We all know that having sciatica can be a mental and physical challenge each and every day. This problem causes ongoing pain and numbness in the leg, originating from the lower back. In that case, physical therapy can be a good treatment option to resolve sciatica pain. However, regular effective physiotherapy can reduce inflammation and muscle tension. It provides a complete, non-invasive treatment approach. Let’s go through this blog to check physical therapy exercises to reduce your sciatica pain and restore your quality of life.
Overview of sciatica:
It is necessary to understand your condition is the first step to lead a pain-free life. However, sciatica is a nerve pain that occurs from an injury to your sciatica nerve. This sciatica nerve is the largest nerve in our body. This pain begins from your lower spine and travels down the back of your leg. Also, it controls the muscles of your leg and offers commotion to your leg, foot, and thigh. Having sciatica means you can experience mild to severe pain, tingling, numbness, and lower back pain.
Role of physiotherapy in sciatica pain management:
Physiotherapy exercises and treatments are quite effective in reducing sciatica pain. When you are going through daily physiotherapy treatments, you will get a wide array of health benefits. It is better to choose physiotherapy exercise rather than high-dose medicinal treatments. It helps to reduce your sciatica pain from the root. Through a combination of exercises and therapy techniques, physical therapy can help you to reduce pain and improve your lifestyle.
Exercises for reducing Sciatica pain
Physical therapy exercises are beneficial for reducing sciatica pain. Here are the top 2 physical therapy exercises that can help to reduce your sciatica pain.
Hamstring exercise
This exercise stretches the thigh muscles in the back and alleviates sciatica pain. To perform this exercise you need to sit on the floor extend your affected leg in front of you and bend your other leg and foot flat on the floor. Hold this stretch for a second and then release. Also, repeat this exercise by alternating the two legs.
Piriformis exercise
This exercise addresses the piriformis muscles and reduces sciatica pain. You should sit on the edge of a chair and cross your affected leg over the opposite knee with the help of your foot. Also, you should rest on the thigh of the opposite leg. However, hold this position for a few seconds and then release.
Physiotherapy treatment options for Sciatica
Dry needling
This therapy technique includes thin and solid needles to insert into the specific areas of the body. This process naturally heals our body and reduces body pain. It is an excellent treatment option that promotes the fastest recovery from pain.
Joint mobilization
Physiotherapists apply quick force at the end range of the motion of the joint. Thus, it promotes pain relief and restores joint movement.
Muscle energy techniques
With this treatment therapists move your painful joints through a specific range of motion. This technique reduces sciatica pain and restores function.