Physical Therapy for sciatica

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Mobile Rehab provides in-home, outpatient Physical Therapy for seniors.

Convenient

Personalized

Covered by insurance

Locally owned and operated in North Carolina since 2004

What is sciatica?

Sciatica is a medical condition characterized by pain that radiates along the path of the sciatic nerve, which runs from the lower back through the hips, buttocks, and down each leg. The pain is usually felt only on one side of the body.

Sciatica is caused by compression or irritation of the sciatic nerve, which can be the result of a variety of conditions such as a herniated disc, spinal stenosis, degenerative disc disease, or spinal tumors. Symptoms of sciatica may include sharp pain, tingling, or numbness in the affected leg or foot, and weakness or difficulty moving the affected leg.

Treatment for sciatica depends on the underlying cause and severity of symptoms, and may include medications such as pain relievers or muscle relaxants, physical therapy, exercise, hot or cold therapy, or in severe cases, surgery.

Source: Mayo Clinic

What are the symptoms of sciatica?

The symptoms of sciatica can vary depending on the location and severity of the nerve compression or irritation. However, the most common symptoms of sciatica include:

Pain: The most common symptom of sciatica is a sharp, shooting pain that radiates along the path of the sciatic nerve, usually on one side of the body. The pain can be mild or severe, and it can worsen with movements like coughing, sneezing, or sitting for extended periods.
Numbness or tingling: People with sciatica may experience a feeling of numbness, tingling, or pins and needles in the leg or foot that is affected by the condition.
Weakness: The affected leg may feel weak, making it difficult to stand up, walk, or lift objects.
Burning sensation: Some people with sciatica may experience a burning sensation in the affected leg or foot.
Bowel or bladder changes: In rare cases, sciatica can cause bowel or bladder changes, such as incontinence or difficulty urinating. This requires immediate medical attention.

It's important to note that sciatica symptoms can be similar to other medical conditions, so it's important to see a healthcare professional for proper diagnosis and treatment.

Source: Cleveland Clinic

What causes sciatica?

Sciatica is typically caused by compression or irritation of the sciatic nerve, which is the largest nerve in the body. This nerve runs from the lower back, through the buttocks, and down each leg.

Some of the most common causes of sciatica include:

Herniated or slipped disc: This occurs when the gel-like substance inside a spinal disc protrudes through a tear in the outer layer, compressing the sciatic nerve.
Spinal stenosis: This is a narrowing of the spinal canal, which puts pressure on the sciatic nerve.
Degenerative disc disease: This is a condition where the discs between the vertebrae break down over time, leading to pressure on the sciatic nerve.
Piriformis syndrome: The piriformis muscle, which is located in the buttock region, can sometimes irritate or compress the sciatic nerve.
Spondylolisthesis: This is a condition where one vertebra slips forward over the vertebra below it, which can put pressure on the sciatic nerve.
Trauma or injury: A fall, car accident, or other injury to the lower back can sometimes lead to sciatica.
Tumors: Rarely, tumors can compress the sciatic nerve and cause sciatica.

There are also risk factors that can increase the likelihood of developing sciatica, such as age, obesity, and a sedentary lifestyle.

Source: Penn Medicine

How can physical therapy help with sciatica?

Physical therapy can be an effective treatment option for people with sciatica. A physical therapist can design an individualized exercise program to help relieve pain, improve flexibility, and strengthen the muscles in the affected area. Here are some ways that physical therapy can help with sciatica:

Pain relief: Physical therapists can use a variety of techniques to help relieve pain, including massage, ice or heat therapy, and electrical stimulation.
Exercise: Specific exercises can help improve flexibility and strengthen the muscles in the affected area. These may include stretching exercises for the lower back and hamstrings, as well as exercises to strengthen the abdominal and gluteal muscles.
Posture correction: Poor posture can contribute to sciatica, so physical therapists can help correct posture to reduce pressure on the sciatic nerve.
Manual therapy: Manual therapy techniques such as joint mobilization and soft tissue mobilization can help reduce pain and improve mobility.
Education: Physical therapists can educate patients on ways to prevent future episodes of sciatica by teaching proper lifting and bending techniques and other exercises to maintain good posture and spinal health.

It's important to note that the type and duration of physical therapy will depend on the severity and cause of the sciatica, and a physical therapist will work with the patient to develop a personalized treatment plan.

Source: Spine Health

Frequently asked questions

Meet our therapists

Click below to learn more about all of our therapists in your area

Patients trust Mobile Rehab

The physical therapist came to our house and carefully reviewed our case. He designed therapies and strategies that have worked well for us. For example, my husband could not get off the floor by himself and I could not lift him when he fell. Together we learned techniques to cope with this situation in our home. Joshua designed fun and effective exercises to improve strength and flexibility. My husband can now get in and out of chairs and cars without help and walks more easily. Since we used equipment in and around the home, my husband can remember and apply what he has learned. Mobile Rehab accepted our insurance and worked out approval to provide services. We did not need a referral from our doctor. My husband and I highly recommend Mobile Rehab if you or a loved one needs physical therapy.Jerry from Pittsboro

I wanted to tell you how much better I think Mom is since starting your PT. She has been less off balance, quicker to equilibrate to standing, and has had more stamina. I also think she is less depressed and feels more accomplished. Josh has been prompt and polite, as well as engaging in conversation to make Mom feel at ease. Thank you!Karen Pool - Google Review

In my many years of experience with PT for a variety of injuries, I have never worked with a therapist as knowledgeable, energetic, patient, and committed to my recovery and health as Celeste. She is interested in the cause of the problem and finding solutions, rather than only dealing with superficial symptoms. The manual work she does always leaves me feeling better and the exercises/stretches she has taught me target exactly where the problems lie. I can tell that I’m noticeably stronger and more flexible because of them. Anyone who gets to work with Celeste is lucky indeed! Judy R - 72 years young 😉

Both my husband and I are working with Amy, a PT for Mobile Rehab. She has been helping me after knee replacement surgery, and is working with my husband with balance, strengthening and walking. She is a gem! She is enthusiastic, engaging, and always positive. I would gladly recommend Amy and Mobile Rehab to anyone who needs physical therapy!Mona Harrison - Google Review

Oh my goodness, I cannot say enough good things about my therapist, Jennifer. After having a complete shoulder replacement and being discharged by my doctor, he recommended that I could still need therapy to help get me back to “normal”. My friend in Asheville recommended Jennifer to me. I set up an appointment and Jen showed up, right on time, at my apartment with her folding table in tow. She was so knowledgeable about how my shoulder worked, the muscles, tendons and the rotator cuff. After working on the painful spots I complained about, she set up a plan to work out the stiffness and soreness. Now, after 2 visits per week for four weeks, I feel like a new woman. At her last visit, she gave me the coping skills I needed to keep my shoulder in good shape. I am so impressed with her work that I recommend her highly as my most favored therapist.Jane Cumby - Google Review

Deb's professional manner is greatly appreciated as she continues to help me maintain my mobility with a variety of exercises and movements. Her positive attitude during my sessions gives me a sense of well-being.Nancy C. - Google Review

Erin Rankin and Cheryl Reid are skilled physical therapists. As a Parkinson's patient, I have benefited greatly from their expertise. I feel that by keeping my muscles stretched, I have contributed to my current state of mobility. If they are going to be a few minutes late, they are thoughtful and considerate by sending a text to me. When scheduling appointments, efforts are made to accommodate my specific timing needs. Due to the longevity of our relationships, levels of trust have been built. Their pleasant personalities add to the care they give. I look forward to seeing them each week. Nancy C - Google Review

The therapist from Mobile Rehab has been fantastic and very helpful to me. She clearly is the best PT I have ever had.Laureen F of Chapel Hill

Each time a PT moves on we think no one could be as good and them amazingly they seem to be even better. Have used for years and always with great satisfactionSue Clark - Google Review

I have been so impressed with Mobile Rehab. I've been working with Lacey K. DPT. post-op for a knee replacement. She is extremely professional, answers all of my questions and it seems not to bother her if I ask the same question again! She works me hard and that's what I need. She'll tell me either I'm doing it right or will correct me in a very calm and pleasant manner. Lacey explains everything I'm doing and why. I can't say enough good things about Mobile Rehab especially Lacey!Mary Beth Bryman - Google Review

Use your insurance or pay privately

No prescription is needed to start. Mobile Rehab is covered by insurance and provides in-home physical therapy.

Medicare

$0 per visit

Many Medicare plans with a supplement policy will cover all of our fees.

Commercial Insurance

Same as a clinic

Pay the same copay as if you went to a clinic for therapy. We accept many major insurances and will verify your benefits before starting.

Private Pay

$120

Easy payment options available.

HOW TO GET STARTED

Contact Us by Phone, Email, or Fax
We’ll help you check your insurance benefits. You do not need to be homebound and you should not be currently receiving any other physical therapy or skilled nursing services in the home.
Schedule an Evaluation
We will match you with a therapist and have them contact you to plan a date, time and location that works best for you.
It’s That Easy!
We make it simple to get the care you need… and exceed your expectations while doing so.

SERVICES

Fall Prevention

We provide research-based, individualized fall prevention interventions that have been shown to greatly reduce your risk of falling and injuries, including the OTAGO fall prevention program.

Click here to
learn more about OTAGO

General Rehab

Avoid driving to a clinic and get the individualized care you deserve. We work with many conditions ranging from post-stroke, Parkinson’s, vertigo to rotator cuff dysfunction and much more. Contact us for details.

After Home Health

We can improve care continuity by providing in home therapy even after you have been discharged by a Home Health agency. Avoid the hassle of driving and continue to make progress towards your goals.

Strength and Conditioning

We can help you improve your strength, mobility, range of motion, or any other functional limitations that impair your daily activity.

Pain Relief

We develop individualized care plans to help manage your aches and pains through exercise and hands-on techniques.