Specialized Physical Therapy for Sciatica Relief
Sciatica can cause pain, tingling, numbness, or other symptoms that travel from your lower back or buttock into your leg. These symptoms may make sitting, walking, working, exercising, or sleeping comfortably difficult. If you are looking for sciatica relief in West Valley City, Tooele in Northpointe, Tooele on Main Street and Grantsville, UT, Meier & Marsh Physical Therapy can help determine what is contributing to your symptoms and which movements and treatments are right for you.
Our physical therapists have clinical expertise and specialty training in evaluating lower back and nerve-related symptoms. We look closely at your symptoms, movement, and how your symptoms respond to certain positions and activities to determine the right treatment.
Understanding Sciatica and Why Symptoms Travel Down the Leg
Sciatica occurs when a nerve in the lower back becomes irritated, causing symptoms that can travel into the buttock and leg.
Sciatica may cause:
- Pain that travels into the buttock, thigh, lower leg, or foot
- Tingling or a pins-and-needles sensation
- Numbness in part of the leg or foot
- Weakness in the affected leg
- Symptoms that change with sitting, standing, bending, or other movements
- Difficulty walking or staying in one position comfortably
- Problems with work, exercise, sleep, or daily activities
The location and intensity of symptoms can vary considerably. Some people have significant leg symptoms with little back pain. Others experience both.
Because several problems can cause similar symptoms, a detailed assessment is important before determining the right treatment.
Finding Out What Your Sciatica Responds to Best
Knowing that you have leg pain or tingling does not tell us everything we need to know. Our physical therapists want to understand how your symptoms behave.
Do they increase while sitting? Do certain movements cause symptoms to travel farther down your leg? Do other movements reduce your leg symptoms or move them closer to your back?
Our physical therapists have advanced specialty training in lower back assessment and treatment methods such as the McKenzie Method®. This approach can help determine how your symptoms respond to repeated movements and positions.
These responses provide important information for prescribing exercises and treatment. Instead of giving every patient with sciatica the same program, we work to find out exactly what your symptoms respond to best.
A Detailed Evaluation of Your Back and Leg Symptoms
Your evaluation at Meier & Marsh Physical Therapy starts with a conversation about your symptoms and what you are having trouble doing. Your physical therapist will want to know where your symptoms begin, where they travel, what activities aggravate them, and what seems to make them feel better.
The physical assessment may include spinal movement, strength, mobility, sensation, reflexes, and special tests when appropriate. Your therapist may also have you perform specific movements to see how your symptoms respond.
This advanced assessment helps us determine what is contributing to your problem and which treatment is right for you.
Depending on your evaluation, treatment may include:
- Specific exercises based on how your symptoms respond to movement
- Mobility exercises when movement restrictions are contributing to your limitations
- Targeted strengthening for your back, hips, legs, or surrounding muscles
- Manual therapy to improve joint or soft tissue mobility when appropriate
- Movement retraining for activities that have become difficult
- Education to help you understand your symptoms and make informed decisions about activity
- Home exercises selected according to your evaluation and response
Your physical therapist reassesses your symptoms and function as treatment progresses. Changes in your response help us determine when your exercises or treatment need to be adjusted.
Getting Back to the Activities Sciatica Has Interrupted
Sciatica can interfere with many parts of everyday life. Sitting through a workday may become difficult. Driving can be uncomfortable. You may stop going to the gym, cut your walks short, or have trouble keeping up with household and family activities.
At Meier & Marsh Physical Therapy, we want to know what you need to get back to doing.
As your symptoms improve, treatment can progress toward the movement, strength, and function required for those activities. Your physical therapist continues to assess your progress and prescribe treatment based on what you need next.
Clinical Expertise for Nerve-Related Symptoms
Symptoms that extend into your leg can be concerning, especially if you also notice numbness, tingling, or weakness. We want you to understand what may be contributing to those symptoms and what you can do about them.
Our physical therapists combine clinical expertise, specialty training, advanced assessment, and education. We explain our findings in plain language and tell you why specific exercises and treatments are being recommended.
We love our patients, and we treat you like family. If your evaluation identifies signs that require additional medical attention, our physical therapists can help guide you toward the appropriate next step.
Frequently Asked Questions
Find the Right Treatment for Your Sciatica
You do not have to keep guessing which stretches, exercises, or movements are right for your leg symptoms. A detailed physical therapy evaluation can help determine what is contributing to your problem and which treatment makes sense for you.
Contact Meier & Marsh Physical Therapy today to schedule an evaluation for sciatica relief in West Valley City, Tooele in Northpointe, Tooele on Main Street or Grantsville, UT. Our physical therapists can determine what is limiting you, prescribe precise treatment based on your evaluation and response, and help you improve the way you move and get back to normal.
Your Next Steps…
- Request An Appointment
- Receive A Custom Treatment Plan
- Work Hard and Progress In Your Recovery
- Recover & Enjoy Life Pain-Free
