Physical therapy condition guide

Sciatica Physical Therapy in Mt. Pleasant, MI

About Sciatica Physical Therapy

Sciatica is a common term for pain, tingling, numbness, or weakness that travels from the low back or buttock into the leg. It may come from irritation of a nerve root in the low back or from other structures that refer symptoms down the leg. Some people feel sharp pain with sitting or bending. Others feel burning, heaviness, pins and needles, or symptoms that change with walking, standing, or position.

Physical therapy for sciatica focuses on identifying what movements and positions influence symptoms. Treatment may include repeated movement testing, gentle nerve mobility, spine and hip mobility work, strengthening, posture and lifting education, walking tolerance, symptom-relieving positions, and a progressive home program. The plan should not be one-size-fits-all, because some people feel better with extension, some with flexion, and some need a slower progression.

Mountain Town Rehab offers one-on-one care from licensed providers who can monitor nerve symptoms closely and adjust the plan as your body responds. Our orthopedic experience, manual therapy background, aquatic therapy option, and careful progression are especially helpful when leg symptoms make normal exercise difficult.

Safety note

New or worsening leg weakness, loss of bowel or bladder control, numbness in the saddle area, or severe symptoms after trauma require urgent medical evaluation.

Sciatica FAQs

Is all leg pain sciatica?

No. Leg pain can come from the back, hip, nerves, muscles, joints, circulation, or other causes. A PT evaluation helps sort out likely contributors.

Should I stretch my hamstrings for sciatica?

Sometimes stretching helps, but aggressive stretching can irritate nerve symptoms for some people. Your therapist will guide the right approach.

Can I keep walking?

Many patients can continue walking with modifications. Distance, speed, surface, and posture may need to be adjusted.

When should sciatica be referred out?

Progressive weakness, bowel or bladder changes, severe unrelenting pain, or concerning neurologic signs need medical attention.

Related staff experience

Mark Stansberry, Owner / PT, DPT, FAAOMPT Orthopedic Clinical Specialist with fellowship training, extensive manual therapy coursework, dry needling certification, blood flow restriction teaching experience, and experience treating athletes across youth, collegiate, professional, and Olympic levels. Alex Stansberry, DPT Orthopedic Clinical Specialist with outpatient orthopedic and neurologic experience, sports injury interests, dry needling certification, Blood Flow Restriction Training certification, and Graston technique training. Stephanie Pifer, DPT Physical therapist with orthopedic outpatient experience, return-to-sport interests, Blood Flow Restriction Training and Dry Needling skills, and Pregnancy and Postpartum Corrective Exercise Specialist certification in progress for Summer 2026. Kristi Pifer, MA, MSPT Physical therapist with lymphedema certification, pediatric and aquatic therapy specialization, experience treating orthopedic and neurologic conditions, and LSVT BIG certification for Parkinson's treatment. Lisa Smith, PTA Physical therapist assistant with aquatic therapy, neurologic, orthopedic, and pediatric population interests, LSVT BIG certification, and Blood Flow Restriction Training certification.