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Sciatica - Treatment In Portsmouth and Eastleigh
Active Motion Injury Clinic specialises in hands-on treatment for sciatica in Portsmouth, Eastleigh and the surrounding areas*. Our musculoskeletal specialists identify the root cause of your nerve pain and create a personalised recovery plan, helping you get back to walking, working, and living without the sharp, radiating discomfort that sciatica brings.
5.0 ★★★★★ | Trusted by thousands of patients across Hampshire
*surrounding areas: Romsey, Southampton, Chandlers Ford, Winchester, Waterlooville, Chichester, Emsworth, Peterfield
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What Is Sciatica?
Sciatica is pain caused by irritation or compression of the sciatic nerve, the longest nerve in the body, which runs from the lower back through the buttock and down each leg. It is not a diagnosis in itself, but a symptom of an underlying problem that, with the right treatment, can be fully resolved.
Disc herniation is the most common cause, accounting for approximately 85% of sciatica cases (Ropper and Zafonte, 2015, New England Journal of Medicine). Other causes include:
Reference: Ropper AH, Zafonte RD (2015). Sciatica. New England Journal of Medicine, 372(13), 1240-1248.
- Piriformis syndrome: tightness in a deep gluteal muscle irritating the nerve
- Facet joint inflammation causing spinal nerve compression
- Weak core or glute muscles leading to poor spinal stability
- Prolonged sitting or sedentary lifestyle
- Previous back injury or trauma
Sciatica Symptoms To Look For
- Pain radiating from the lower back or buttock down into the leg
- Sharp, burning, or shooting pain in the thigh or calf
- Numbness or tingling in the leg or foot
- Muscle weakness in the leg or foot
- Pain that worsens with sitting, coughing, or sneezing
- Difficulty standing upright or walking without pain
Symptoms can range from a mild ache to severe, debilitating pain. If you are experiencing any of these, it is worth getting assessed early. The longer sciatica is left untreated, the more stubborn it tends to become.
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How We Treat Sciatica
We can often begin reducing nerve pain within just a few sessions by easing pressure on the sciatic nerve. Your treatment plan will be explained clearly from your very first appointment. You will understand what is causing your sciatica, why it has happened, and exactly what we are going to do about it.
- Full-body movement screen: assessing posture, gait, and spinal function from head to toe
- Hands-on manual therapy: releasing tight muscles and restoring joint movement
- Nerve mobilisation techniques: gently reducing nerve tension and irritation
- Targeted rehabilitation exercises: strengthening the core and glutes to remove pressure from the nerve
- Stimpod Therapy: to reeducate the nerve which is causing pain, tingling numbness or burning
- Shockwave therapy: for persistent, stubborn cases
Sciatica FAQs
How long does sciatica take to get better?
Mild to moderate sciatica often improves significantly within 6 to 12 weeks with the right individually tailored treatment plan. More severe or long-standing cases may take longer. We will give you a realistic timeline at your first appointment based on your specific situation.
Can sciatica go away on its own?
Sometimes yes, but many people find it keeps returning without treatment. The underlying cause, such as a disc problem or muscle imbalance, rarely resolves by itself. Treatment that addresses the root cause gives you a much better long-term outcome.
Is walking good for sciatica?
Gentle movement is generally beneficial, but the type, pace, and duration matters. Overdoing it can aggravate symptoms. We will advise you on the right level of activity for your specific case from your very first visit.
When should I seek urgent medical attention for sciatica?
Seek emergency medical care immediately if you experience loss of bladder or bowel control, numbness in the groin or inner thighs, or severe weakness in both legs. These symptoms may indicate cauda equina syndrome, which requires immediate hospital assessment.
Do I need a scan to diagnose sciatica?
Not usually. In most cases an experienced clinician can identify the cause of sciatica through a thorough physical assessment. Scans are most useful when surgery is being considered or symptoms are severe and not responding to treatment.
How much does each session cost for sciatica?
We offer a FREE consultation to ensure that we can help you. After hearing more about what you are currently suffering with and answering any questions you may have. A qualified practitioner will put together a tailored plan for you. The number of sessions will depend on a number of factors such as the duration of symptoms and their history.
Having suffered sciatica for over a year, my doctor suggested I try physiotherapy.
Although I didn’t hold out much hope, the progressively increasing pain had left me unable to do many tasks and so I had nothing to lose.
After a lot of research I booked an appointment with Active Motion, based on their excellent reviews, good location, with ample parking and competitive pricing.
I cannot emphasise enough how impressed I have been with Lewis.
He is professional, empathetic and engaging.
On my visit he diagnosed the problem and detailed the journey I would go on to gain recovery. Initially weekly visits, augmented by a programme of home exercises and then as my mobility improved longer periods between each visit, until they were no longer necessary.
Having undergone 7 sessions over 3 months I am delighted with the improvement, it has been truly life changing, allowing me to once again do the things I enjoy.
I attended the clinic with a severe back injury and sciatica, I arrived to my first session with a walking stick and was walking properly 5 weeks later. The team were very knowledgeable and professional and gave me an honest and accurate diagnosis along with the best route to recovery. The treatment centre is clean and welcoming with easily accessed parking.
I was diagnosed with Sciatica at my GP Medical centre. I tried the self referral process for NHS Therapist but received no response. I then searched for local physio centres and came across Action Motion Injury clinic Portsmouth and met Jordan. He tested me and then said that I did not have Sciatica but Femoral Nerve Entrapment. He did some treatment and then gave me three simple exercises to do. After three sessions I was fine. A fourth session confirmed my healed state and Jordan then gave me four exercises to undertake to ensure that the condition does not return. All at a very reasonable price. I found the process very professional and patient centred. Definitely recommend. Thankyou Jordan.