Physiotherapy for a Pinched Nerve
What Causes Pinched Nerves?
Nerves anywhere in the body can be compressed and sometimes damaged when they become entrapped in adjacent structures that are injured or misaligned, altering nerve function and causing tingling, numbness or pain. A common example of a pinched nerve is Sciatica. The Sciatic nerve runs from the lower back, through the hips and buttocks and down the back and outside of each leg. It can become compressed for a variety of reasons including disc degeneration and muscle spasms.
How Can Physiotherapy Help a Pinched Nerve?
Your Physiotherapist’s approach used to treat a pinched nerve varies depending on their expert assessment of the underlying physiology. A pinched nerve may have symptoms similar to common conditions such as Tennis Elbow or a Rotator Cuff injury, so it is important to obtain a proper diagnosis. Your physio can carry out a nerve conductivity analysis and other tests, or may refer you for additional medical imaging if needed.
The Life Force Physiotherapy Approach to Treating Pinched Nerves.
Relieve Inflammation
Hot and Cold packs are used as a passive treatment for pinched nerves. They help relieve inflammation by increasing or reducing circulation to the area and decreasing swelling in the tissues.
Stretching
A pinched nerve can make movement more difficult, so it is important to regularly work on keeping the area flexible. Your Physiotherapist will design a series of stretches to gently and safely relieve your pinched nerve.
Posture Correction & Strengthening
Ongoing pinched nerve problems are often connected to an imbalance in the muscles supporting the spine caused by movements and positions you use daily. Your Physiotherapist will help you to correct the issues with a comprehensive program of rehabilitating exercises and stretches you can use while at work.
Ergonomic Workspace
There are a number of assessments and tools available to help ensure that your workstation doesn’t continue to cause physical issues with your posture. Your physiotherapist will work with you to create a workspace set-up that works for your body.
Physio Supervised Exercise Program
As you progress through your one-on-one physiotherapy treatment, we at Life Force Physiotherapy believe that a supervised work-out environment is crucial to help you ease safely into your self-directed exercise plan. Our physiotherapists will keep an eye on your movements so that you can feel confident that you’re staying on track.
If you are looking for advice for dealing with pain from a pinched nerve, please don’t hesitate to book an appointment to discuss your symptoms with a Life Force physiotherapist. We’re here to help!
