What should I expect in my first appointment?

Your first visit will be 55 minutes and includes a comprehensive assessment of your condition, medical history, and movement patterns. Your physiotherapist will create a personalized treatment plan tailored to your goals.

Do you accept extended health insurance?

Yes! We offer direct billing for 25+ insurance providers including Pacific Blue Cross, Manulife, Sunlife, and more. Check our full list or contact us at info@ateasephysio.ca.

How do I book an appointment?

Book online through our Jane App booking system, call us at 604-923-8323, or visit us in person at Morgan Crossing.

Sciatica Treatment

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

Book Appointment Call (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
Weakness in your leg or foot
Pain is severe or getting worse
Difficulty controlling bladder or bowels (emergency)
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.