Sciatica Physio Bexley North & Marrickville Ease the Pain Down Your Leg
Burning, shooting pain from your back into your leg? Our award winning sciatica physio team settles the nerve and gets you sitting, sleeping and moving again.
- Same day appointments
- No referral needed
- Nerve calming care
- ⭐5.0 Google Rating240+ reviews
- 🏆2026 Award WinnerBayside Business Awards
- ⏱️60 Minute First VisitFind the real cause
- 💳HICAPSClaim on the spot
Sciatica explained
What Is Sciatica?
Sciatica is pain, burning or tingling that travels from your lower back or buttock down the back of your leg, sometimes into the foot. It happens when the sciatic nerve or one of its roots gets irritated, most often by a disc bulge. The good news: most sciatica settles well without surgery with the right physiotherapy.
Does This Sound Like You?
- Shooting pain from your buttock down your leg
- Pins and needles or a deep ache in your calf or foot
- Sitting in the car or at work makes the pain worse
- No comfortable way to lie in bed at night
- Bending to put socks on sends pain down your leg
- Missing training, work or time with the kids
Who we help with sciatica
- 💻Desk workers
- 🚗Drivers and commuters
- 🔨Tradies and Workers Comp
- 🏋️Gym goers and lifters
- 🤰Pregnant and new mums
- 👵Over 50s
Two Clinics, Same Day Appointments
Book a physio at Bexley North or Marrickville, whichever is closer to home, work or the gym. Same award winning team at both.
20 Shaw Street, Bexley North. Monday to Friday 7am to 7pm, Saturday 8am to 1pm.
Book Bexley North →Inside World Gym, 4 Carrington Road, Marrickville. Monday to Friday 8am to 7pm.
Book Marrickville →Know the signs
Signs and Symptoms of Sciatica
Sciatica feels different from ordinary back pain because it follows the path of a nerve. Here are the signs our sciatica physio team looks for to confirm it and find the cause.
- 📍
Where You Feel It
- In the buttock, usually on one side
- Down the back or side of the thigh
- Into the calf, foot or toes
- Sometimes with only mild low back pain
- ⚡
What It Feels Like
- Burning, shooting or electric pain down the leg
- Pins and needles or numbness in the leg or foot
- Leg pain that feels worse than the back pain
- Heavy, weak or tired feeling in the leg
- 📈
What Makes It Worse
- Sitting for long periods, especially driving
- Bending forward or lifting
- Coughing, sneezing or straining
- Standing or walking for long periods
- 🔍
Other Signs to Look For
- Leg pain when lifting your straight leg
- Weakness rising onto your toes or heels
- Tripping or the foot slapping when you walk
- Changed reflexes picked up in your assessment
Book with our sciatica physio if leg pain or tingling has lasted more than a week or two, keeps coming back, or stops you sitting, sleeping, working or training.
Real Back and Leg Pain Recoveries
★★★★★
The treatment I received for my lower back pain and sciatica was extremely helpful. I feel so much better… Ari is professional, patient and offered great advice. He explained everything clearly.
Angela T.Treated by Ari · Google review
★★★★★
I was dealing with bulging discs in my lower back, and spinal surgery seemed like the only option. Thankfully, they reassured me that it wasn’t necessary. A few months later, with their guidance and a tailored rehabilitation program, I’m now feeling even better than before.
Perry J.Treated by Julian · Google review
★★★★★
I was in so much pain with my back and calf… within 2weeks of seeing Sam and him working on me and giving me stretching exercises… I am so happy with my results. Sam, you did wonders for me
Lorraine T.Treated by Sam · Google review
More from our 240+ Google reviews
Common Causes of Sciatica
Leg pain is not always sciatica, and sciatica is not one thing. Your physiotherapist works out which of these is driving yours, because each one needs a different plan.
01Disc Bulge
Feels like: burning or shooting pain down one leg, worse sitting, bending or coughing.
A bulging disc in the lower back irritates a nerve root. This is the most common cause, and most settle well without surgery.
Read about lower back pain physio →02Spinal Stenosis
Feels like: heavy, aching legs when you walk or stand, easing when you sit or lean forward.
Narrowing around the nerves, usually over 50. Strength, walking plans and positions of ease help you stay active.
03Deep Buttock Pain
Feels like: deep ache in the buttock that can spread down the leg, worse sitting on hard chairs.
Tight, irritated muscles deep in the buttock, sometimes called piriformis syndrome, can irritate the nerve. Targeted hip work settles it.
04Referred Back Pain
Feels like: dull ache into the buttock or thigh that stops above the knee, no tingling.
Irritated joints or muscles in the lower back can refer pain into the leg without a pinched nerve. It often settles faster than true sciatica.
Read about back pain physio →05Hamstring Problems
Feels like: pain high in the back of the thigh, worse running, bending or sitting.
A strained or irritated hamstring tendon can feel like sciatica. A simple nerve test tells them apart.
Read about hamstring strain physio →06Hip Related Pain
Feels like: pain in the groin, side of the hip or buttock, worse walking or putting on shoes.
Hip joint and gluteal tendon problems can mimic sciatica. We check your hip so the right area gets treated.
Read about hip pain physio →Not sure which one you have? Call (02) 8021 0969
Your options
Why See a Physio First for Sciatica?
Waiting it out, painkillers and massage can all take the edge off. Physiotherapy adds a clear diagnosis, nerve testing and a plan so the pain stays away.
Questions first? Call (02) 8021 0969
How Our Sciatica Physios Calm the Nerve
Every sciatica physiotherapy plan is built around your work, sleep and training, whether you sit at a desk, drive for work or lift at the gym.
- 1
Find the Cause
A full 60 minute assessment of your back, hips and nerves, to find what is irritating the sciatic nerve.
- 2
Settle the Nerve
Hands on treatment, positions of ease and gentle nerve movements to calm the pain.
- 3
Build Strength
Gym based rehab for your back, hips and core so the nerve stays calm under load.
- 4
Back to Life
Sitting, sleeping, working and training without that pain down your leg.
Treatments we may use
- Dry needling
- Hands on therapy
- Individualised rehabilitation programming
Related conditions we treat
How Long Does Sciatica Take to Get Better?
Every case is different, but this is what recovery usually looks like with a physiotherapist guiding you.
- First 1 to 2 weeks
Calm the Nerve
We find positions and movements that ease the pain. Most people sit and sleep a bit more comfortably within the first couple of weeks.
- Weeks 2 to 6
Pain Moves Up the Leg
Leg pain eases and often pulls back toward the buttock, a great sign. Walking, sitting and bending get easier.
- Weeks 6 to 12
Build It Strong
Gym based strength work for your back, hips and legs so you handle real life load, and flare ups are far less likely.
Numbness and tingling can take longer to fade than the pain, and some cases take 3 to 6 months. Your physio will give you your own timeline at your first visit, or call (02) 8021 0969 to ask.
Your first appointment
What to Expect at Your First Sciatica Physio Appointment
60minutes, one on one
with your physio
Unlike many clinics, your first visit is a full 60 minutes. That time lets your physiotherapist go in depth, find the root cause and build a clear, structured plan with you.
What to wear and bring
- Shorts or loose gym gear so we can test your back, hips and legs
- Any scans, reports or referral letters you have
- Your health fund card, HICAPS lets you claim on the spot
Same day appointments available
- 0 to 10 min
Your Story
We listen to how your sciatica started, where you feel it, what makes it better or worse, and what you want to get back to.
- 10 to 30 min
Full Assessment
We check how you move, test your nerves, reflexes, sensation and strength, and screen for anything more serious.
- 30 to 40 min
Clear Explanation
You find out exactly what is irritating the nerve, in plain English, and what recovery will look like.
- 40 to 55 min
Hands On Treatment
Hands on therapy, positions of ease and gentle nerve movements to ease your pain that same day.
- 55 to 60 min
Your Plan
A structured plan and two or three simple exercises, so you know exactly what to do next.
Free home exercises
3 Exercises for Sciatica You Can Start at Home
Gentle movement can calm an irritated nerve better than lying still. These are starter exercises our sciatica physio team in Bexley North and Marrickville often gives in the early stage.
EXERCISE 01🔄Knee Rocks
- 2 sets
- 10 each side
- Twice daily
- Lie on your back with your knees bent and feet flat.
- Slowly let both knees fall a little to one side, only as far as is comfortable.
- Bring them back to the middle and repeat to the other side.
✓You should feel a gentle easing through your lower back and hips.
!Stop if pain sharpens, spreads further down your leg, rises above about 3 out of 10 or lasts into the next day.
- EXERCISE 02🪑
Sciatic Nerve Glide
- 2 sets
- 10 reps
- Daily
- Sit tall on a chair with your hands resting on your thighs.
- Slowly straighten your sore knee while tipping your head back to look up.
- Bend the knee and bring your chin down again in one smooth, gentle movement.
✓You should feel only a mild, easy pull behind your thigh that fades straight away.
!Stop if pain sharpens, spreads further down your leg, tingling increases, rises above about 3 out of 10 or lasts into the next day.
EXERCISE 03🧘Glute Bridge
- 3 sets
- 8 to 10 reps
- Daily
- Lie on your back with your knees bent and feet flat, hip width apart.
- Squeeze your buttocks and lift your hips a small amount, only as high as is comfortable.
- Hold for two seconds, then lower slowly.
✓You should feel it in your buttocks and the backs of your thighs.
!Stop if pain sharpens, spreads further down your leg, rises above about 3 out of 10 or lasts into the next day.
Also helps
🚶Keep Gently MovingShort, easy walks every few hours beat bed rest. Stop before the leg pain builds.
🛏️Find Your Comfy PositionTry lying on your side with a pillow between your knees, or on your back with pillows under your knees.
🪑Break Up SittingStand up and move every 20 to 30 minutes, and use a small cushion behind your lower back in the car.
This advice is general in nature and is not a substitute for a proper assessment. Speak to a physiotherapist or your doctor before starting, and stop if your pain increases. If you notice any of the red flags on this page, see a doctor first.
?Quick answers
Sciatica Quick Answers
Short answers to what people search most about sciatica, from our physios in Bexley North and Marrickville.
Should I use ice or heat for sciatica?
Heat, usually
Most people find heat on the lower back or buttock eases sciatica better than ice, especially after the first few days. Use it for 15 to 20 minutes, then follow with some gentle movement.
Is walking good for sciatica?
Yes, usually
Short, regular walks are one of the best things you can do for sciatica. Keep them comfortable, a few times a day, and stop before the leg pain builds. Walking usually beats long periods of sitting.
What should I avoid with sciatica?
Long sitting, heavy lifts
Avoid sitting for long stretches, heavy or twisting lifts and hard hamstring stretches while the nerve is irritated. You don't need to avoid all movement. Our physio Bexley North team will show you which positions settle it.
Can I work with sciatica?
Usually, yes
Most people can keep working with a few changes, like regular standing breaks, a supportive chair and lighter lifting for a while. Staying at work on modified tasks usually helps recovery more than resting in bed.
When is sciatica an emergency?
Numbness or bladder changes
Go straight to hospital if you have numbness around the groin or bottom, new bladder or bowel problems, or leg weakness that is quickly getting worse. These signs are rare but need urgent medical care.
Can sciatica go away on its own?
Often, yes
Many cases settle over weeks to a few months, but the right exercises and advice usually speed things up and reduce flare ups. Our physio Marrickville team can check your nerve and guide your recovery.
When to See a Physio, a Doctor, or Get a Scan
Most sciatica is not dangerous, but a few warning signs need urgent care. Here is how your physiotherapist decides what you need.
✓Book a Physio If
These are the most common reasons people see us.
- Pain, burning or tingling runs down your leg
- Sitting, driving or sleeping is hard
- It keeps flaring with bending or lifting
- It stops you working, training or looking after the kids
!See a GP or Hospital Now If
These red flags need urgent medical care.
- Loss of bladder or bowel control, or trouble passing urine
- Numbness around the groin, genitals or inner thighs
- Leg weakness or foot drop that is getting worse
- Sciatica in both legs at once
- Fever, unexplained weight loss or a history of cancer
?Do You Need a Scan?
Most people with sciatica do not need one early on.
- Disc bulges show up on scans of many people with no pain at all
- We refer for an MRI if weakness is getting worse, red flags appear, or pain is not settling after 6 to 12 weeks
- If you need one, we liaise with your GP or specialist for you
Unsure if it is urgent? Call (02) 8021 0969
🏆 2026 Award Winner
Meet Your Award Winning Sciatica Physios
Winners of Outstanding Health Improvement Services at the Bayside Local Business Awards 2026, helping people with sciatica in Bexley North and Marrickville every day.
Julian De Rosa
Physiotherapist Head physio for Fraser Park FC with a Master of Physiotherapy. Has competed in ICN natural bodybuilding and is passionate about helping people with lower back pain and chronic pain.
Read bio →
Sam Nunan
Physiotherapist Head physio for the Wests Tigers reserve grade team in the NSW Cup, and formerly with the Canterbury Bulldogs junior pathways. Loves powerlifting, cricket and rugby league.
Read bio →
Ari Moushis
Physiotherapist An Ironman triathlete who is excellent with runners, cyclists and swimmers, with a background in powerlifting, tennis and golf.
Read bio →
Easy Ways to Access Sciatica Physio
Claim your sciatica physiotherapy on the spot with HICAPS and your health fund, or use a Medicare care plan, DVA, Workers Comp or CTP.
- 💳Private Health InsuranceAll major health funds. Claim on the spot if you have extras cover.
- 🩺Medicare Care PlanHave a GP care plan? Bring it along and we'll handle the rest.
- 🎖️DVAVeterans with a DVA referral are bulk billed.
- 👷Workers CompensationSIRA approved. We liaise with your doctor and insurer.
- 🚗Car Accident (CTP)SIRA approved CTP physiotherapy after a road accident.
- 🤝NDISSelf managed and plan managed participants welcome.
Not sure if you're covered? Call (02) 8021 0969 and we'll check for you.
Before You Book
Sciatica Physio Questions, Answered
Quick answers about sciatica physio in Bexley North and Marrickville. Still unsure? Call us on (02) 8021 0969 and we'll help you out.
Physio Bexley North
20 Shaw Street, Bexley North NSW 2207
Monday to Friday 7am to 7pm
Saturday 8am to 1pm
Physio Marrickville
4 Carrington Road, inside World Gym, Marrickville NSW 2204
Monday to Friday 8am to 7pm
Many people feel much better within 6 to 12 weeks, and leg pain often eases before any numbness does. Your physiotherapist will give you a clear timeline at your first visit.
No. You can book straight in at Bexley North or Marrickville. You only need a referral for a Medicare care plan, DVA, Workers Compensation or CTP.
Gentle movement usually helps sciatica settle faster than bed rest. We will show you positions and movements that ease the pain right now.
Most people do not. We refer for an MRI if leg weakness is getting worse, red flags appear, or the pain is not settling after 6 to 12 weeks. Loss of bladder or bowel control or groin numbness means hospital straight away.
Many people find lying on their side with a pillow between the knees, or on their back with pillows under the knees, most comfortable. Your physio will help you find what works for you.
They can feel similar. Sciatica often brings burning, tingling or pain below the knee, while a hamstring strain is usually a local ache. A simple nerve test at your first visit tells the difference.
Your first visit is a full 60 minutes, one on one. That gives us time to find the real cause and build a clear, structured plan.
Yes. We have HICAPS at both clinics, so you can claim on the spot. We also see Medicare care plan, DVA, Workers Compensation and CTP patients.
Ready to Feel Like Yourself Again?
Same day sciatica physio in Bexley North and Marrickville, no referral needed, and an award winning team in your corner.
Find Your Sciatica Physio
Two award winning clinics. Bexley North for Kingsgrove, Earlwood, Bardwell Park, Bexley and Rockdale. Marrickville inside World Gym for Dulwich Hill, Sydenham, Petersham, Tempe and the Inner West.
Physio Bexley North
20 Shaw Street, Bexley North NSW 2207
Monday to Friday 7am to 7pm, Saturday 8am to 1pm
Physio near
- Kingsgrove
- Bardwell Park
- Earlwood
- Bexley
- Rockdale
- Turrella
Physio Marrickville
4 Carrington Road, inside World Gym
Monday to Friday 8am to 7pm, private on site parking
Physio near
- Dulwich Hill
- Sydenham
- Petersham
- Newtown
- Tempe
- Enmore
Ready to Ease the Pain Down Your Leg?
Book a 60 minute sciatica physiotherapy assessment in Bexley North, close to Kingsgrove, Earlwood and Bardwell Park, or Marrickville for Dulwich Hill, Sydenham and the Inner West. Same day appointments, no referral needed.
- 2026 Award Winner
- 5.0 from 240+ Google reviews
- Same day appointments
- No referral needed
- HICAPS claim on the spot
Got a Question? Contact Us
Not ready to book, or not sure if a sciatica physio is right for you? Our admin team is happy to help.
Bexley North: Mon to Fri 7am to 7pm, Sat 8am to 1pmMarrickville: Mon to Fri 8am to 7pm