Physiotherapy for Sciatica in London

What Is Sciatica?

Sciatica isn’t a condition in itself. It’s the name for a specific type of pain that follows the path of the sciatic nerve. This nerve starts in your lower back and runs through your hips, down each leg, and into your feet. When something irritates or compresses that nerve (like a herniated disc, tight muscles in the back or hips, or inflammation near the spine), it can cause pain, tingling, numbness, or even weakness that travels down one side of the body.

That discomfort can show up out of the blue, or it can build gradually, and it often gets worse with certain movements, long periods of sitting, or simply standing for too long. But the good news is that in many cases, sciatica responds well to the right kind of movement, positioning, and hands-on care.

Physiotherapy helps by gently reducing pressure on the nerve, improving the way you move, and strengthening the muscles that support your lower back and core. With a personalised plan and the right guidance, it’s not only possible to ease the pain, it’s also possible to feel more confident and mobile in your everyday life again.

What Can Make Sciatica Worse?

Sciatica can flare up when certain movements or habits place extra pressure on the sciatic nerve or the structures that are around it. Knowing what can trigger or worsen your symptoms can help you make small changes to keep you comfortable. Here are some of the most common factors that can make sciatica worse:

• Prolonged sitting or poor posture: Long hours in one position (especially in a slouched chair or soft sofa) can put increased pressure on your lower back and aggravate the sciatic nerve.
• Sudden or repetitive bending, twisting, or lifting: Movements like bending to pick something up or twisting awkwardly can irritate the lower back and cause a spike in nerve-related pain.
• Weak core or glute muscles: When the muscles that support your spine and hips are weak and aren’t working well, other areas tend to overcompensate, usually in ways that place added strain on the nerve.
• Lack of movement or extended bed rest: Although rest might feel helpful in the moment, too much inactivity can lead to stiffness, tightness, and increased sensitivity in the lower back and legs.
• Driving for long periods without breaks: Staying in one seated position for too long, especially in a car, can tighten the muscles around the hips and cause the nerve to become irritated.
• Stress or tension: When you’re stressed, your muscles naturally tense up, especially in the back, neck, and shoulders. This can contribute to overall tightness and discomfort that adds to nerve pressure.

How Physit Can Help

Sciatica doesn’t just affect how you move. It can influence your whole day, from how long you sit to how well you sleep. That’s why at Physit, we take a personalised approach that’s designed to meet you exactly where you are. Whether the pain is new or something you’ve been managing for a while, we take the time to thoroughly understand the root cause so we can plan our treatment accordingly. Our in-home care focuses on calming the nerve, reducing discomfort, and helping you feel more in control of your movement again.

Here’s a look at how we can help.

• Gentle hands-on techniques: We use soothing, hands-on methods to relax tight muscles and reduce any pressure around the sciatic nerve, creating more space and comfort in the lower back and hips.
• Targeted stretching and mobility work: We guide you through simple stretches that focus on important areas like the lower back, glutes, and hamstrings, freeing up tight spots that may be irritating the nerve.
• Core and glute strengthening: Stronger muscles around your spine and hips can take the pressure off the lower back and provide the support you need to prevent flare-ups.
• Postural and movement coaching: We’ll look at how you sit, stand, and move through your day, and will provide you with small adjustments that protect your back and ease the load on the sciatic nerve.
• Guided pacing and flare-up management: Together, we’ll find your perfect balance between rest and movement, so you stay active without overdoing it, and will know how to respond if your symptoms flare up.
• Advice on daily activities: From how you get out of bed to the way you walk or pick something up off the floor, we’ll help you build proper habits that feel good and contribute positively to your long-term recovery.

Relief doesn’t always come from doing more. It comes from doing what’s right for your body, at the right time, with the right support. Every plan is shaped around your symptoms, your comfort level, and your goals, because there’s no one-size-fits-all solution when it comes to nerve pain.