When is physiotherapy recommended for spinal stenosis?

Spinal stenosis is narrowing around the spinal canal or nerve pathways. It may cause back pain, leg discomfort, tingling, or heaviness that increases with standing or walking and eases in certain seated or bent-forward positions. The [Spinal Stenosis](/conditions/spinal-stenosis/) page explains the condition. Physiotherapy cannot widen the canal, but it can address strength, mobility, posture, balance, and safe activity choices.

The therapist may measure walking tolerance, leg strength, balance, and how symptoms respond to different positions. Sessions can include trunk and hip strengthening, mobility work, supported conditioning, pacing, and advice on using a trolley, rail, or rest breaks when appropriate. Keep moving within your advised limits, and report a steady increase in leg symptoms rather than pushing through it. See [Physiotherapy](/treatments/physiotherapy-and-rehabilitation/physiotherapy/).

Seek emergency care for new loss of bladder or bowel control, numbness around the groin, or rapidly worsening weakness in both legs. Contact a clinician promptly for progressive foot weakness, repeated falls, severe unrelenting pain, or a clear decline in walking ability.

Ask which positions and exercises are suitable, how much walking is reasonable, whether nerve testing or imaging is needed, and when specialist or surgical review should be considered.