A Guide to Physiotherapy for Sciatica: What to Expect and How It Helps
What Is Sciatica?
Sciatica refers to pain caused by irritation or compression of the sciatic nerve—the longest nerve in your body. It typically causes pain, tingling, or numbness in the lower back, buttocks, and down one leg.
Common causes include:
Herniated or bulging discs
Spinal stenosis (narrowing of the spinal canal)
Degenerative disc disease
Piriformis syndrome
Postural issues or injuries
How Physiotherapy Helps Sciatica
At In Touch Physio, we focus on evidence-based, non-surgical treatment for sciatica. Physiotherapy helps to reduce nerve pressure, improve mobility, and prevent the pain from returning.
Here’s how physiotherapy for sciatica can help:
Pain Relief – Manual therapy, dry needling, and targeted stretches reduce inflammation and discomfort.
Improved Mobility – Stretching and strengthening exercises help restore movement in the lower back and legs.
Strength Building – Strengthening your core and glutes helps stabilise the spine and reduce strain on the sciatic nerve.
Education & Prevention – You'll learn techniques to improve posture and movement, lowering your risk of future flare-ups.
What to Expect During Your Physiotherapy Sessions
1. Initial Assessment
Your physiotherapist will begin with a full assessment, looking at your posture, range of motion, and movement patterns. We'll ask about your symptoms, lifestyle, and any previous injuries to understand the root cause of your sciatic nerve pain.
2. Personalised Treatment Plan
No two cases of sciatica are the same. Based on your assessment, we’ll create a tailored treatment plan. This may include:
Manual therapy
Guided stretching and strengthening exercises
Nerve gliding techniques
Education on posture, lifting technique, and ergonomics
A home exercise program to support your recovery
3. Ongoing Support
We’ll track your progress and adjust your treatment as needed. Most clients see noticeable improvements within a few weeks, especially when following their home program consistently.
Sciatica Relief at Home: What You Can Do
Between your sessions at In Touch Physio, there are several things you can do to support recovery:
Stay active – Gentle walking and stretching can help keep the nerve from becoming more irritated.
Watch your posture – Especially when sitting at a desk or driving.
Use hot or cold therapy – Ice for inflammation or heat for muscle tension.
Follow your home exercises – We’ll give you safe and effective stretches to do at home.
Looking for Sciatica Treatment in Singapore?
If you’re experiencing sciatic nerve pain, physiotherapy can help you feel better, move better, and get back to living your life pain-free.
At Prohealth In Touch Physio, our experienced team of physiotherapists in Singapore are here to help you recover with personalised, hands-on care.
Book your appointment today or learn more about our physiotherapy services for sciatica and lower back pain.
