Sciatica refers to pain caused by irritation or compression of the sciatic nerve. This nerve runs from the lower back, through the buttock and down the leg. Sciatica is not a diagnosis in itself — it is a symptom of an underlying issue, most commonly: Lumbar disc irritation Disc bulge or herniation Spinal joint inflammation Degenerative spinal changes Muscle-related nerve compression Understanding which structure is driving your symptoms is key to recovery.

Sciatic nerve irritation may cause: Sharp, shooting pain down one leg Burning or electric shock sensations Tingling or pins and needles Numbness in the calf or foot Leg weakness Pain worse when sitting Symptoms can range from mild irritation to severe nerve pain that limits walking or sleeping. If you experience progressive weakness, loss of bladder or bowel control, or numbness around the saddle area, seek urgent medical attention.

We commonly see: Sudden onset sciatica after lifting Recurring sciatic episodes Desk-based workers with leg pain Athletes with back-related nerve pain Individuals with long-standing disc issues Patients recovering from spinal flare-ups We assess each case carefully to determine severity and urgency.

Sciatica - 3 Way Physio

Q: Our Assessment Process

Sciatica requires thorough evaluation.Your initial appointment includes:Detailed symptom historyNeurological examinationReflex, strength and sensation testingLumbar spine movement assessmentFunctional testing (walking, sitting tolerance)Screening for serious pathologyWe explain clearly:What is irritating the nerveWhether it is disc-related or joint-relatedExpected recovery timelineWhether imaging is requiredInitial Assessment: £78 – 50 minutesImaging such as MRI is only recommended if clinically indicated.

Q: What Makes Our Approach Different

Structured neurological assessmentClear explanation of disc vs non-disc causesEarly, controlled movement approachNo unnecessary fear-based messagingFocus on long-term spinal resilienceProgressive strength restorationYour care may be delivered by:Anisha Daudharia Rosie Bateman Rupali Pawar Jack PhillipsWe accept Bupa, AXA PPP, Aviva, WPA and Cigna.

Service

Sciatica Treatment in Woodley and Reading to Relieve Nerve Pain and Restore Daily Movement

Sciatica can be a really intense and worrying experience. Whether it’s that sharp, shooting pain down your leg, a bit of numbness in your foot, or feeling like your leg is a bit weak when you’re walking, it can make even the simplest daily tasks feel like a struggle.

At 3 Way Physio, we offer a proper, structured approach to treating sciatica right here in Woodley. We don’t just look at where the pain is; we focus on finding the actual source of the nerve irritation. From there, we’ll guide your recovery using targeted physiotherapy, and if we think it’ll help settle things down, we might suggest acupuncture or electroacupuncture as part of your plan.

We’re here to help patients across Woodley and Reading, whether you’ve just been hit with a sudden flare-up or you’ve been dealing with persistent sciatic symptoms for a while now.

What Is Sciatica?

Sciatica refers to pain caused by irritation or compression of the sciatic nerve. This nerve runs from the lower back, through the buttock and down the leg. Sciatica is not a diagnosis in itself — it is a symptom of an underlying issue, most commonly:

Lumbar disc irritation
Disc bulge or herniation
Spinal joint inflammation
Degenerative spinal changes
Muscle-related nerve compression

Understanding which structure is driving your symptoms is key to recovery.

Symptoms of Sciatica

Sciatic nerve irritation may cause:

Sharp, shooting pain down one leg
Burning or electric shock sensations
Tingling or pins and needles
Numbness in the calf or foot
Leg weakness
Pain worse when sitting

Symptoms can range from mild irritation to severe nerve pain that limits walking or sleeping. If you experience progressive weakness, loss of bladder or bowel control, or numbness around the saddle area, seek urgent medical attention.

Who We Treat

We commonly see:

Sudden onset sciatica after lifting
Recurring sciatic episodes
Desk-based workers with leg pain
Athletes with back-related nerve pain
Individuals with long-standing disc issues
Patients recovering from spinal flare-ups

We assess each case carefully to determine severity and urgency.

Our Assessment Process

Sciatica requires thorough evaluation.

Your initial appointment includes:

Detailed symptom history
Neurological examination
Reflex, strength and sensation testing
Lumbar spine movement assessment
Functional testing (walking, sitting tolerance)
Screening for serious pathology

We explain clearly:

What is irritating the nerve
Whether it is disc-related or joint-related
Expected recovery timeline
Whether imaging is required

Initial Assessment: £78 – 50 minutes

Imaging such as MRI is only recommended if clinically indicated.

Treatment for Sciatica in Woodley

Treatment focuses on reducing nerve irritation and restoring normal movement.

Physiotherapy

Your programme may include:

Specific lumbar mobility exercises
Directional preference movements (if disc-related)
Nerve mobility exercises
Core stability training
Gradual return-to-load progression
Sitting and posture modification

Movement is introduced progressively and safely.

Acupuncture

Acupuncture may help:

Reduce muscle guarding
Ease nerve-related pain
Calm persistent sensitivity

It is used selectively within your rehabilitation plan.

Electroacupuncture

In certain cases, electroacupuncture may support:

Neuropathic pain reduction
Modulation of nerve sensitivity
Muscle activation in weakened areas

This is considered where appropriate following assessment.

Follow-Up Sessions: £62 – 30 minutes
6-Session Block: £335 (10% discount)

What Makes Our Approach Different

Structured neurological assessment
Clear explanation of disc vs non-disc causes
Early, controlled movement approach
No unnecessary fear-based messaging
Focus on long-term spinal resilience
Progressive strength restoration

Your care may be delivered by:

Anisha Daudharia
Rosie Bateman
Rupali Pawar
Jack Phillips

We accept Bupa, AXA PPP, Aviva, WPA and Cigna.

What to Expect at Your First Appointment

You will not be rushed. We will:

Listen carefully to your symptom history
Test nerve function
Assess spinal movement
Identify aggravating positions
Provide immediate guidance

You will leave with:

A clear diagnosis
A plan for the next phase
Practical exercises
Advice on sitting, sleeping and work

How Long Does Sciatica Take to Improve?

Recovery depends on:

Severity of nerve irritation
Degree of disc involvement
Duration of symptoms
Adherence to rehabilitation

Mild sciatica may improve within weeks. More significant disc-related irritation may take several months to fully settle. Most cases improve with conservative treatment. Surgery is rarely required and is only considered when significant neurological deficit persists.

Managing Sciatica Safely

We aim to:

Reduce inflammation
Restore movement
Improve nerve mobility
Rebuild strength
Reduce recurrence risk

Avoid prolonged bed rest. Gentle, guided movement is typically beneficial.

FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions

Is sciatica caused by a slipped disc?

Often, yes — but not always. Joint inflammation and muscle tension can also irritate the nerve.

Should I rest completely?

No. Prolonged rest can delay recovery. Controlled movement is usually helpful.

When should I get a scan?

Imaging is recommended if there are progressive neurological deficits or symptoms fail to improve as expected.

Can sciatica cause foot numbness?

Yes. Nerve irritation can affect sensation in the foot or toes.

Is electroacupuncture safe for sciatica?

When delivered by trained clinicians, it can be used safely as part of a treatment plan.

Can sciatica come back?

Yes, especially if contributing factors are not addressed. Rehabilitation reduces recurrence risk.

Is walking good for sciatica?

Often yes, but distance and tolerance vary. We advise based on your specific presentation.

When is surgery needed?

Surgery is considered only when there is severe weakness, persistent disabling pain, or specific neurological findings.

Can physiotherapy fully resolve sciatica?

Most patients improve significantly with physiotherapy, though recovery timelines vary.

Booking

Book Sciatica Treatment in Woodley, Reading

If you are experiencing sciatic nerve pain and want structured, evidence based care, please call 0118 969 2299, book your assessment online, or contact our Woodley clinic, as early assessment can improve recovery and reduce long term nerve irritation.

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Sciatica in Woodley, Reading