Conditions We Treat

Sciatica Treatment in Sterling Heights, MI

That shooting pain down the leg has a name — and a well-studied path back to normal.

How we treat sciatica

Sciatica is irritation of the sciatic nerve, most often where it exits the lower spine. Treatment that works centers on directional-preference exercise (finding the movements that move pain out of the leg and back toward the spine), nerve mobilization, and progressive return to walking, lifting and sitting tolerance. Most cases resolve without injections or surgery.

Signs this page is about you

Sharp, electric pain from the buttock down the leg
Numbness or tingling in the calf or foot
Pain worse with sitting or bending forward
One-sided symptoms below the knee

Michigan direct access: most patients can start physical therapy without a physician referral (10 visits / 21 days before a prescription is needed; wellness services exempt). Insurance plan rules vary — we verify yours and obtain any required referral before visit one.

Common questions

How long does sciatica take to heal with physical therapy?

Most patients see leg symptoms begin to 'centralize' (retreat toward the back) within 2–3 weeks and resolve over 6–10 weeks. Full nerve recovery can trail pain relief — we track both.

When is sciatica an emergency?

Loss of bowel/bladder control, numbness in the saddle area, or rapidly progressing leg weakness are emergency signs — go to an ER. Everything else is typically appropriate for conservative care first.

Can sciatica come back?

Yes, which is why the back half of our plan is about load tolerance and habits, not just pain relief — and why we check in after discharge instead of disappearing.

Opening February 2027 — evaluations bookable now

Join the waitlist and we'll schedule your sciatica evaluation in opening week, verify your insurance in advance, and send intake paperwork you can finish from your phone.

Request an evaluation