What to expect from exercise therapy for sciatica

A physiotherapist may ask how back and leg symptoms behave with sitting, standing, walking, bending, or coughing. They may check leg strength, sensation, reflexes, spinal movement, and walking. Exercises could include comfortable back or hip movements, abdominal and gluteal strengthening, mobility work, and a gradual walking plan. Some people are shown positions that reduce leg symptoms; others need a different direction of movement. The response during and after activity guides progression.

Keep moving within the limits agreed with your clinician and change position regularly if sitting aggravates symptoms. Perform the prescribed exercises with steady breathing and stop a movement that causes spreading or clearly increasing leg pain. Build walking or household activity in manageable stages instead of testing the painful limit repeatedly. Record changes in pain, tingling, strength, and function so the next appointment can refine the plan.

Seek urgent medical care for new loss of bladder or bowel control, numbness around the inner thighs or genitals, rapidly worsening leg weakness, or symptoms in both legs. Prompt review is also appropriate after serious trauma, with fever and severe back pain, or when pain is accompanied by unexplained illness. Exercise should be reassessed if symptoms consistently worsen rather than settle after activity.

Ask which symptoms should improve first, whether nerve tension exercises are suitable, how to pace walking, and what lifting or sitting changes may help. Read more about [Sciatica](/conditions/sciatica/) and [Exercise Therapy](/treatments/physiotherapy-and-rehabilitation/exercise-therapy/).