Related article
When should back pain be assessed by a physiotherapist?
Learn the warning signs and when to seek professional help, so you can get the right treatment early and get back to doing the things you enjoy.
Read Article
360°Carearoundyou
Conditions we treat
SciaticaPain that travels from your lower back down your leg.
Sciatica happens when the sciatic nerve is irritated or compressed. It can cause pain, tingling or numbness that travels from your lower back, through your buttock and down one leg.
Book an AssessmentUnderstand the symptoms
What it feels like
Sciatica can feel different for everyone. You may experience one or more of the following:
Pain
A sharp, burning or shooting pain from your lower back down your leg.
Tingling or numbness
Pins and needles or reduced feeling in your leg or foot.
Radiating pain
Pain that travels from the lower back, through the buttock and down one side.
Weakness
Your leg may feel weaker than usual.
Worse with certain activities
Symptoms may increase when sitting, coughing, sneezing or bending.
Why it happens
Common causes
- A bulging or herniated disc pressing on the nerve
- Narrowing of the spaces around the nerves (spinal stenosis)
- Tight or irritated muscles in the buttock
- Long periods of sitting, lifting or awkward movements
When to seek help
When to see a physiotherapist
Early assessment and the right exercises can help reduce pain, improve movement and prevent the problem from coming back.
You should see a physiotherapist if:
- You have pain, tingling or numbness in your leg
- Your leg pain makes it hard to sit, walk or sleep
- You notice weakness in your leg or foot
- Your symptoms are affecting work, sleep or daily activities
- You want to understand what’s causing your symptoms and how to manage them safely
Seek urgent medical care if you:
- Sudden weakness in your leg
- Loss of control of your bladder or bowel
- Numbness in the groin area (saddle area)
- Severe, rapidly worsening pain
If you have any of these, call Rescue 1122 or go to your nearest emergency department — don’t wait for a physiotherapy appointment.
How we help
How we treat sciatica
Our treatment is tailored to your symptoms, lifestyle and goals.
1Detailed assessment
We understand your symptoms, movement and daily challenges.
2Targeted treatment plan
A personalized plan with hands-on care and specific exercises.
3Restore movement and strength
We help you move more comfortably and rebuild strength.
4Prevent it from coming back
We teach you how to manage your condition and reduce the risk of future flare-ups.
Typical recovery timeline
How long does recovery take?
Recovery varies from person to person. This is a typical guide, not a guarantee.
Weeks 1–2
Reduce pain
Pain and inflammation start to settle. You begin gentle movement and specific exercises.
Weeks 3–6
Improve function
You move more easily, build strength and gradually return to daily activities.
6+ weeks
Greater confidence
Most people feel significantly better and return to the activities they enjoy, with a plan to prevent recurrence.
Frequently asked questions
Your questions, answered.
What causes sciatica?
Most often a disc in the lower back pressing on the sciatic nerve. Narrowing around the nerve or tight buttock muscles can also cause it.
Can sciatica be treated without surgery?
Yes. Most people improve with physiotherapy, exercise and time. Surgery is only needed in a small number of cases.
How can I prevent sciatica from coming back?
Staying active, strengthening your back and core, and changing position regularly all help. We’ll give you a plan to follow.
Do I need a doctor’s referral?
No. You can book an assessment directly. If we think you need scans or a doctor’s opinion, we’ll tell you and help you arrange it.
Sameexpert care.A brightertomorrow.
Your next step