Sciatica Treatment in Barrie
Pain, tingling, or numbness running from your low back or buttock down your leg? Our Physiotherapists can find out what is irritating the nerve and build a plan to help you move more comfortably again.
- One-on-one assessment with a Registered Physiotherapist
- Advanced Manual Therapy (FCAMPT) and IMS / dry needling
- Direct billing to most insurance providers
- Downtown Barrie at 105 Collier Street
Prefer to talk first? Call or text (705) 279-2759
Does This Sound Familiar?
- Pain that travels from your buttock down the back or side of your leg, sometimes below the knee
- Leg pain that is worse than your back pain
- Tingling, pins and needles, or numbness in your leg or foot
- Burning or electric, shooting pain
- Pain that is worse when you sit, bend, cough, or sneeze
- Weakness in your leg or foot
Common Causes We Assess
- Disc herniation irritating a nerve root
- Spinal stenosis, a narrowing of the space around the nerves
- Age-related changes and bone spurs in the low back
- Piriformis syndrome and tight buttock muscles
- Spondylolisthesis, when one vertebra slips forward on another
- Changes in posture and load during pregnancy
Sciatica has several possible causes, and the right plan depends on which one is irritating your nerve. That is why every visit starts with a thorough assessment.
What Is Sciatica?
The sciatic nerve is the largest nerve in your body. It forms from several nerve roots in your low back, runs through your buttock, and travels down the back of your leg to your foot.
Sciatica is not a diagnosis on its own. It describes symptoms that follow the path of this nerve when something irritates or compresses it, most often a nerve root in the low back. Doctors and Physiotherapists sometimes call this lumbar radiculopathy.
Sciatica vs. Back Pain
Many people with back pain feel some discomfort in the buttock or thigh. True sciatica is different: the pain usually travels below the knee, is often worse in the leg than in the back, and may come with tingling, numbness, or weakness. Telling the two apart helps guide the right treatment.
How We Assess Sciatica
Your Physiotherapist will ask about your symptoms and what makes them better or worse. We will check your reflexes, strength, and sensation to see how the nerve is working, use specific tests to see how sensitive the nerve is, and assess how your back and hips move. This helps us find movements and positions that ease your symptoms, and screen for anything that needs a doctor’s attention.
Most people with sciatica do not need an MRI to start treatment. Imaging is usually considered if symptoms are severe, getting worse, or not improving with care.
Sciatica Treatment at Excite Physiotherapy
Your Physiotherapist will build a plan around your goals, whether that is sitting through a work day, sleeping comfortably, or getting back to walking and exercise. Depending on your assessment, treatment may include:
- Finding positions and movements that ease your leg pain, including specific repeated movements when they help
- Nerve mobility exercises (nerve glides) to help the nerve move more comfortably
- Advanced Manual Therapy for the low back, pelvis, and hips
- IMS / dry needling for tight, irritated muscles in the back and buttock
- Progressive strengthening and walking to build tolerance to everyday activity
- Sitting, sleeping, and work advice to calm symptoms during your day
When Is Surgery Considered?
Most people with sciatica improve without surgery. Surgery may be considered when leg pain stays severe for many weeks despite good care, or when there is significant or worsening weakness. Changes in bladder or bowel control, or numbness in the groin, are a medical emergency.
What Recovery Usually Looks Like
Many people with sciatica improve over several weeks to a few months. Leg pain often eases first, while tingling or numbness can take longer to settle. Ups and downs are common along the way, and your Physiotherapist will adjust your plan as you improve.
Not Sure Whether Physiotherapy Is Right for You?
Book a complimentary 15-minute discovery call with one of our Physiotherapists. It is a short online chat where you can ask questions before you book an assessment.
What to Expect at Your First Visit
- We listen. Your Physiotherapist will ask about your symptoms, your work, your activity, and what you want to get back to.
- We assess. A hands-on assessment of your back, hips, and nerves helps identify what is contributing to your pain, and screens for anything that needs a doctor’s attention.
- We make a plan together. You will leave with a clear explanation of what is going on, a treatment plan, and exercises you can start at home.
Please wear comfortable clothing that lets you move freely, such as shorts or loose pants. Read more about your first Physiotherapy appointment.
When to Get Urgent Medical Care
Go to the emergency department or call 911 if your sciatica comes with any of these:
- New trouble controlling your bladder or bowels
- Numbness in your groin, inner thighs, or around your bottom
- Weakness in your legs that is getting worse
- Back pain after a major fall or accident
- Back pain with a fever or unexplained weight loss
What Our Patients Say
From our Google reviews
★★★★★
“I have been seeing her for many concerns (neck, shoulder, back, sciatica)… she has been very helpful and supportive during my visits.”
B.S. · treated by Christine
★★★★★
“…very knowledgeable, kind… [we were] treated for lower back pain and… sciatica pain.”
S.H. · treated by Anthony
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a doctor’s referral?
No referral is needed to see a Physiotherapist in Ontario. Some insurance plans require one for reimbursement, so check your plan if you are unsure.
Should I stretch my hamstrings for sciatica?
Strong hamstring stretches can irritate a sensitive sciatic nerve and make symptoms worse. Gentle nerve glides, chosen for your symptoms, are usually a better option. Your Physiotherapist will show you which movements suit you.
Is walking good for sciatica?
For many people, yes. Short, regular walks within a comfortable range often help more than resting. If walking makes your leg pain worse, your Physiotherapist can help you adjust how far and how often you walk.
Do I need an MRI for sciatica?
Usually not to start treatment. An MRI may be helpful if your symptoms are severe, getting worse, or not improving, or if surgery is being considered.
How long does sciatica last?
It varies. Many people improve over several weeks to a few months, while some have symptoms that take longer to settle. Your Physiotherapist will give you a realistic plan after your assessment.
Is Physiotherapy covered by insurance?
Physiotherapy is covered by most extended health plans, and we direct bill to many insurers. See our FAQ page for the full list.
Where are you located?
Excite Physiotherapy is at 105 Collier Street in downtown Barrie, Ontario.
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Ready to Take the Next Step?
Book online in a few minutes and choose a time that works for you.
Or call or text (705) 279-2759
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info@excitephysio.com
Hours:
Mon: 8:30 am to 7 pm
Tue and Wed: 7:30 am to 7 pm
Thu: 8:30 am to 7 pm
Fri: 7:30 am to 3:30 pm
Sat and Sun: Closed
Experience. Exceptional Skills. Results.
Whether you are experiencing back pain for the first or have been suffering with pain for years, we have the experience and the skills necessary to help you get relief quickly. Located downtown Barrie, Ontario.
Land Acknowledgement
We acknowledge that we are on the traditional territory of Anishinaabeg people, which include the Odawa, Ojibwe, and Pottawatomi Nations collectively known as the Three Fires Confederacy. We are dedicated to moving forward in the spirit of respect and reconciliation by honoring the history and culture of Indigenous people.
Safe Space
At Excite physiotherapy we are committed to creating a safe space that serves a diverse community. In a culture of connectedness, we can empower each other to thrive and grow.