Sciatica is one of the most painful and disruptive conditions we see at Denovo Physio & Rehab in Preston. That sharp, burning pain running from the lower back down the leg can make sitting unbearable, walking exhausting and sleep almost impossible.
The good news is that with our specialist Nerve Rehabilitation programme — combining manual therapy, advanced electrotherapy and targeted exercise — around 80–90% of sciatica cases resolve well without injections or surgery.
This guide explains what sciatica actually is, what causes it, and exactly how our dedicated nerve rehab service in Preston treats it.
What Is Sciatica?
Sciatica is not a diagnosis in itself — it is a description of symptoms. It refers to pain that radiates along the path of the sciatic nerve, which runs from your lower back, through your buttock and down the back or side of your leg, sometimes as far as your foot.
Sciatica typically affects one leg at a time and is caused by irritation, compression or inflammation of one of the lumbar or sacral nerve roots that contribute to the sciatic nerve.
Sciatica Symptoms
- Sharp, burning or shooting pain from the lower back into the buttock and leg
- Pain that worsens with sitting, bending forward or coughing
- Pins and needles or numbness in the leg, foot or toes
- Weakness in the leg, ankle or foot
- Pain often worse on one side, rarely both
What Causes Sciatica?
- Lumbar disc herniation (prolapsed or slipped disc) — accounting for around 90% of cases
- Lumbar spinal stenosis — narrowing of the spinal canal, more common over 50
- Spondylolisthesis — forward slippage of one vertebra on another
- Piriformis syndrome — the piriformis muscle in the buttock compressing the sciatic nerve
- Degenerative disc disease
When Sciatica Needs Urgent Medical Attention
Most sciatica is not dangerous. However, you should seek immediate medical attention — not physiotherapy first — if you experience:
- Loss of bladder or bowel control, or difficulty urinating
- Numbness around the genitals, inner thighs or buttocks (saddle anaesthesia)
- Sudden severe weakness in both legs
- Sciatica following a significant trauma
These can be signs of cauda equina syndrome, which is a surgical emergency.
How Denovo Physio Treats Sciatica in Preston
At Denovo, sciatica is treated through our specialist Nerve Rehabilitation programme — a structured four-pillar approach that no NHS waiting list can match. Each pillar combines our advanced services to address every layer of nerve dysfunction.
Pillar 1: Calming the Irritated Nerve (Pain Modulation)
Early treatment focuses on calming the angry sciatic nerve. Our Advanced Electrotherapy service uses:
- Interferential Current (IFC) — deep stimulation for pain modulation and desensitisation
- TENS — for ongoing home pain management
- Therapeutic ultrasound where soft tissue irritation is contributing
Combined with manual therapy, this approach can significantly reduce pain in the first 2–3 sessions.
Pillar 2: Restoring Nerve Mobility (Manual Therapy & Nerve Mobilisation)
Our hands-on Manual Therapy service is essential here. We use:
- Lumbar joint mobilisation to restore normal spinal movement
- Soft tissue release of the piriformis, gluteal and deep hip rotator muscles that often compress the sciatic nerve
- Specific nerve mobilisation (neural glide) techniques to restore the nerve’s ability to slide through surrounding tissues
- Myofascial release of the thoracolumbar fascia
Pillar 3: Restoring Motor Control (Muscle Reactivation)
Sciatica often causes the brain to switch off the muscles that support the spine. Our advanced electrotherapy uses Muscle Intelligence™ biofeedback and VMS waveforms to reactivate the gluteals, core stabilisers and inhibited leg muscles, reconnecting the brain-to-muscle pathway.
Pillar 4: Rebuilding Strength (Active Rehabilitation)
Once pain has settled and movement has returned, we progress you through a structured strengthening programme in our clinical gym — focusing on the core, glutes and hip stabilisers — to protect the spine and prevent recurrence. We also use Russian Currents where significant muscle wasting has occurred.
How Long Does Sciatica Take to Recover at Denovo?
Most cases of sciatica improve significantly within 6–8 weeks of starting our structured nerve rehabilitation programme. Some cases take 3 months.
A small minority that do not respond may benefit from imaging and onward referral for injection. We will be honest with you about your timeline and refer onwards quickly if needed.
Book Sciatica Treatment in Preston
If sciatica is stopping you working, sleeping or living normally, do not wait it out. Early treatment makes a meaningful difference.
Book an assessment at Denovo Physio & Rehab in Preston — call 01772 288065 or book online today.
