Physical Therapy for Sciatica in Millburn, NJ

Are you experiencing sciatica pain? While addressing the underlying causes of sciatica is crucial, examining exacerbating factors is also imperative for pain management. Abnormal walking patterns, for example, can contribute to or exacerbate sciatica. Physical therapists at Twin Boro Physical Therapy in Millburn, NJ, are trained to assess and correct these patterns through gait training during comprehensive physical therapy treatment for sciatica.

The Connection Between Sciatica and Gait

Gait involves complex movements involving multiple joints, muscles, and coordination between the lower back, hips, legs, and feet. When you experience sciatica, often caused by irritation or compression of the sciatic nerve, your gait can be affected in several ways:

• Altered Posture: Sciatic pain may lead to changes in your posture as you attempt to compensate for discomfort. This can include leaning to one side or favoring one leg.
• Uneven Weight Distribution: Sciatica-related pain can cause you to shift your weight away from the painful leg, leading to uneven weight distribution during walking.
• Reduced Stride Length: Pain and muscle weakness may result in a shortened stride length, which can affect the fluidity and efficiency of your gait.
• Changes in Foot Placement: Sciatic pain can influence how you place your feet during each step, potentially leading to an abnormal heel strike or toe-off.
• Impaired Balance: Balance may be compromised, increasing the risk of falls and injury.

Correcting Abnormal Gait Patterns

Once your gait has been assessed a tailored treatment plan to correct these patterns and alleviate sciatic pain and be developed. The plan may include:

1. Muscle Strengthening Exercises:

• Targeted exercises to strengthen the muscles involved in walking, particularly the core, hip, and leg muscles, can improve stability and support for the spine.

2. Stretching and Flexibility Work:

• Stretching exercises to improve the flexibility of tight muscles can aid in restoring a more natural gait.

3. Balance Training:

• Balance exercises can improve your ability to walk steadily and reduce the risk of falls.

4. Gait Training Exercises:

• Specific exercises and drills are designed to retrain your gait and encourage a more normal walking pattern.

5. Orthotic Devices:

• In some cases, orthotic devices or modifications to your footwear may be recommended to improve gait and reduce pressure on the sciatic nerve.

6. Postural Correction:

• Guidance on maintaining proper posture during daily activities to prevent abnormal gait.

Regain Your Stride

With expert guidance and a commitment to addressing abnormal gait patterns, you can regain your stride and work toward relief from sciatica-related challenges at Twin Boro Physical Therapy in Millburn, NJ. Call 973.737.9155 or schedule an appointment online to get started today.