All You Need to Know About Physical Therapy for Sciatica in McLean

Sciatica has a way of sneaking up on people and taking over their lives. One day, your loved one feels fine and the next, even basic things such as getting dressed or walking to the mail box seem like monumental tasks. Intense pain travels down their legs and you can even see it on their faces. Up to 40% of American adults are likely to experience sciatica at some point in their lives. If you live in McLean and want to help your loved one find relief, then Nurse Next Door McLean’s in-home physical therapy for sciatica might be the solution you are looking for. 

What is Sciatica and What Causes it?

Sciatica is actually not a ‘condition’ – it is a symptom of something pressing or irritating the sciatic nerve. The sciatic nerve runs from the low back through the hips and down the legs, which is why the pain can happen anywhere along that route.

There are a number of things that can cause sciatica. The most common causes of sciatica are: herniated discs, spinal stenosis (narrowing of the spine), degenerative disc disease and bone spurs. With increasing age comes degeneration of the spine, making these issues far more frequently seen. 

Sometimes, it’s just as simple as one of your hip muscles (the piriformis) getting really tight and pinching on the nerve. And at other times, it can be a lot more complicated. Either way, knowing what may be causing it can help you and your loved one determine the best course of action. 

Nurse Next Door McLean’s trained, experienced, and licensed physical therapists can help you overcome sciatica at home. Book a free Caring Consult now.

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Signs and Symptoms of Sciatica

You have probably faced or witnessed your loved one experiencing some of these symptoms:

Sharp, shooting pain which starts in the lower back, runs through the buttocks, and travels down one leg. Scientists describe this as the hallmark sign of sciatica.

Numbness or tingling in the leg or foot which limits sensation.

Muscle weakness that can cause difficulty with walking, standing, or moving the foot. You may see them dragging a foot slightly, or they may not be able to stand on their toes.

Pain that worsens with sitting, prolonged standing, or certain movements, like twisting or bending.

Why Physical Therapy is Effective for Sciatica

Are you wondering if physical therapy for sciatica works? Several studies confirm this.

A recent article in the Journal of Physiotherapy reports that physical therapy decreased the level of pain and increased the quality of life for individuals with sciatica. The treatment is effective because rather than just treating the symptoms.

Physical therapy for sciatica helps with:

• Strengthening surrounding spine muscles to relieve the sciatic nerve tension. 
• Increasing flexibility to free the tightness that may press on the nerve. 
• Learning to use proper body mechanics to avoid flare-ups in the future.

Think of it like retraining the body to move in a way that protects the nerve as opposed to aggravating it. Physical therapy for sciatica involves intentional and detailed body mechanics.

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What to Expect from Physical Therapy for Sciatica

Initial Assessment: A licensed physical therapist will assess your pain/injury, movement pattern, and strength. They will also ask general questions about the symptoms and may even perform some tests to determine exactly what is causing the nerve irritation.

Personalized Physical Therapy Plan: Based on that assessment, the therapist will develop a treatment program specifically for you. The program may include some physical therapy exercises for sciatica, some manual therapy, and possibly some self-care education related to posture and movement.

Progressive Exercise: You will start with some gentle stretches and progress to strength focused exercises. A gradual approach means you won’t aggravate the nerve and gain strength your body needs for lasting results.

The therapist will introduce exercises you can do at home. For sciatica recovery, consistency is more important than intensity.

Continuous Adjustment: Your therapist will adjust the program based on your recovery, and challenge the body in a healthy way.

Most people see changes within a few weeks, although we all have different progression.

Why Choose Nurse Next Door McLean for Sciatica Recovery?

If you are looking for in-home physical therapy for sciatica in McLean, you need expertise mixed with personalized care. That’s exactly what Nurse Next Door McLean provides.

Our licensed physical therapists will come to your home, which means you won’t need to drive or spend time in a waiting room. It’s all about personalized attention in the comfort of your home.

We’ll match you with the most suitable physical therapist in McLean based on your exact needs. Our goal isn’t just pain relief–we want to help you start doing the things you love again. 

With Nurse Next Door Mclean’s in-home physical therapy, you’ll enjoy 24/7 support with fast responses anytime you have inquiries. If you’re struggling with sciatica pain, now is the time to book a physical therapist through Nurse Next Door McLean.