Sciatica Treatment in Preston | Specialist Nerve Pain Physiotherapy
Does This Sound Like You?
A sharp, shooting, or burning pain that starts in your lower back or buttock and travels down one leg — sometimes reaching the foot. Pins and needles, numbness, or a heavy feeling in the leg. Pain that is worse sitting for long periods, worse first thing in the morning, or worse with certain movements.
Sciatica is one of the most debilitating and frightening presentations of back pain. It also responds very well to specialist physiotherapy — when the treatment is targeted correctly to the underlying cause.
What Is Sciatica?
Sciatica is not a diagnosis in itself — it is a description of symptoms caused by irritation or compression of the sciatic nerve or its nerve roots in the lumbar spine.
The most common causes include lumbar disc herniation, facet joint inflammation, and piriformis syndrome.
Accurate assessment is essential — because the treatment approach differs depending on the cause.
How Denovo Assesses Sciatica
Your initial assessment includes a detailed neurological examination — testing sensation, reflexes, and muscle strength — alongside a full lumbar spine assessment.
We identify which nerve root is involved, what structure is irritating it, and how irritable the nerve is — allowing us to structure your programme precisely.
Your Treatment Programme May Include:
- Nerve root and lumbar spine mobilisation techniques
- Neural mobilisation exercises
- Directional exercises (McKenzie-informed where relevant)
- Lumbar stabilisation and progressive loading
- Graded return to sitting and daily activity
- Flare-up management strategies
- Referral for imaging if required
Will I Need a Scan?
Not necessarily. Most cases of sciatica can be diagnosed and treated effectively without MRI.
If imaging is required, we will guide you based on clinical findings.
When Does Sciatica Need Surgery?
The vast majority of cases resolve with physiotherapy and time.
Surgery is only considered in specific cases such as progressive neurological deficit or cauda equina symptoms.
Frequently Asked Questions
Most cases improve within 6–12 weeks with appropriate physiotherapy.
No — treatment is carefully adapted to your irritability level.
No. Active rehabilitation is more effective than prolonged rest.
Ready to Get Started?
Initial Assessment + First Treatment Session — £50
Your first appointment includes a full specialist assessment and your first treatment session.
No GP referral needed. Insurance recognised. Call 01772 288065 or book online.
Book Online