Sciatica: What It Is and How We Treat It at Medical Grade Physiotherapy & Wellness

Sciatica refers to pain that travels along the sciatic nerve, which runs from the lower back, through the hips and glutes, and down each leg. When this nerve becomes irritated or compressed, it can lead to a combination of symptoms that may affect daily movement and comfort.

What Causes Sciatica?

Sciatica can be triggered by several underlying issues, including:

  • Bulging or herniated discs

  • Spinal stenosis (narrowing of the spinal canal)

  • Degenerative disc disease

  • Piriformis syndrome (tightness in the deep glute muscles that compresses the nerve)

  • Pelvic or spinal misalignment

  • Muscle imbalances or poor movement patterns

Common Symptoms of Sciatica

People experiencing sciatica may notice:

  • Sharp, burning, or shooting pain down the leg

  • Numbness or tingling

  • Muscle weakness in the leg or foot

  • Pain that worsens with sitting, bending, or lifting

  • Difficulty standing or walking for long periods

How We Treat Sciatica at Our Burlington Clinic

At Medical Grade Physiotherapy & Wellness, we focus on identifying the source of the nerve irritation, not just the symptoms. This allows us to create a targeted, effective treatment plan.

Physiotherapy for Sciatica

Our physiotherapists use evidence-based treatments such as:

  • McKenzie extension exercises to reduce disc-related nerve pressure

  • Manual therapy to improve spinal and hip mobility

  • Targeted strengthening for the core, hips, and glutes

  • Nerve-gliding exercises to relieve nerve tension

  • Posture and movement retraining to prevent flare-ups

  • Heat, cold, and gentle modalities to reduce pain and inflammation

Physiotherapy helps calm irritation around the sciatic nerve while restoring stability and mobility.

Chiropractic Care for Sciatic Nerve Pain

Chiropractic treatments may include:

  • Spinal adjustments to improve alignment and reduce nerve compression

  • Pelvic adjustments to correct imbalances affecting the lower back

  • Joint mobilizations to improve movement

  • Soft tissue therapy for tight or spasmed muscles in the lower back and glutes

Improving spinal and pelvic mechanics can dramatically reduce sciatic pain and improve long-term function.

Massage Therapy for Muscle Relief

Massage therapy supports sciatica recovery by:

  • Reducing tension in the gluteal muscles and lower back

  • Improving circulation to promote healing

  • Addressing deep muscle tightness that may compress the sciatic nerve

This often complements physiotherapy and chiropractic care for a faster, more comfortable recovery.

A Comprehensive Approach to Lasting Relief

Sciatica can feel overwhelming, but with the right plan, most cases improve significantly. At Medical Grade Physiotherapy & Wellness, we take a multidisciplinary approach—combining physiotherapy, chiropractic care, and massage therapy—to treat both the symptoms and the underlying cause.

Our goal is to:

  • Reduce pain and inflammation

  • Restore normal movement

  • Strengthen the supporting muscles

  • Prevent future flare-ups

  • Help you return to daily activities comfortably and confidently