The term “sciatica” refers to symptoms related to the compression or irritation of the sciatic nerve. This nerve originates in the lower back, runs down into the buttocks and hips, and branches off into both legs. The shooting leg pain, hip pain, tingling, numbness and muscle weakness that occur can have a serious impact on your quality of life. Sciatica pain can make everyday tasks, ranging from yardwork to driving your car, difficult to impossible.

If you’re a Franklin, Wisconsin, resident who is trying to prevent sciatica while driving or during other normal activities, our team is here to help. A great first step on your treatment journey is educating yourself on how physical therapy can offer relief for sciatica and its underlying causes. Franklin Rehabilitation wants to get you back to the active lifestyle you deserve — and we invite you to reach out to us with any questions. 

How does physical therapy prevent sciatica symptoms? 

Physical therapists can help relieve sciatica through a combination of active and passive measures such as therapeutic exercise and manual therapy. With active techniques such as strength and stability exercises, patients perform movements designed to strengthen the muscles in the lower back, hips, knees and core. This can better support the spine and relieve pressure on the sciatic nerve. 

Passive techniques, in contrast, are those that are performed on the patient by the therapist. The goal is to address the  joints and soft tissue to improve mobility and increase circulation. Specific passive therapies include: 

• Manual therapy
• Trigger point therapy
• Joint mobilization
• Cupping
• Dry needling
• Muscle energy
• Instrument assisted soft tissue mobilization
• Strain-counterstrain

To help prevent sciatica flare-ups while driving, your therapist can also provide instruction for stretches, ergonomic fixes and posture improvements that can offer relief. 

Sciatica relief right in Franklin, WI

The caring team at Franklin Rehabilitation wants to help patients in and around Franklin find the relief they deserve no matter what the underlying cause of pain. We’ll work with you closely to identify the causes of your sciatica and develop an effective treatment plan to help you get back to enjoying the people and activities you love. 

Don’t let pain continue to run your life. Contact us today and schedule your initial appointment.