Physical Therapy Can Provide Sciatica Relief

1. PhysicalTherapyCan ProvideSciaticaRelief fritzphysicaltherapy.com KISSYOURPAINGOODBYE. Ourbodiesarecomposedofacomplexnetworkofmuscles,tendons,ligaments,andnerves.Yoursciatic nerveisthelargestnerveyou’vegotinyourbody.Itextendsfromthelumbarspinethroughthebuttocks area,andifthereisunnecessarypressureappliedtoit,itcancauseaworldofproblemsforyou. Sciatica,alsoknownas “lumbarradiculopathy,” isaverypainfulconditionthatresultsfromtheirritation ofthesciaticnerve.Thiskindofpainistypicallyfeltinthelumbarareaandbehindthethigh.It’salsoa commoncomplaintofindividualssufferingwithsciaticathattheyfeelthepainradiatingwellintothe lowerlimbs. Sciaticacanmakebending,walking,andexercisingpainfullydifficult.Themostcommoncauseof sciaticaislumbardischerniation,butitcanalsobecausedbyabackinjuryanddiscdegeneration.

2. HOWISSCIATICADIAGNOSEDAND TREATED? According to the Mayo Clinic, “Sciatica most commonly occurs when a herniated disk, bone spur on the spine or narrowing of the spine (spinal stenosis) compresses part of the nerve. This causes inflammation, pain and often some numbness in the affected leg.” Sciatica is typically diagnosed with questions regarding your medical history, alongside a physical exam. Many physical therapists may also have a CT scan or MRI performed to locate the root cause of sciatica. A physical therapist will work with you to: Increase your strength. Educate you on how to stand, bend and twist properly so as to prevent future injuries. Reduce sciatica pain. Improve your range of motion. Improve your flexibility. Help you return to normal activities. STRETCHESFORPAINRELIEF A physical therapist will typically use many different types of treatment to reduce the pain and symptoms you experience from sciatica. There are active treatments, passive treatments, aquatic treatments, and more. On the chance that your physical therapist discovers any weak muscles, you will be given proper corrective exercises to strengthen your core. These strengthening exercises not only focus on the lower back but also the abdominal muscles, hip muscles and glutes as well. All of these exercises help strengthen the spinal column, including the tendons, ligaments and supporting muscles while keeping the spine in proper alignment. The stretching exercises that your physical therapy will show you are meant to target muscles that are inflexible and tight. Hamstring stretching is a common and important part of a physical therapy treatment program to alleviate sciatica. An aquatic exercise program may also be recommended by a physical therapist. You can do exercises easily with the buoyancy of water.

3. TYPESOFTREATMENT: ACTIVETHERAPY Active therapy includes exercises, specific motions and stretches meant to speed up the healing process and provide pain relief. Your physical therapist will educate you on the different stretches and exercises you can do at home for pain relief. PASSIVETHERAPY Passive therapy may include massage therapy, electric therapy, heat therapy, or ultrasound therapy. All of these different kinds of treatment can help reduce pain, stimulate proper blood circulation and speed up the healing process. ELECTROTHERAPY Electrotherapy uses electricity to strengthen muscles, reduce pain, increase circulation and improve physical function. MASSAGETHERAPY Massage therapy helps alleviate sciatic nerve pain. It loosens tight back muscles that may be pressing on the sciatic nerve, and it increases the release of endorphins for pain relief. Heat therapy helps relax muscles and reduce inflammation. PHYSICALTHERAPYCOULDBEYOURANSWER Physical therapy for sciatica is a non-invasive, effective, safe treatment plan that is targeted to the root cause of your pain. A physical therapist will devise specialized treatment specific to you and your needs. If you or a loved one is suffering from sciatica, be sure to contact Fritz Physical Therapy for your personalized consultation with one of our physical therapists. A comprehensive exam will be performed, and your physical therapist will make sure you’re back up on your feet in no time at all. You’re just a phone call away from living a pain-free life — what are you waiting for? Original Source: https://fritzphysicaltherapy.com/physical-therapy- can-provide-sciatica-relief/