Physical Therapy for Sciatica: Exercises and Treatment Options
Do you feel a burning or numbness in your hip that radiates down one leg? With physical therapy for sciatica, Quantum Physical Therapy & Chiropractic Care helps restore anyone’s quality of life. As a top-rated physical therapist for sciatica in New York, our healthcare professionals care about our patient’s well-being. We create customized treatment plans, including the exercises and stretches we discuss in this blog. What Is Sciatic Nerve Pain? Also known as sciatica, sciatic nerve pain refers to a sharp stinging, discomfort, or other sensations that start in your hip and can radiate into the leg and up the lower back. It occurs when the major nerve in the lower spine or waist becomes pinched. According to the American Medical Association, 40% of people experience sciatic pain at some point. It occurs frequently in people with musculoskeletal conditions in their back, such as a bulging disk or piriformis. The University of Waterloo found that 50% of people experience lower back pain after a car crash. This often progresses to sciatica if the patient doesn’t seek immediate treatment from a chiropractor or physical therapist. The symptoms of this condition include: Pain in the lower back or hip Discomfort that grows worse while sitting A tingling or burning sensation radiating down a leg Trouble moving a leg or foot, especially from weakness or numbness Pain localized to one side of the body How a Physical Therapist in New York Treats Sciatica Is physical therapy good for sciatica? Yes, a physical therapist in New York can treat sciatica pain using a combination of stretching and exercise. Physical therapy for sciatica works best in conjunction with a chiropractor, too. Decompression Techniques Optimize Exercise Results This therapy stretches the spine, creating space between the vertebrae and relieving nerve pressure. Sometimes, sciatica grows so bad it prevents stretching or exercise. Decompression can relieve the pain enough to continue treatment. Perform At-Home Care Before and After Working Out Caring for your joints and muscles between exercise routines and physical therapy appointments helps reduce injury. It also makes stretching and working out more effective. Use the RICE method: Rest ensures overwork doesn’t increase the severity of the pain or frequency of flare-ups. Ice decreases inflammation and helps muscles recover faster. Compression socks and other pieces of clothing increase blood flow and oxygenation, improve healing, and enhance range of motion. Elevating legs flushes lactic acid and other metabolic waste and increases blood flow after stretching. Electrical Stimulation Closes the Treatment Gap While exercise and stretching can significantly reduce pain and other symptoms, many people need additional treatment. By attaching electrodes to pain points and running a small current through them, a physical therapist helps further manage pain. The stimulation produces a small tingling sensation, often interrupts pain signals, and improves circulation. Best Exercises to Manage Hip Discomfort What are the best exercises for physical therapy for sciatica? Stretching Routines What are the best stretches to relieve pain in the hip, lower back, and upper thigh? Anything that relieves pressure in the spine can significantly relieve symptoms. Many of these stretches fall under the broad category of yoga, including: Cobra positions: Lay on stomach, extend arms, and arch back Pigeon movements: Any stretch that includes bending a leg so it rests vertically, making a triangle shape with the knee Hamstring stretches: Various positions that extend and straighten the leg as you lean forward Spinal twists: Lifting and twisting one or two legs while lying face up Resistance Training Also known as weight training, this category of exercises uses resistance bands, hand dumbbells, and the body’s weight to strengthen muscles. By strengthening the muscles around the spine, they can better prevent compression and pressure on the sciatic nerve. The following resistance techniques provide benefits without increasing hip pain: Deadlifts can strengthen the lower back, provided you use the correct posture. Bent-over dumbbell row involves bending over while lifting small hand weights. A seated row requires special equipment where you sit while pulling horizontally on a weight. To perform a kettlebell swing, crouch down with kettlebells in each hand and swing the arms into a horizontal position while converting to a standing posture. For a proper pushup, ensure the back stays straight and fully extend both arms. A squat involves pretending to sit without a chair and benefits from the body’s natural weight. Low-Impact Aerobic Workouts New York physical therapy can help sciatica sufferers with low-impact aerobic workouts. They increase heart rate, circulation, and oxygenation. They also won’t aggravate pain by further compressing the nerve. Biking is one of the best exercises to increase heart rate without putting stress on your joints and muscles. Consider finding a stationary bike to enjoy the comfort of your own home while working out. Also, consider swimming. Water is a great medium that offers resistance and can feel great on pinched nerves. Schedule an Appointment for New York Physical Therapy When you’re ready for reliable physical therapy for sciatica, contact Quantum Physical Therapy & Chiropractic Care. We provide compassionate physiotherapy, massage, and chiropractic care for sciatica pain. Our holistic approach gives patients the best chance of recovery and avoiding future flare-ups or injuries. Our doctors accept most insurance plans, including workers’ compensation, no-fault, and PIP (personal injury protection). Same-day appointments may be available. Book an appointment by calling (646) 737-6524. Frequently Asked Questions Do you have more questions about treating a pinched nerve with physical therapy? Consider the following answers to some common questions. Is Physical Therapy Good for Sciatica? One study by the University of Oxford showed patients experienced a 60% reduction in symptoms after 12 weeks of therapy. Can I Permanently Cure Hip Nerve Pain? You can permanently cure hip nerve pain with the help of a doctor, like a physical therapist. However, not every person experiences this level of success. How Long Does Physical Therapy for Sciatica Take? Physical therapy for sciatica can take up to 12 weeks. However, some people may start noticing results after a couple of sessions.