Sciatica treatment in Farnham
Sciatica can be miserable. The pain can shoot from your back or buttock down your leg, sometimes with tingling, numbness or weakness, and it can make sitting, sleeping, driving and walking difficult.
At Lake Therapy, back pain and sciatica are among the most common problems we see. We find out what’s irritating the nerve, help you manage the pain, and give you a clear plan to get moving with confidence again.
Prefer to talk first? Call us on 01252 449458 or book a free Discovery Call.
What is sciatica?
Sciatica is the name for pain that travels along the path of the sciatic nerve, which runs from your lower back, through your buttock and down the back of each leg. It isn’t a diagnosis in itself. It describes symptoms caused by the nerve, or the nerve roots in your lower back, being irritated or pressed on.
Most people will have back pain or sciatica at some point, and many cases improve within weeks with the right advice and movement. For others it keeps coming back or lingers, and that’s where a proper assessment and plan can make a real difference.
Common causes of sciatica
- A disc bulge (often called a slipped or herniated disc) pressing on or irritating a nerve root in your lower back.
- Narrowing around the nerves (spinal stenosis), more common as we get older, which can cause leg pain when walking.
- Stiffness in the joints of the lower back and tension in the surrounding muscles.
- Tight muscles in the buttock, sometimes called piriformis syndrome, which can irritate the nerve.
- Long periods of sitting, heavy lifting and sudden increases in activity that overload the back.
- Pregnancy, which changes the load through your pelvis and back.
Symptoms of sciatica
- Pain in the buttock or down the back of one leg, sometimes into the foot
- Pain that’s worse when you sit, cough, sneeze or bend
- Pins and needles or numbness in the leg or foot
- Weakness in the leg or foot
- Lower back pain, though sometimes the leg pain is worse than the back
When to get urgent help: call 999 or go to A&E if you have sciatica on both sides, numbness around your bottom or genitals, or new problems controlling your bladder or bowels. These can be signs of a rare but serious condition called cauda equina syndrome and need checking straight away.
How physiotherapy helps sciatica
Finding the cause
We assess your back, hips, nerves and how you move, so we understand what’s irritating the nerve and what makes it better or worse.
Easing the pain
Hands-on treatment, gentle nerve and spine movements and advice on positions can calm things down in the early stages.
The right exercises
A tailored plan to restore movement and build strength in your back, hips and legs, progressed as your symptoms settle.
Confidence to move
Fear of making it worse often stops people moving. We explain what’s going on and show you what’s safe, so you can keep active.
Work and daily life
Advice on sitting, driving, lifting and sleeping so everyday life stops aggravating your symptoms.
Working with your GP
If your symptoms suggest you need a scan, medication or a specialist opinion, we’ll tell you and help you get the right referral.
What to expect
- Your Initial Consultation. This takes about an hour. You share your story and health history, and we carry out a thorough examination of your back, hips and legs and the areas around it.
- Your Report of Findings. Within a day or two, we explain what’s going on, set your goals, give you your personalised care plan and start your first treatment.
- Your course of treatment. Hands-on treatment, exercise and advice, matched to your goals. We check your progress regularly and adjust the plan as you improve.
- Your home programme. Simple exercises to do between sessions, so you keep making progress on your own.
How long it takes depends on you and what we find. We’ll give you an honest idea of timescales once we’ve assessed you, and if we think another professional is better placed to help, we’ll tell you and refer you on.
Helping yourself at home
- Keep moving. Gentle walking and changing position regularly usually helps more than bed rest.
- Break up sitting. Get up every 20 to 30 minutes if you can, especially when driving or working at a desk.
- Find a comfortable sleeping position. A pillow between your knees on your side, or under your knees on your back, can ease the strain. Our article on sleeping positions for pain relief has more ideas.
- Avoid heavy lifting while your symptoms are high, and build back up gradually.
Why choose Lake Therapy
An experienced team
Our team of around 17 includes 9 Physiotherapists and Graduate Sports Therapists with a wide range of specialisms. Our Graduate Sports Therapists hold BSc or MSc degrees in Sports Therapy.
Everything under one roof
Physiotherapy, sports therapy and sports massage in one clinic, so your plan can mix the methods that suit you best. There’s free parking right outside the door.
Hours that fit your life
- Monday to Friday: 7am to 8pm
- Saturday: 7am to 1.30pm
- Sunday: closed
No referral needed
You can book directly with us. No GP referral is needed, and you’ll get a clear plan from your very first visit.
What our clients say
Not sure where to start with sciatica?
Book a free 15-minute Discovery Call and speak to a senior member of our team about your symptoms. We’ll listen, answer your questions and explain your options before you commit to anything.
Book your free sciatica Discovery Call
Sciatica FAQs
Can physiotherapy help sciatica?
Yes. Physiotherapy is one of the main recommended treatments for sciatica. We help you manage the pain, keep moving and build strength so the nerve can settle.
How long does sciatica last?
Many people improve within a few weeks, but it can take longer, and some people have flare-ups. We’ll give you an honest idea after your assessment.
Should I rest or keep moving with sciatica?
Gentle movement is usually better than bed rest. We’ll show you which movements are helpful and which to avoid for now.
Do I need a scan for sciatica?
Most people don’t need a scan to get better. If your symptoms aren’t improving or there are signs that need investigating, we’ll advise you and help you get one through your GP or privately.
Do I need a GP referral?
No. You can book directly with us online or by calling 01252 449458.
Does my health insurance cover physiotherapy?
Lake Therapy is a completely independent practice and doesn’t contract with any private medical insurance companies. You may be able to claim your treatment back through your insurer, and we’re happy to give you receipts and practitioner registration numbers to help.
How do I cancel or reschedule an appointment?
We have a 24-hour free cancellation policy. You can cancel any appointment before then without penalty by calling the front desk on 01252 449458.
Find us
Lake Therapy
Sandy Farm Business Centre, Sands Rd, The Sands, Farnham GU10 1PX
Call 01252 449458
Mon–Fri 07:00–20:00, Sat 07:00–13:30
We see clients from Farnham and the villages and towns around it, including Tilford, Frensham, Crondall and Ewshot, Aldershot, Farnborough, Fleet and Guildford.
Sciatica cost enquiry
Want to know what sciatica treatment at Lake Therapy would cost? Tell us a little about your symptoms and we’ll come back to you with the price options that suit you, including our packages.
Send us your sciatica cost enquiry
You don’t have to keep putting up with sciatica. We’re here to help when you’re ready.
Or call us on 01252 449458, or book a free Discovery Call to talk it through first.