release Physical Therapy our skilled physical therapist will conduct a comprehensive assessment to get to the root cause of your problem. We will alleviate your current pain but also equip you with knowledge and exercises needed to prevent the pain from returning.

If you’re currently experiencing sciatica pain, don’t hesitate to reach out to us for assistance. You can schedule an appointment at either our downtown Washington, D.C. office, our West End/Foggy Bottom location or Tyson’s corner office. To book an appointment, simply give us a call or visit our website at www.releasept.com to book online. We’re eager to help you on your journey to recovery!