Sciatica physio Frankston
Understanding symptoms that travel into the leg
Pain, tingling or numbness travelling into the leg can make sitting, sleep and walking uncomfortable. Ash will ask where you feel it and what brings it on, then check movement and relevant nerve function. He’ll explain what he finds and help you work out your next steps.
Sciatica is a pattern of symptoms
Sciatica describes symptoms associated with irritation or sensitivity of the sciatic nerve or its nerve roots. Symptoms and triggers differ between people, and not every episode of leg pain is sciatica. Assessment considers the back, hip, nerves, strength, movement and other possible contributors rather than relying on one test alone.
Go to an emergency department immediately for back or leg pain with new difficulty passing urine, loss of bladder or bowel control, numbness around the genitals or bottom, or severe or rapidly worsening leg weakness. Call 000 if you need an ambulance.
What your assessment may include
Ash will discuss where your symptoms travel, what aggravates or eases them and how they affect sitting, sleeping, work, walking, gym or sport. Assessment may include lower-back and hip movement, strength, reflexes, sensation and relevant nerve tests. If medical review or imaging may be appropriate, Ash will explain why.
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A plan matched to your symptoms
Your plan may include education, positions or activity changes that reduce aggravation, graded movement, strength work, nerve-mobility exercises when appropriate and a progressive return to daily activity, work or sport. Hands-on physiotherapy or dry needling may be considered as supporting treatments when suitable for you and with your consent. Recovery time varies. Ash will check your response and adjust the plan as you go.
When to arrange an assessment
Consider an assessment when back or leg symptoms are limiting sitting, sleep, walking, work or exercise, when they are not settling, or when you are unsure what movement is appropriate.
Does sciatica always mean a slipped disc?
No. Disc-related changes are one possible contributor, but symptoms and scan findings do not always match. Assessment considers the full clinical pattern rather than assuming one cause.
Sciatica FAQs
Can sciatica occur without back pain? Yes. Some people mainly notice symptoms in the buttock or leg.
Do I always need a scan? No. Imaging is not required for every presentation; the need depends on your history, examination and any warning signs.
Do I need a GP referral? Private patients can book directly without a GP referral.
Related care
One-to-one physiotherapy in Frankston
Appointments
Book online or call us on 0401 825 644.
My Therapist Group does not accept TAC, WorkCover or NDIS clients.