Physical therapy to treat sciatica

Sciatica is caused when the muscles in the hip place pressure on the sciatic nerve, which can cause excruciating pain. The sciatic nerve is a major nerve the travels the full length of the body, following the lumbar region of the back and down the leg all the way to the foot. Typically this nerve does not trouble people, but it is vulnerable to pressure due to its path though the hip. In many cases physical therapy will result in effective and long-lasting pain relief.

There are a variety of physical therapy options available in the treatment of sciatica. The types of treatments usually fall into two categories: active therapy and more passive treatments. Active treatments may include strengthening activities and stretching. The more passive treatment options can consist of massage, Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS), and Ultrasound. All of these have the potential for temporary, and in some cases, more permanent, sciatica relief.

The main types of physical therapy that involve movement and activity have different benefits. The first of which is strengthening. Strengthening is used to decrease the chances of injury and create proper back alignment. Sciatica strength training usually focuses on the lumbar region in the back, the gluteal muscles, and the thigh muscles.

The next component in treating sciatica is stretching. Stretching helps relax the muscles that have become resistant to movement and are causing the impingement of the sciatic nerve.

In some cases, treatments that are less active may be suggested by the physical therapist, the first of which ultrasound. Sound waves produced by an ultrasound machine can actually decrease the time it takes to heal and relieve muscles that are stiff and inflexible by improving the circulation and gently heating the muscles.

A second approach may be massage. Massage that is deep and firm will not only help soothe those cramped muscles, but can actually make the nerves and ligaments both relax. The third more common and less active approach is transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS). In some cases using a very small and controlled amount of electricity can decrease the intensity and number of muscle spasms and can help release pain blocking endorphins, much like aerobics.

Pinnacle Physical Therapy's team includes some of the highest trained and most experienced physical therapists in North Idaho. The entire team is very familiar in the management of pain while treating many conditions, including sciatica. Their primary concern is relieving your sciatic pain and getting you back to normal. Make an appointment today with one of our physical therapists and get the pain relief you are looking for. We have two convenient locations, accept most forms of insurance (including Medicare/Medicaid, Workers Comp Claims for Idaho and out of state, offer substantial cash pay discounts, and accept Care Credit!), offer extended business hours to accommodate your schedule and most importantly, we get you in fast so you can start feeling better right away.

Post Falls (208) 777-4242 or Coeur d'Alene (208) 665-2000, www.pinnaclephysicaltherapy.org