Leg pain, tingling and numbness from an irritated sciatic nerve, assessed and treated at home.
Sciatica (pain radiating from the back into the buttock and down the leg) can be severe and frightening. In most cases it settles well with the right advice, movement and treatment, and we can start that process in your own home.
Sciatica is a symptom rather than a diagnosis: irritation of the sciatic nerve, usually where it leaves the lower spine. Calming the nerve with positioning, gentle movement and hands-on treatment, then progressively restoring strength, gives the best results. We will also tell you clearly if anything needs urgent medical review.
Sciatica means the sciatic nerve is irritated, usually where it leaves the lower spine, sending pain, tingling or numbness into the buttock and leg. The word describes the symptom; the assessment finds the cause, how irritable it is, and what will settle it fastest in your case.
That matters because the plan differs: a freshly angry nerve needs calming and positions of ease; a settling one needs graded movement and strength so it does not return.
Early on, the wins are practical: positions that take pressure off the nerve, how to sleep, how to sit, how far to walk. As the leg pain retreats towards the spine (the classic sign of improvement), we shift to nerve mobility work and progressive strengthening.
Most sciatica settles without injections or surgery. Patience is genuinely part of the treatment, and we tell you honestly where you are on the curve.
Most episodes improve meaningfully within four to six weeks and settle over two to three months. Nerves recover on their own schedule. Our job is to make the journey faster and more comfortable, and to rebuild so it stays away.
Probably not. The large majority of sciatica settles with time and rehabilitation. If severe pain is not improving on the expected curve, or weakness is progressing, we say so and help you get the right referral promptly.
Usually yes, in doses: little and often beats one long march. We find your current tolerance and nudge it up progressively.
Mild sensory change is common and usually recovers. Progressive weakness (a foot that is getting harder to lift) needs prompt medical review, and any change in bladder or bowel control or saddle numbness is an emergency. We screen for all of this.
It can, which is why rehabilitation should not stop when the leg pain does. The strengthening phase afterwards is what protects you.
A relaxed but thorough conversation about how things started and what you want to get back to, followed by a physical assessment. You will leave with a clear explanation, a plan and your first exercises, and we will agree how often we should visit.
Charlie has been fantastic after my hip replacement, just can't recommend him enough. He was very patient with me while encouraging me with new exercises, and has really helped my confidence to move forward. I've made progress much quicker than I thought I would and that's all thanks to Charlie.
Emily is a lovely, engaging, patient and knowledgeable physiotherapist. Her time with my husband during his acute stroke recovery phase has been invaluable. Emily researched and adapted her sessions and exercises to my husband's specific requests and needs. Thank you Emily :-)
I had my first appointment with Charlie last month after coming out of hospital with 5 vertebral fractures. Barely able to walk or do anything for myself. Now 7 weeks later I'm able to walk unaided and do everything to look after myself.
This year my long term orthopaedic conditions and my vestibular migraine have been particularly troublesome. But thanks to Charlie's professional guidance my mobility is greatly improved and I am feeling much more confident when out and about.
After being let down by the NHS I was delighted to find South Coast Physio and it was a real bonus that they come to the home. Emily is skilled, helpful, friendly and solutions focused, providing the 1-1 support my daughter needs.
Professional, reliable and caring. The support from Charlie, our physio, has been invaluable.
Cannot praise them enough! Comprehensive and professional treatment plans that inspire you.
Enormously helpful advice and encouragement. I couldn't recommend more highly.
With South Coast Home Physiotherapy you get ongoing support to stay mobile and independent in daily life. Every session is planned around you and aims to:
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