Sciatica Treatment
Melbourne

Recognising Sciatica

Symptoms of sciatic nerve pain

• ✓ Sharp, shooting pain from the lower back into the buttock and leg
• ✓ Burning or tingling sensation down the leg
• ✓ Numbness or weakness in the affected leg or foot
• ✓ Pain that worsens with sitting, coughing, or sneezing
• ✓ Difficulty standing up or walking due to leg pain
• ✓ Pain on one side of the body (occasionally both)

Our Locations

Sciatica treatment near you

Four Melbourne clinics, Melbourne's west, inner west, and CBD.

FAQs

Sciatica questions answered

What is sciatica and what causes it?

Sciatica is pain that travels along the path of the sciatic nerve, from the lower back through the buttock and down one or both legs. It is most commonly caused by a herniated disc, bone spur, or spinal stenosis compressing part of the nerve. Piriformis syndrome, where the piriformis muscle irritates the sciatic nerve, is another common cause.

Can physiotherapy help with sciatica?

Yes. Physiotherapy is one of the most effective treatments for sciatica. Our physiotherapists use manual therapy, neural mobilisation, dry needling, and targeted exercise to reduce nerve irritation, restore movement, and address the underlying cause. Most patients experience significant improvement within 6 to 10 sessions.

How long does sciatica take to settle with treatment?

With appropriate treatment, most cases of acute sciatica improve within 4 to 8 weeks. Chronic sciatica (lasting more than 3 months) may take longer and often benefits from a combined approach including physiotherapy, osteopathy, and exercise physiology. Your practitioner will give you a personalised prognosis at your first appointment.

Should I see a physio or osteopath for sciatica?

Both are effective for sciatica. Physiotherapy focuses on neural mobilisation, exercise rehabilitation, and movement retraining. Osteopathy takes a whole-body approach, addressing spinal joint restrictions, pelvic alignment, and soft tissue tension that may be contributing to nerve compression. At IAC, our team coordinates care so you can access both.