Sciatica Physiotherapy in Surrey
Sciatica is commonly used to describe pain that travels from the lower back or buttock into a leg, sometimes with tingling, numbness or weakness. At WellCare, physiotherapy begins with an assessment to understand your symptoms, movement, function and goals before recommending a personalized plan.
What are common sciatica symptoms?
Symptoms often affect one side and may extend from the low back or buttock into the thigh, calf, foot or toes. The experience varies, and pain that travels into the leg is not always caused by the same structure.
- Sharp, burning or electric-like leg pain
- Tingling or pins and needles
- Numbness or altered sensation
- Weakness or reduced confidence with walking and daily activity
- Symptoms aggravated by certain positions, coughing or sneezing
How physiotherapy may help
Your plan is based on assessment findings rather than a one-size-fits-all exercise list. Care may include:
Education and activity guidance
Understanding symptom behaviour, comfortable positions, pacing and gradual return to normal activities.
Individualized exercise
Mobility, strength and movement exercises selected for your current abilities and response.
Hands-on care when appropriate
Manual therapy may be included as one part of an exercise-based rehabilitation plan.
What happens at your first visit?
Your physiotherapist will ask about when symptoms began, where they travel, what makes them better or worse, and how they affect sleep, work, walking and other activities. The physical assessment may review movement, strength, sensation, reflexes and functional tasks when appropriate.
Findings are explained clearly. If symptoms require medical assessment or further investigation, your physiotherapist will discuss the next step. Imaging is not routinely required for every episode of sciatica.
A plan built around your goals
Rehabilitation may focus on returning to work, sitting more comfortably, walking, exercising or managing daily responsibilities. Progress is reviewed and the plan is adjusted according to your response.
WellCare provides physiotherapy in Surrey with free plaza parking, elevator access and direct billing for many eligible plans and claims.
Sciatica physiotherapy FAQs
What does sciatica feel like?
Sciatica commonly describes pain that travels from the lower back or buttock into one leg. Some people also notice tingling, numbness or weakness. Similar symptoms can have different causes, so an individual assessment is important.
Do I need imaging before physiotherapy?
Imaging is not routinely needed for every episode of low back pain or sciatica. A physiotherapist can screen your symptoms and recommend medical assessment when imaging or further investigation may be appropriate.
What may treatment include?
Care may include education, activity guidance, individualized exercise, mobility or strength work, and manual therapy as part of an exercise-based plan when clinically appropriate.
How soon should I seek help?
Consider an assessment if symptoms are worsening, are limiting normal activities, or are not settling. Seek urgent medical care for the warning signs described above.
Talk with a Surrey physiotherapist
Call WellCare to ask about an assessment or use Jane to book online.