Not only is physical therapy helpful when you have a sciatica flare-up, but it’s also a first-line treatment for pain relief and prevention of future occurrences. At Doctors United, we specialize in physical therapy services for a wide range of conditions and injuries.
Visit the nearest of our offices in the Bronx, White Plains, Ardsley, and Yonkers, New York, when you’re suffering from sciatica symptoms or when you’re looking for a solution to further back pain. Let’s take a deeper look at sciatica and how physical therapy supports your recovery.
Rather than a medical issue itself, sciatica describes the symptom group caused by lumbar radiculopathy, the compression or irritation of a nerve root stemming from the spinal cord in your lower back.
Lumbar radiculopathy can be caused by several medical conditions, including bone spurs, herniated discs, or spinal stenosis. The nerve irritation potentially creates a series of symptoms, including:
It’s possible to have a combination of symptoms, such as lower back pain along with numbness or tingling in the buttocks and thighs.
The goals of physical therapy are threefold in the treatment of sciatica:
Physical therapy aids in the mobilization and strengthening of soft tissue in the abdomen, buttocks, lower back, pelvis, and thighs with these specific targets in mind:
There’s also an educational component to physical therapy, bringing therapeutic movement home in the form of exercises you can do to build on treatments with your therapist. We’ll recommend specific exercises as well as repetitions and scheduling to help you make the most of your in-office sessions.
These exercises are an essential part of your treatment plan. Follow the plan, including proper form for each exercise, to receive the best results from your physical therapy experience.
If you’re plagued with recurring sciatica symptoms, contact Doctors United at the nearest of our five offices. Request your consultation appointment online or via phone today.
