Our services · Ara Damansara, Petaling Jaya
Sciatica Treatment in Ara Damansara, Petaling Jaya
Sciatica describes nerve pain running from the lower back through the buttock and down the leg — often past the knee to the calf or foot. The most common cause is a herniated disc pressing on a lumbar nerve root. Most cases resolve fully with the right physiotherapy. Surgery is rarely necessary.
Book via WhatsAppWhat we treat
Conditions we see and treat
- Lumbar disc herniation with leg pain
- Shooting or burning leg pain (sakit kaki)
- Leg numbness, tingling, or weakness
- Piriformis syndrome
- Spinal stenosis with referred pain
- Recurring lower back and buttock pain
- Sciatica aggravated by sitting or driving
- Nerve pain after failed rest or pain medication
Not sure if bed rest is making things worse? Read our guide to sciatica treatment or explore our full back and neck pain service.
Our approach
How we treat sciatica
Neural mobilisation (nerve flossing) moves the sciatic nerve through its full range to reduce hypersensitivity. It looks gentle from the outside — but it targets neural tissue directly and is one of the most effective techniques for easing shooting leg pain early in treatment.
The McKenzie method uses repeated movements to centralise pain, pulling symptoms back from the foot toward the spine. Pain retreating up the leg — away from the foot — is a clear sign that treatment is working and the nerve is decompressing.
Once the acute phase settles, core stabilisation retrains the deep spinal stabilisers to reduce compressive load on the nerve root. This phase is what prevents recurrence and builds the resilience to return to normal activity — sitting, driving, exercising — without fear of flare-up.
Common questions
Frequently asked questions
Should I rest in bed with sciatica?
No — bed rest consistently produces worse outcomes than staying active. Movement helps nourish the discs and prevents your nervous system from becoming more sensitised. We'll guide you on what activities are safe and how to modify your day-to-day until symptoms settle.
How long does sciatica take to recover?
Most patients with acute sciatica improve significantly within 6–8 weeks of starting physiotherapy. It's not a straight line — some days feel like steps back. Patients who start treatment within 2–3 weeks of onset consistently do better than those who wait months.
Can physiotherapy treat sciatica without surgery?
Yes — the majority of sciatica cases resolve with conservative physiotherapy. Surgery is reserved for cases with severe progressive weakness, bowel or bladder involvement, or when structured conservative treatment has failed after 3 months.
What symptoms mean I should go to A&E instead?
If you suddenly lose control of your bladder or bowel, develop rapidly spreading weakness in both legs, or lose sensation in your inner thighs and groin — go to A&E immediately. These may indicate cauda equina syndrome, a surgical emergency.
Patient stories
Hear from our patients
"Passionate professional physiotherapist. There are many physiotherapists out there, but Felicia stood out simply because of her exceptional personality and care."
"I had a long-standing problem with my shoulder and neck. After a few sessions with Felicia I feel much better. She is very patient in guiding me on exercises."
"Felicia is very professional and passionate in giving out her service and guidance throughout the entire session. Highly recommend."