Sciatica is a condition characterized by pain, numbness, tingling, and/or weakness radiating from the lower back, hip, or buttock down the leg and sometimes into the foot. It typically arises from underlying medical conditions such as a herniated or degenerated disc or nerve root compression in the lumbar spine. Physical therapy is a primary and highly effective treatment for sciatica, aiming to relieve symptoms, promote healing of the underlying cause, and prevent recurrence. Physiotherapy for sciatica involves a comprehensive approach tailored to the individual's specific condition, pain level, and overall health. The goals of physical therapy include restoring pain-free functional movement, reducing muscle spasms, improving lower body mobility, and fostering a better healing environment in the lower back. Physiotherapists utilize a variety of techniques, often in combination, to achieve these goals. Key physiotherapy treatments for sciatica include: Exercise Therapy: Extension and Flexion Back Exercises: These exercises, often part of the McKenzie Method (mechanical diagnosis and therapy), promote spinal movement and can help centralize radiating pain, moving it closer to the spine, which indicates symptom improvement. Strengthening Exercises: These focus on strengthening muscles in the abdomen, lower back, hips, and legs. They can include isometric exercises (contracting muscles without joint movement, like planks) for acute symptoms and isotonic exercises (using resistance bands or weights) for increased muscle strength. Functional Retraining: This involves reintroducing daily movements like lifting, carrying, and bending with proper technique to prevent re-injury. Nerve Glides (Nerve Mobilization): These active or passive techniques facilitate movement of the symptomatic nerve to reduce symptoms. Gait Training: A therapist analyzes and retrains walking patterns to correct imbalances and reduce pain. Active Assisted Range of Motion: This involves therapist-assisted movement of lower body parts to facilitate joint and muscle movement. Manual Therapy Techniques: Joint Mobilization and Manipulation: Therapists apply pressure or quick thrusts to joints to relieve pain and restore movement. Dry Needling: A certified healthcare provider uses small needles to target trigger points in muscles, releasing hyper-irritable or hyper-contracted tissue to reduce pain. Muscle Energy Technique: This involves gentle muscle contractions by the patient combined with therapist-assisted movement of joints through a specific range of motion. Myofascial Release and Soft Tissue Mobilization: Manual techniques using hands or instruments to mobilize soft tissues in the lower back, hips, or legs, addressing fascial restrictions and reducing muscle tension. Electrotherapy and Other Modalities: Heat Therapy: Applied to the lower back to relax nerves. Interferential Therapy (IFT) and Ultrasound (US): Commonly used electrotherapy modalities for pain reduction. Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS): Stimulates nerves to produce endorphins, acting as natural pain relievers. Lumbar Traction: Helps to relax nerves and is often used in conjunction with IFT. Posture and Lifestyle Modifications: Maintaining correct and ergonomically supported posture while sitting, standing, and walking is crucial. Adopting ergonomically safe lifting techniques and good sleep postures are also important. Regular movement is encouraged over prolonged bed rest, as inactivity can worsen pain and lead to deconditioning.