sciatica treatment in Cheltenham
approach tailored to the cause, severity, and your lifestype
What Is Sciatica?
- Sciatica causes pain, tingling, or numbness that travels from the lower back into the buttock and down the leg.
- Symptoms vary, it isn't always felt all the way down, you may experience pain in different areas during recovery such as hip to knee pain, or knee to ankle pain.
- It can significantly disrupt daily life whether that is getting out of bed in the morning, experiencing driving with sciatica, and nothing makes you want to skip outside exercise like running with sciatica.
At Straight Back Physio in Cheltenham, we don’t just mask the pain — we get to the right to the root of it, by using hands-on treatment, gentle exercises, and simple techniques that actually ease the nerve irritation, and reduce inflammation, we help you move more freely again.
Unlike prolonged rest (which can actually make sciatica worse), early guided physiotherapy keeps you moving safely. It builds core and spinal stability so your body can heal properly and handle everyday activities again. If you’re dealing with sciatica in Cheltenham right now, don’t wait it out. The sooner you start proper treatment, the quicker and better your recovery will be.
How Long Does Sciatica Last
The length of time that sciatica lasts can vary greatly from person to person, and in most cases it will go away within 6-12 weeks, but in about 30% of people they can still have symptoms after a year.
Sciatica may recur, especially if the underlying cause isn’t treated. For example, if you use improper lifting techniques and developed sciatica after herniating a disc, continuing to use that same lifting technique puts you at risk of injuring your back again. Ultimately, the sooner you go and get treatment for your sciatica, the more likely you are to find long-term relief.
Sciatica rarely needs surgery, however in the rare circumstance where the nerve is severely compromised then surgery may need to be considered.
How is Sciatica diagnosed
Sciatica is diagnosed by by physical examination, scans if necessary, and previous medical history history. We will be looking to determine the origin of your sciatic pain, such as muscle strength tests, nerve mobility tests, and testing your range of motion in the lumbar region.
These tests will usually involve checking:
- Walking, as sciatica often causes visible changes in how you walk.
- Straight leg raise test, where on the examination table we slowly raise your legs one at a time as ask when you start to feel the pain.
- Flexibility and strength checks to determine if other factors are causing or contributing to your sciatica.
Why Choose Us
No other local physiotherapy clinic can match our level of expertise and rehabilitation services, thanks to our extensive experience and in-house gym facilities.
We offer affordable physiotherapy in Cheltenham, providing caring, high‑quality treatment that supports your recovery without stretching your budget.
Insured
For insured clients we can either work directly with your insurance provider or offer receipts for cash-based plans, allowing you to reclaim your expenses.
Not Covered by Insurance
If you’re looking for one of the most trusted physiotherapists in your area, you’re welcome to book an appointment at our Cheltenham clinic — no need for a physiotherapy referral from your GP.