Burwood NSW · Sciatica Treatment
Sciatica causes pain, numbness, and tingling radiating from the lower back through the buttock and down the leg. It responds very well to physiotherapy — surgery is rarely required.
Sciatica is caused by compression or irritation of the sciatic nerve — most commonly from a lumbar disc herniation or piriformis syndrome. We accurately identify the source and address it directly for rapid, lasting relief.
How We Treat This Condition
Evidence-based treatment tailored to your specific presentation and goals.
Neural Assessment
Straight leg raise, slump test, and neurological examination to confirm sciatica and identify the level and severity of nerve involvement.
Learn more →Neural Mobilisation
Gentle sciatic nerve mobilisation reduces nerve root adhesion and inflammation — often providing rapid improvement in leg symptoms.
Learn more →Core & Spinal Strengthening
Building core stability and lumbar support protects the spinal segments that are compressing the sciatic nerve.
Learn more →Disc & Joint Treatment
Targeted treatment of the lumbar disc or facet joint that is the source of sciatic nerve compression.
Learn more →Dry Needling
Releasing paraspinal and piriformis trigger points to reduce the muscle tension contributing to sciatic nerve compression.
Learn more →Activity & Posture Guidance
Identifying positions and activities that reduce sciatic nerve tension — empowering you to manage your symptoms between appointments.
Learn more →When to See a Physio for Sciatica
Book an assessment if leg pain is more severe than your back pain, you notice numbness or weakness in the leg or foot, symptoms persist beyond a couple of weeks, or you experience any loss of bladder or bowel control — the latter needs emergency care immediately.
What Happens at Your First Appointment?
Full Assessment
Detailed history, movement analysis and clinical tests to identify the root cause of your problem.
Diagnosis & Plan
We explain exactly what is going on and create a realistic, goal-focused treatment timeline.
Hands-On Treatment
Most patients receive treatment in their first session — manual therapy, needling, or exercise prescription.
Home Program
You leave with clear exercises and self-management strategies to accelerate your recovery.
Why Choose Burwood Physio?
- AHPRA-registered physiotherapists
- Same-day and next-day appointments available
- HICAPS on-site — claim health fund rebate instantly
- Medicare bulk billing with GP CDM plan
- NDIS registered provider
- WorkCover and icare accepted
- Evidence-based treatment — no unnecessary sessions
- 2 minutes walk from Burwood Station
📍 Located in Burwood: Shop 2, 36–38 Victoria St East, Burwood NSW 2134. 2 min from Burwood Station. Open Mon–Sat.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What causes sciatica?
Lumbar disc herniation is the most common cause. Piriformis syndrome, spinal stenosis, and spondylolisthesis can also compress the sciatic nerve.
Can physiotherapy cure sciatica?
Yes. The vast majority of sciatica cases resolve with physiotherapy. Surgery is only considered when conservative treatment has failed after 3–6 months.
How long does sciatica take to resolve?
Most cases significantly improve within 6–8 weeks of physiotherapy. Full resolution typically takes 3–6 months.
What is the best exercise for sciatica?
This depends on the cause. Exercises that centralise pain (reduce leg symptoms) are most important — your physiotherapist will guide you.
Is walking good for sciatica?
Generally yes — gentle walking helps reduce nerve inflammation. Positions and activities that worsen leg symptoms should be avoided initially.
What causes sciatica?
Sciatica is most often caused by a lumbar disc bulge or herniation pressing on a nerve root, though spinal stenosis and piriformis syndrome can also compress the sciatic nerve and cause similar symptoms.
What does sciatica treatment involve at Burwood Physio?
Treatment includes nerve mobilisation techniques, targeted exercise to reduce nerve irritation, and postural and movement education to prevent flare-ups, tailored to the specific structure causing your symptoms.
When should sciatica be treated as an emergency?
Seek urgent care for sciatica with loss of bladder or bowel control, numbness in the groin area (saddle anaesthesia), or progressive leg weakness — these are rare red flags called cauda equina syndrome.
Can sciatica come back after it resolves?
Yes, particularly if the underlying back mechanics and core strength are not addressed. A structured rehabilitation program significantly reduces the risk of recurrence.
Do I need an MRI to diagnose sciatica?
Not usually. Sciatica can typically be diagnosed through clinical assessment. Imaging is reserved for cases with red flag symptoms or when symptoms do not improve with appropriate conservative treatment.
Leg pain, numbness, or tingling?
Sciatica responds very well to physiotherapy. Get assessed and treated today.