“Can physical therapy help me with my sciatica pain?”

Yes, physical therapy can be a very effective treatment for sciatica pain, even if you are also taking medication. Physical therapy is often recommended in conjunction with medication for the best results.

Physical therapy can help to reduce pain and inflammation, improve range of motion and flexibility, strengthen the muscles that support the spine and pelvis, improve posture, and teach you how to move and lift safely to prevent future episodes of sciatica.

Whether or not you will eventually be able to ditch the medication altogether depends on the underlying cause of your sciatica and the severity of your symptoms. However, physical therapy can help you to reduce your reliance on medication and improve your overall quality of life.

Here are some specific examples of how physical therapy can be used to treat sciatica:

-Gentle stretching and exercise can help to reduce pain and improve flexibility.
-Strengthening exercises for the core and back muscles can help to support the spine and pelvis.
-Massage therapy can help to relax muscles and reduce pain.
-Biofeedback can help you to learn how to control muscle tension and pain.

Yes! Physical therapy is a highly effective intervention for sciatica. It could definitely help you ditch the medicine sooner by addressing what is causing it. All the best!

Yes PT along with medication or PT alone can help sciatica pain depending on the severity of your condition progress will happen.
Regards
Dr. Ramky Kavaserry DPT

Yes. The better question is, why are you not doing physical therapy already? Make sure you go to a physical therapist who does hands on therapy or a McKenzie qualified therapist.

Daniel Prata, PT, DPT, COMT

The goals of any physical therapy treatment plan are to reduce pain, increase function and provide a maintenance program for back pain and sciatica. Typically, the treatment plan is comprised of two components-active exercises and passive modalities. The exercise regimen may consist of strengthening, stretching and aerobic conditioning. Core muscle training is also a part of a good lower back pain treatment plan. It’s important that these exercises are done properly and consistently.

Passive modalities used in a physical therapy treatment plan for back pain and sciatica may include heat and cold therapy, ultrasound and transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulator (TENS) units. Heat and cold therapy are used to reduce muscle spasm, inflammation, and pain. With ultrasound, deep heating is applied to the soft tissues through sound waves. It is known not only to help relieve pain but to enhance healing. A TENS unit uses electrical stimulation to override pain signals sent to the brain. If it is successful, a TENS unit can be used long term.

All around, research has proven that physical therapy is effective for those who suffer from back pain or sciatica pain. It’s also safe. That’s why the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) highly recommends it. “Physical therapists partner with patients, their families, and other healthcare professionals to manage pain, often reducing or eliminating the need for opioids. Research has shown that a simple education session with a physical therapist can lead to improved function, improved range of motion and decreased pain.”

Absolutely. There is always a good chance that the proper PT will allow you to ditch pain meds.