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Physiotherapy Care for Sciatica Treatment
Harley Street, Central London
ALO Physio proudly provides expert sciatica pain rehabilitation and physiotherapy in Harley Street, London.
Sciatica Treatment Harley Street
Sciatica refers to irritation or inflammation that radiates along the path of the sciatic nerve, which branches from your lower back through your hips and buttocks and down each leg. This pain typically affects one side of the body and can vary in intensity. Sciatica is often caused by irritation of the nerve, which can be due to a variety of factors.
Causes of Sciatica
- Slipped or herniated disk: It can be caused by aging. Symptoms may include a numbing or tingling sensation in the back or hip.
- Pelvic injury or fracture: This can be caused by high-impact accidents or falling from great heights. Symptoms may include feeling pain in the pelvis and leg area when moving or walking
- Spinal stenosis: This is an abnormal narrowing of the spinal canal or neural foramen that results in pressure on the spinal cord or nerve roots. Symptoms may include pain, numbness, or weakness in the arms or legs.
- Other soft tissue irritation
Symptoms of Sciatica
Sciatica is characterized by a range of symptoms that can vary in intensity and duration. Common symptoms include:
- Shooting Pain Down the Leg: You may experience sharp, shooting pain that travels along the path of the sciatic nerve, typically radiating from your lower back through your buttock and down one leg. This pain may worsen with movement, sneezing, or coughing.
- Numbness or Tingling: You may feel a sensation of numbness or tingling in the affected leg or foot. This can feel like pins and needles.
- Weakness in the Affected Leg or Foot: Sciatica can cause muscle weakness in the affected leg or foot. You might notice difficulty standing up, walking, or performing certain movements.
- Difficulty Moving the Leg or Foot: You may find it challenging to move your leg or foot in certain directions, which can hinder your mobility.
- Constant Pain on One Side of the Rear: This pain is often felt on one side of the buttock and can vary in intensity, sometimes feeling like a dull ache or a sharp pain.
- Pain in the Lower Back: In addition to leg pain, you might experience discomfort in your lower back, which can be persistent or episodic.
- Worsening Pain with Sitting: Sitting for prolonged periods may exacerbate your pain, leading to discomfort and increasing your desire to stand or move around.
- Radiating Pain: The pain may radiate to other areas, including the hip, groin, or even down to the foot, making it essential to recognize sciatica’s broader impact.
- Changes in Sensation: Some individuals experience altered sensations, such as heightened sensitivity or a feeling of heaviness in the affected leg.
Treatment for Sciatica
At A.L.O Physiotherapy we use a range of treatments that can help alleviate pain and treat the nerves effected
- Dry needling
- Soft tissue work
- Gentle nerve stretching
- Spinal mobility work
- Tecar (electrotherapy)
- Manual therapy
Exercises For Sciatica
Glute Bridge
- Start by lying on your back with knees bent and feet flat on the floor.
- Engage your abdominal muscles to stabilize your spine.
- Push through your heels and lift your hips towards the ceiling, creating a straight line from shoulders to knees.
- Hold the bridge position, focusing on squeezing your glutes.
- Slowly lower your hips back down without arching your back excessively.
- Aim for 10-15 repetitions to start.
Pelvic Tilts
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Lie on your back with knees bent, feet flat on the floor.
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Exhale and pull your belly button towards your spine to flatten your lower back.
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Slowly lift your pelvis by pressing your lower back into the floor.
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Maintain the position for a few seconds.
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Relax and release the tilt, returning to a neutral position.
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Perform for a set number of reps.
Glute Bridge
- Lie on your side with both legs bent, one stacked on top of the other. Engage your core by drawing your belly button towards your spine.
- Lift your top leg while keeping your knees bent and feet together, you may use your top arm for support.
- Hold the position for 5-30 seconds, focusing on squeezing your glutes.
- Slowly lower your leg back down with control.
- Repeat on the other side .
FAQ
Does physiotherapy help with sciatica?
Physiotherapy is one of the first lines of treatment and can help with relief from pain. Here at A.L.O, We have a range of methods from manual therapy to more technology-focused therapies that can help
What is the difference between sciatica and a hamstring strain?
There are a few major differences, Sciatica pain often begins at the start of the buttock and will radiate down the leg and will often be referred to as a burning or electric shock type sensation. The hamstring strain will be located just in the back of the thigh and will be more of a sudden sharp pain.
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