Physiotherapy for Sciatica in Glasgow

Sciatica describes pain that travels from the lower back, through the buttock, and down the back of the leg – often caused by irritation or compression of the sciatic nerve as it leaves the spine. It can range from a mild ache to a sharp, electric pain that disrupts sleep, work, and everyday life.

Sciatica is one of the most distressing presentations we see, but also one where good physiotherapy makes a real difference. The vast majority of sciatica cases settle without injections or surgery when managed well in the early weeks and months, and our role is to guide you through that process with a clear plan.

Sciatica symptoms vary widely between patients, but common presentations include:

• Pain that travels from the lower back into the buttock and down the leg
• Pain that is worse on one side than the other
• Sharp, shooting, or electric-shock-like pain in the leg
• Pins and needles or numbness in the leg or foot
• Pain that gets worse with sitting, standing, or specific positions
• Difficulty walking, bending, or finding a comfortable position
• Mild leg weakness – particularly noticeable on stairs or when standing on one leg

Sciatica assessment involves looking at your lumbar spine movement, the mobility of the sciatic nerve itself (neural tension testing), the strength of the muscles in your hip, leg, and core, the pattern and distribution of your symptoms (to identify which spinal level is involved), and your reflexes and sensation in the leg. This thorough assessment is what allows us to plan treatment confidently, and to recognise the small number of cases that need onward referral.

Treatment is usually a combination of manual therapy to the lumbar spine and pelvis to reduce nerve irritation, neural mobilisation techniques to restore the sciatic nerve’s normal movement, and a carefully graded exercise programme to build the strength and resilience that protects your back long-term.

We’ll give you clear advice on positions and activities that calm the nerve (and which to avoid in the acute stage), home techniques you can use between sessions, and an honest conversation about what good progress looks like. Where appropriate to the case, laser therapy may be used to support recovery.