That sharp, burning pain that shoots from your lower back all the way down your leg — that’s sciatica. And if you’ve been living with it, you know how much it limits daily life. Walking hurts. Sitting hurts. Even lying down can be uncomfortable.
The good news? Sciatica responds very well to physiotherapy. At Rishaan Physio & Wellness Clinic in Mississauga, our registered physiotherapists treat sciatica every day — and most patients see significant improvement within a few weeks of starting treatment.
What Is Sciatica?
Sciatica refers to pain that travels along the path of the sciatic nerve — the longest nerve in the body — running from your lower back through your hips, buttocks, and down each leg. It almost always affects only one side of the body.
Most people describe the pain as:
- A sharp, shooting, or burning sensation down the leg
- Numbness or tingling in the foot or toes
- Weakness in the affected leg
- Pain that worsens when sitting for long periods
- A constant ache in one side of the lower back
What Causes Sciatica?
Herniated or Bulging Disc
The most common cause. When a spinal disc bulges or ruptures, it can press directly on the sciatic nerve — especially common in people aged 30–50.
Spinal Stenosis
A narrowing of the spinal canal that puts pressure on the nerves. More common in older adults.
Piriformis Syndrome
The piriformis muscle in the buttocks can irritate the sciatic nerve when it becomes tight or spasms — causing sciatica-like pain that originates from the hip, not the spine.
Prolonged Sitting / Poor Posture
Long hours at a desk or in the car place uneven load on the lower back and can aggravate the sciatic nerve over time.
Why Sciatica Doesn’t Just “Go Away” on Its Own
Many people wait it out — hoping the pain disappears by itself. Some mild cases do settle with rest, but most don’t. Without addressing the cause of nerve compression, pain returns — often worse. The longer sciatica goes untreated, the more surrounding muscles weaken and posture deteriorates.
How Physiotherapy Treats Sciatica
At Rishaan Physio in Mississauga, our physiotherapists start with a thorough assessment to identify the exact cause and location of your nerve compression. Every plan is personalized.
Manual Therapy
Hands-on spinal mobilization to reduce pressure on the sciatic nerve and restore range of motion.
Neural Flossing (Nerve Mobilization)
Specialized techniques that gently move the nerve through surrounding tissue, reducing tension and improving nerve function.
Core Strengthening
A weak core puts extra load on the lower back. Targeted deep core exercises protect the spine and prevent re-irritation of the nerve.
Postural Correction
Practical guidance on ergonomics and body mechanics so you’re not re-compressing the nerve throughout your day.
IFC / TENS Therapy
Electrical modalities to reduce inflammation around the irritated nerve and manage pain during your recovery.
Recovery Timeline
- Mild sciatica (recent onset): 4–6 weeks
- Moderate sciatica: 6–12 weeks
- Chronic / severe sciatica: 3–6 months
The earlier you start, the faster and more complete your recovery.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does physiotherapy actually help sciatica?
Yes — physiotherapy is one of the most evidence-supported treatments for sciatica. It addresses root-cause nerve compression through manual therapy, exercise, and posture correction. Most patients see significant improvement within 4–8 weeks.
How long does sciatica take to heal with physiotherapy?
Mild cases resolve in 4–6 weeks. Chronic or severe cases can take 3–6 months. Starting treatment early greatly reduces recovery time.
Should I rest or stay active with sciatica?
Stay gently active. Complete bed rest is no longer recommended — movement keeps the spine healthy. Your physiotherapist will guide you on what to avoid while you heal.
What causes sciatica to flare up?
Common triggers: prolonged sitting, sudden bending, sneezing, and activities that compress the lower spine. Your physiotherapist can help identify your specific triggers.
Is sciatica treatment covered by insurance in Ontario?
Yes — most extended health plans cover physiotherapy. Rishaan Physio direct bills most major insurers. WSIB coverage is also available for workplace injuries.Book Sciatica Treatment at Rishaan Physio
No referral needed | Same-day appointments | Direct billing to insurance
📍 5105 Hurontario St, Unit 7, Mississauga 📞 Call (905)-800-1661