Sciatica

Introduction

Sciatica

It can be quite alarming if you start to experience pain radiating down your legs if you have no previous knowledge or experience of this. Sciatica is very commonly associated with lower back pain and simply occurs as a result of a spinal nerve compression in your Lumbar spine (lower back).

This can impact the function of the nerve and in some cases affect lower limb sensation, muscle strength but most commonly cause radiating pain from your lower back and down into your leg. Changes in activity and exercises can help off-load the unnecessary tension on the nerve and help restore pain-free function.

As sciatica is simply a sign of nerve compression, it is vital to understand what exactly is causing this; not only to rectify the problem but to empower the individuals to prevent this happening again later in life.

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Client Testimonials

SJ's wealth of experience and genuine passion for his job is his biggest asset, coupled with his ability to forge a relationship with a client on a professional and a personal level. He found a solution to my long-term lower back problems, not only by treating the symptoms but finding the root cause of the issue. It allowed me to continue my career as a professional rugby player with the Newcastle Falcons and I will always be grateful that our paths crossed.

Carlo Del Fava

BBC Sport, Former Italian International

After becoming injured earlier in the year I came to Activate Physio for help. SJ quickly isolated the issues and provided a programme of exercises to correct imbalances that had caused the problems. This enabled me to resume training quicker than expected with stronger and more efficient form. I would highly recommend Activate Physiotherapy to anyone in need of professional sports treatment.

Lucas Longman

Heaton Harriers

Having both coached Andy as an athlete & then worked alongside him as a colleague, I can't recommend his services and knowledge enough! He is a true professional and gentlemen to work with and always makes sure his service is of the highest standard. Having a team of international and Olympic athletes to cater for, I only use the best in the business and that is what you get with Andy!

John Trembley

USA Olympic Gold Medalist Coach

As an international and Olympic athlete I set my expectations very high when working with coaching and medical staff. I thoroughly recommend Andy Thirlwell to anyone looking to gain and edge in their sporting performance!

Barry Murphy

2012 Olympian, European Silver Medalist

I highly recommend Andy Thirlwell. His knowledge & expertise are world class. Working with Andy will take your sporting performance to the next level along with improving your over all health!

Ryk Neethling

2004 Olympic Gold Medalist & World Record Holder

SJ is a great Physio. I've known him for years, and can highly recommend him. Obviously passionate about his profession, he is hard working, conscientious, encouraging, and positive. If you want first-class treatment with a smile, SJ is your man.

Euan Murray

Former Scotland International

PAUL RICHARDSON

Excellent experience at Activate Physio with Tom. From initial consultation to each session received, the service has been professional with amazing results. Following an injury to my inner elbow, I was unable to complete basic tasks without pain. Following my treatment plan, exercises to complete at home and advice, I am back in the gym and exercising as normal. Highly recommend. Hopefully I'll not have to return, but wouldn't hesitate in doing so if required. Thank you Tom.

Romi Carriere

SJ has really helped me to get my shoulder moving again and is quite efficient in giving proper advice and guidance as your physio journey goes. Kind folks and great service.

Paula Donnelly

I've been to Activate over the years for various injuries and they've been amazing at 'fixing' me but my most recent experience with Andy swinburne was a more proactive and preventative approach which was completely invaluable. I signed up for a marathon at the start of 2022 and regularly caught up with Andy to assess how I was moving, any niggles and being an accomplished runner himself was able to advise when I should and shouldn't push through these niggles. Without his support, my first marathon would not been have been anywhere near as successful or enjoyable as it was!

Katie

Really impressed with Alex’s approach of ensuring you leave stronger than when you arrive rather than just making you temporarily feel better. Alex managed to get me from not being able to run, due to an Achilles tendon issue, to being able to get through and get a better time than I expected in the Great North Run. Would 100% recommend!

Miriam Davies

I came to Alex after having my first baby. I was getting pain in my wrist from carrying the baby, which was making chores and childcare challenging. I also wanted to safely increase the intensity of my workouts so I could perform my sports at the level I was before getting pregnant. Alex was incredible. A great listener and very knowledgeable. He made me feel comfortable and was so encouraging. Only 2 sessions in and my wrist was feeling so much better. Thanks to Alex's guidance and support I'm also feeling much more confident doing the sports I love.

Ben Staerck

I initially used Activate Physio when I tore the meniscus in my knee. SJ quickly diagnosed the problem and I began regular physiotherapy. I was walking comfortably again in no time, which then progressed onto personal training to properly build back the strength in my leg with Alex. Both Alex and SJ are great at what they do, and I would highly recommend Activate Physio.

Phil Smith

First class! I have only been seeing SJ for a few weeks with a long standing knee problem and the progress I have made is unbelievable. Very clear explanation of the root cause of my problem and how to resolve it. Genius!

Sarah Harrison

A very thorough and professional service, SJ and Tom are extremely knowledgeable and tailor each session to your individual needs. I can't recommend Activate Physiotherapy enough!

Amber Palmer

I couldn’t fault the service at Activate! I attended a few physio sessions for some hip pain, Tom was fantastic at giving a diagnosis and helping me to improve my rehab exercises. I will continue to use these exercises until I can manage to get back to physio in the future. Thank you!

Milo N

I first visited Activate Physio for an issue I was having with my back. Prior to this I was suffering for many months visiting doctors and having MRI scans but no one seemed to help me in any way. I booked in at activate physio and saw Andy Thirlwell. He correctly saw I was weak at a particular part in the back and we worked on strengthening this issue. This was after many months of receiving treatment from different physiotherapists. I now have no more back pain and back to my normal self. I highly recommend you visit Activate Physio before you see anyone else. SJ and his team are highly knowledgeable and friendly, and have helped me out not only with my back issue but also with my patella tendinopathy. Don't hesitate to get in contact with them, I wish I had known about them much earlier!

Sciatica

Introduction

Sciatica

don't just take our word...

Client Testimonials

As an international and Olympic athlete I set my expectations very high when working with coaching and medical staff. I thoroughly recommend Andy Thirlwell to anyone looking to gain and edge in their sporting performance!

I highly recommend Andy Thirlwell. His knowledge & expertise are world class. Working with Andy will take your sporting performance to the next level along with improving your over all health!

SJ is a great Physio. I've known him for years, and can highly recommend him. Obviously passionate about his profession, he is hard working, conscientious, encouraging, and positive. If you want first-class treatment with a smile, SJ is your man.

Activate Physiotherapy, North Shields

Activate Physiotherapy, Consett

Get In Touch

Activate Physiotherapy, North Shields

Activate Physiotherapy, Consett

0191 603 1121

fixme@activatephysio.co.uk