Common concerns
How this may show up.
- Pain that travels from the back or hip into the leg
- Tingling, numbness, or altered sensation
- Symptoms with sitting, bending, standing, or walking
- Weakness or reduced confidence using the leg
Lower Body
Sciatica & Leg Pain
Evaluation for back-related leg pain, tingling, numbness, or weakness that changes how you sit, walk, work, or sleep.
A useful first step
Understand what is limiting you.
Leg symptoms can come from several sources. A physical therapist can evaluate your back, hips, strength, sensation, and movement pattern and explain whether physical therapy is an appropriate next step.
Physical therapy does not start with a generic exercise sheet. It starts with your history, a focused examination, and a clear discussion about what you want to do more comfortably or confidently.
A focused evaluation
What we may look at.
- Spine and hip movement
- Strength, reflex, and sensation screening
- Positions that change symptoms
- Walking and daily activity tolerance
How physical therapy may help
A plan built around function.
Your treatment plan may combine education, movement, progressive exercise, and hands-on care. What is included depends on the examination and how you respond.
Find tolerable ways to move
Progress mobility and strength
Build sitting, standing, and walking tolerance
Refer for medical evaluation when indicated
This page is general education, not a diagnosis or an individual treatment plan. Physical therapy is not emergency care. Call 911 or seek urgent medical help for emergency symptoms.
Can I start physical therapy before I know the exact diagnosis?
A physical therapist can evaluate many movement-related concerns without imaging first. If the history or examination suggests you need another medical evaluation, your therapist should explain that and help you choose the appropriate next step.
How long will recovery take?
Timelines depend on the cause, severity, duration, health history, goals, and response to care. After your evaluation, your therapist can outline early milestones and update the plan as your function changes.
What should I do before my appointment?
Write down when your symptoms began, which activities change them, and what you hope to return to. Wear clothing that allows comfortable movement and bring relevant insurance, referral, imaging, or surgical information.
Accepting new patients
Ready to take the next step?
Tell us what is getting in the way. We’ll help you find the right starting point.