sciatica treatment in Cheltenham
Targeted physiotherapy to address the underlying cause of your sciatic pain
What Is Sciatica and Common Causes
The sciatic nerve is the longest and widest nerve in the human body, running from the lower back, through the buttocks, down the legs, and ending just below the knees. From here, it connects to other nerves, which continue down to the toes.
If you’ve ever felt a sharp
pain, tingling, or numbness that starts in your lower back or buttock and travels down your leg, you may have experienced sciatica.
Why Use Us
Sciatica can be painful, frustrating and limiting, but having the right treatment can make a huge difference. At Straight Back Physio in Cheltenham, our specialist physiotherapists provide expert assessment and focusing on non-invasive treatment to calm sciatic nerve pain, ease leg symptoms and restore strength and integrity to the spine and surrounding muscles. Whether your sciatica comes from a slipped disc, irritated nerve or long‑standing back issue, we help you reduce pain, move more comfortably and get back to normal life with confidence.
From your very first session, you’ll know what’s causing your sciatica pain, what’s safe, and how we’ll help you get back to moving confidently again. No rushing, no scary medical jargon — just expert guidance and steady progress you can feel.
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.
diagnosis & physio assessment
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.