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Sciatica Treatment

Effective physiotherapy treatment for sciatica and sciatic nerve pain in South Surrey. Relief from leg pain, numbness, and tingling.

Book Appointment Call +1 604 923 8323
Prevalence

Up to 40% of people experience sciatica

Common Age

Most common ages 30-50

Recovery Time

4-8 weeks with treatment

Coverage

Covered by extended health

Symptoms & Causes

Common Symptoms
  • Sharp, shooting pain from lower back down the leg
  • Pain that worsens with sitting or standing
  • Numbness or tingling in the leg or foot
  • Weakness in the affected leg
  • Burning sensation along the nerve path
  • Pain on one side only (rarely both)
  • Difficulty walking or standing up
  • Pain that improves when lying down
Common Causes
  • Herniated or bulging lumbar disc
  • Spinal stenosis (narrowing of spinal canal)
  • Piriformis syndrome (muscle compression)
  • Degenerative disc disease
  • Spondylolisthesis (vertebral slippage)
  • Bone spurs compressing the nerve
  • Pregnancy-related pressure on nerve
  • Prolonged sitting or sedentary lifestyle

How We Treat Sciatica

At At Ease Physio, we take a comprehensive approach to treating sciatica. Our physiotherapists in South Surrey identify the specific cause of your sciatic nerve irritation and create a targeted treatment plan. We use manual therapy techniques to reduce pressure on the nerve, dry needling to release muscle tension, and targeted exercises to improve spinal mobility and core stability.

What to Expect

Your initial assessment includes a thorough examination of your spine, nerve function, and movement patterns to determine the source of nerve compression. Treatment focuses on reducing inflammation and pressure on the sciatic nerve through manual therapy, dry needling for muscle tension, and targeted strengthening exercises. We may incorporate kinesiology principles to address movement patterns and clinical pilates for core stability. Most patients experience significant relief within 4-6 weeks, with full resolution in 8-12 weeks.

Our Treatment Services

Manual Therapy
Skilled hands-on techniques to restore mobility, reduce pain, and promote healing
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Dry Needling
Targeted trigger point therapy to release muscle tension and reduce pain
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Kinesiology & Active Rehab
Movement-based rehabilitation to rebuild strength, coordination, and confidence
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Prevention & Self-Care

Prevention Tips
  • Maintain good posture when sitting and standing
  • Take regular breaks from prolonged sitting
  • Strengthen core muscles to support the spine
  • Practice proper lifting techniques
  • Stay active with regular low-impact exercise
  • Maintain a healthy body weight
  • Stretch hip flexors and piriformis regularly
  • Use ergonomic seating at work
When to See a Physiotherapist
  • Leg pain lasting more than a few days
  • Numbness or tingling that doesn't improve
  • Mild leg or foot weakness that isn't getting worse
  • Pain is severe or getting worse
  • Pain following an injury or accident
  • Unable to walk or stand due to pain
  • Previous sciatica episodes are recurring

Frequently Asked Questions

Most cases of sciatica improve significantly within 4-8 weeks with appropriate physiotherapy treatment. Acute sciatica from muscle spasm or minor disc irritation often resolves faster, while chronic cases or those involving significant disc herniation may take 8-12 weeks. Consistency with treatment and home exercises is key to faster recovery.
While severe pain may require short-term rest, prolonged bed rest actually slows recovery. Gentle movement and specific exercises help reduce inflammation and prevent muscle weakening. We'll guide you on which activities are safe and provide modifications for daily tasks. Walking is often beneficial, while sitting for long periods typically worsens symptoms.
Yes, physiotherapy is highly effective for treating sciatica. Research shows that conservative treatment successfully resolves most cases without surgery. We address the underlying cause - whether it's disc herniation, piriformis syndrome, or spinal stenosis - through manual therapy and targeted exercises. Combined with dry needling and clinical pilates for core strengthening, most patients achieve lasting relief with physiotherapy.
MRI is not usually needed for initial sciatica treatment. Our thorough clinical assessment can identify the likely cause and guide treatment effectively. Imaging is recommended if symptoms don't improve after 6-8 weeks of treatment, if there are signs of serious nerve compression, or if surgery is being considered. We'll refer you for imaging if clinically indicated.
Common aggravating factors include prolonged sitting, bending forward, lifting, and certain sleeping positions. Coughing and sneezing can also worsen symptoms due to increased spinal pressure. We'll identify your specific triggers and provide strategies to minimize aggravation while you recover.

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Meet the Practitioners

Our team of experienced physiotherapists and kinesiologists are ready to help you on your path to recovery.

Megan Davis

Megan Davis

Registered Physiotherapist

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Michaela Toffoli

Michaela Toffoli

Registered Physiotherapist

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Larissa Vishniakoff

Larissa Vishniakoff

Registered Physiotherapist

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Ready to Start Your Recovery?

Book your initial 55-minute assessment with one of our experienced physiotherapists at South Surrey.

Book Appointment Call +1 604 923 8323