MSK Physiotherapy
Sciatica
Pain travelling from the lower back or buttock into the leg, caused by irritation or compression of the sciatic nerve.
Sciatica refers to pain caused by irritation or compression of the sciatic nerve. Symptoms often travel from the lower back or buttock down into the leg and may be accompanied by numbness, tingling or weakness. While many people assume sciatica is a condition on its own, it is actually a symptom of an underlying problem, making an accurate assessment essential.
Common causes
- Disc bulges
- Nerve root irritation or compression
- Spinal stenosis
- Piriformis syndrome
- Degenerative changes in the spine
- Spondylolisthesis
- Inflammation around the sciatic nerve
Assessment & treatment
Your physiotherapist will complete a comprehensive assessment to identify the source of your sciatic pain and determine whether the sciatic nerve is involved. This helps guide the most appropriate treatment and identify whether further investigation or referral is required.
Assessment may include:
- 1Discussing your symptoms and how they affect your daily activities
- 2Assessing your spinal movement, strength, reflexes and sensation
- 3Performing neurological and nerve tension tests
- 4Reviewing any X-rays, CT or MRI scans where appropriate
Treatment may include:
- Education about your condition and recovery
- Personalised exercises to reduce nerve irritation and improve mobility
- Hands-on therapy where appropriate, including soft tissue techniques, joint mobilisation or dry needling
- Advice on movement, posture and activity modification
- Progressive strengthening and rehabilitation
- Strategies to help you safely return to work, sport and everyday activities
How Simba Health treats Sciatica
Our msk physiotherapy clinicians assess the cause of your symptoms and build a personalised, evidence-based plan to treat Sciatica. With no GP referral required and initial appointments from $99, you can start care quickly at a clinic near you.
MSK Physiotherapy near you
Frequently asked questions
No. You can book msk physiotherapy directly at Simba Health with no GP referral, so you can start treatment for Sciatica without delay. Initial appointments start from $99. A referral may still help if you're claiming under a care plan.
Sciatica is treated under our msk physiotherapy service, with initial consultations from $99 and lower follow-up fees. We keep our pricing transparent so you know what to expect before your appointment.
Our msk physiotherapy clinicians assess the underlying cause of your symptoms, then build a personalised, evidence-based treatment plan for Sciatica. Many people start to notice improvement once the right plan is underway.
Not sure this is right for you?
Call us and we'll help you find the right service and clinician for your needs.
(02) 9188 0544