Can Physical Therapy Resolve My Recurrent Sciatica for Good?

Sciatica is a frequent cause of lower back pain, but it can be hard to treat effectively. About 25% of people who develop sciatica and resolve symptoms without surgery experience a recurrence within a year. And recurring symptoms may be even more likely over time. 

Considering this risk, many sciatica patients wonder whether conservative measures, like physical therapy, can help.

At North Valley Orthopedic Institute in Mission Hills and Tarzana, California, Dr. Ramin Ganjianpour regularly recommends physical therapy as part of his sciatica treatment regimen. 

Read on to learn why recurrent sciatica occurs, how physical therapy helps, and whether you can experience lasting relief.

What causes recurrent sciatica?

Sciatica typically improves with conservative treatments, such as rest, activity changes, and over-the-counter (OTC) anti-inflammatory medication. However, in some cases, flare-ups recur regularly, becoming a long-term hassle and significantly affecting quality of life.

That happens for various reasons, but common causes include:

• Herniated discs
• Spinal stenosis
• Degenerative disc disease
• Piriformis syndrome

If you have one of these conditions, poor posture, improper lifting techniques, and even stress can worsen symptoms, creating a cycle of persistent pain and mobility challenges. 

How physical therapy helps sciatica

The good news is that many patients with recurring sciatica find relief through a personalized physical therapy (PT) program. 

This approach involves stretches, strengthening exercises, and manual therapies such as massage to reduce sciatic nerve inflammation and help you move your body without making the problem worse.

However, for physical therapy to be effective, you must stick to your treatment plan. Failing to attend appointments regularly or follow your therapist's advice can slow your recovery or prolong symptoms. 

That said, physical therapy doesn’t always resolve sciatica on its own. We often recommend complementary treatments, such as PRP injections or, in severe cases, surgery.

Tips for success in physical therapy

Here are a few tips that can help ensure a successful outcome: 

Stay consistent

After each physical therapy session, your therapist provides a list of stretches and strengthening exercises to do at home. It can be challenging to make time for these activities, but doing so is essential. 

PT results build over time. Skipping your home exercises can set back your progress and make it more difficult to manage symptoms.

Communicate with your therapist

Your physical therapist is there to help you. To do that, they need to know what you’re experiencing. Tell them if you have any pain or feel like you aren’t making progress. Openness and honesty can build a good rapport and help keep your recovery on track.

Combine physical therapy with lifestyle changes

PT is only one piece of the sciatica recovery puzzle. Even if you follow your treatment plan, factors such as poor posture or improper lifting can worsen symptoms and delay progress. Your therapist can provide ergonomic recommendations to help you stay on track.

Understand that recovery takes time

Many people with sciatica experience great results with PT, but it’s not a miracle treatment. It requires a long-term commitment and a willingness to go the extra mile. 

Talk to us about physical therapy

If you’ve tried various treatments for sciatica but still struggle with lower back pain and mobility issues, physical therapy may be just the thing you’re looking for. 

Take the first step and schedule a consultation today. Even if you’re unsure whether physical therapy is right for you, our team can help guide you toward the best options for recovery.

Call North Valley Orthopedic Institute or request an appointment online today.