Physical Therapy for Sciatica in Kansas City
Sciatica is a general term in reference to pain along the sciatic nerve that presents around the buttocks, but often is caused by a referral pattern from the low back or hip.
Sciatica, which typically occurs around the buttocks or gluteal muscles, is usually caused by some form of compression along the nerves exiting the lower back or lumbar spine or compression directly along the Sciatic nerve. The nerves from the low back combine to form the sciatic nerve which is where the term sciatica originates from. Sciatica can present as sharp pain, achey-ness, numbness, or tingling. It usually occurs on one side of the body but may appear on both sides. Sciatica is usually quite easy to treat conservatively with physical therapy depending on the cause of the pain.
Sciatica can occur with bad sitting posture, bio-mechanical deficiencies, or tight musculature of the glute or hip. Static sitting or standing positions can create inflammation around the nerves of the low back, as well as the sciatic nerve directly due to compression of the nerve with sitting. This inflammation causes referred pain (pain further down the body) which presents as numbness/tingling in the buttock, or further down the leg. Most Sciatica symptoms are short term and intermittent. However, the longer the nerves are inflamed, the more constant the symptoms can become.
Sciatica Symptoms
- Back pain
- Numbness
- Tingling
- Burning
- Achiness
- Sharp pains
- Stabbing
- Pins and Needles
Treatments for Sciatica
The treatment options for sciatica typically consists of conservative management like chiropractic care or physical therapy, oral steroids, epidurals or surgery. Patients are highly encouraged to start with conservative care, as more invasive options may produce poor long-term outcomes or potential hazardous side effects. It is rare that sciatic symptoms require surgery options.
Our Treatment Process
The physical therapists at F.I.T. Muscle and Joint Clinic are ART-, FAKTR-, and dry needling-certified to help treat sciatica. If the symptoms of sciatica are coming from the back our doctors have been trained in McKenzie Method which is highly effective at eliminating low back pain or sciatica. McKenzie Method uses repetitive loading procedures to reduce the derangement causing the pain or restriction in normal joint or soft tissue motion.
ART, FAKTR, and dry needling all help reduce soft tissue inflammation and derangement of tissue that could be causing unnecessary load on the sciatic nerve. Lastly, F.I.T. will often give a variety of corrective exercises to improve breathing, posture and bracing to not only treat the current symptoms but also prevent the pain from returning once it has resolved.
Possible Treatments for Sciatica
For other treatment options, check out our chiropractic services for sciatica.
Dry Needling
Dry Needling is the process of using a thin needle inserted into a trigger point to relieve a contracture within a muscle.
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Rehabilitation Exercises
Physical Therapy Rehabilitation Exercise that favors quality movements over quantity of reps is key to restoring proper function.
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Active Release Technique
Active Release Technique (A.R.T) is one of the leading soft tissue therapies for the treatment of muscles, tendons, ligaments, fascia and nerves.
Learn MoreFrequently Asked Questions
What's the most common sciatica treatment?
Physical therapy treatments vary depending on what the individual is experiencing. Often times we will utilize various soft tissue treatments to address dysfunction which will then be accompanied rehabilitation exercises.
Are there sciatica stretches I can do between visits?
Yes, your physical therapist will equip you with case specific exercises you can do to optimize the treatments you receive during your appointment.
What is the best way to relieve sciatica nerve pain?
One of the most effective methods we have found to relieve sciatica nerve pain is soft tissue therapy with our physical therapists in Kansas City. This can include dry needling, graston and ART.
are you suffering from sciatica?
Take a couple of minutes to tell us about your symptoms and pain areas. Prefer to chat over the phone? Call us for a free phone consultation.
Visit your local F.I.T. Physical Therapist
Meet the team at any of our 5 locations: Lee’s Summit, Crossroads, Blue Valley, Overland Park & Shawnee.
