Physiotherapy for Sciatica Pain in Clifton, NJ
Clifton Physical Therapy
Sciatica can make even simple movements feel unbearable — from sitting at your desk to walking up the stairs. At Clifton Physical Therapy, our goal is to not only relieve your pain but also to treat the underlying cause, helping you move freely again and return to your daily activities with confidence.
Under the leadership of Tiffany Zarcone, PT, DPT, Clinical Director at Clifton Physical Therapy, our team uses evidence-based techniques tailored to each individual. Dr. Zarcone specializes in orthopedic rehabilitation, sports performance, and women’s health, offering a compassionate and skilled approach to sciatica recovery.
What Causes Sciatica Pain?
Sciatica pain originates from irritation or inflammation of the sciatic nerve, the longest nerve in your body. This nerve begins in the lower back and runs through the buttocks, down the legs, and into the feet. When the nerve roots that exit the lumbar spine are compressed or inflamed, pain, numbness, or tingling may occur along this pathway.
The most common causes of sciatica include:
Herniated or bulging discs that press on the nerve roots
Bone spurs from spinal degeneration
Spinal stenosis, or narrowing of the spinal canal
Spondylolisthesis, where one vertebra slips over another
Piriformis syndrome, when a tight muscle compresses the nerve
Sacroiliac joint dysfunction or injury-related trauma
Although often called a “pinched nerve,” most sciatica cases actually result from inflammation, not direct compression. The pain is typically felt on one side of the body, radiating from the lower back through the buttocks and down one leg. While most common in adults aged 30 to 50, anyone can experience sciatica — especially those who sit for long periods, lift heavy objects, or have poor posture.
What Are the Common Symptoms of Sciatica?
Acupuncture is suitable for a wide range of shoulder conditions, including:
Sharp, burning pain radiating from the lower back to the leg
Numbness or tingling in the buttock, thigh, or calf
Weakness in the affected leg or foot
Increased pain when sitting, coughing, or sneezing
Difficulty standing up straight or walking
How Evidence-Based Physiotherapy Helps Relieve Sciatica
At Clifton Physical Therapy, we take a personalized, evidence-based approach to treating sciatica pain. Each patient undergoes a comprehensive physical examination to evaluate movement, strength, posture, and nerve function. Based on these findings, our therapists design a treatment program that targets both the pain and its source.
Depending on your diagnosis, treatment may include:
Manual Therapy: Hands-on techniques to reduce pressure on the sciatic nerve and restore normal joint mobility.
Stretching & Mobility Exercises: Improve flexibility and reduce muscle tightness, especially in the lower back and piriformis region.
Strengthening Programs: Build core and hip strength to support the spine and prevent future episodes.
Postural Training: Teach proper body mechanics to relieve stress on the lower back during daily activities.
Neural Mobilization: Gentle movements that promote healing and reduce nerve irritation.
What Types of Sciatica Do We Treat?
At Clifton Physical Therapy, we understand that not all sciatica pain is the same. Each patient’s symptoms can be triggered by different spinal or muscular conditions. That’s why our physiotherapists customize treatment plans based on the underlying cause of your pain.
Here’s how we approach each type of sciatica condition:
1. Herniated Disc–Related Sciatica
When a disc in the lower back presses on the sciatic nerve, it can cause sharp, shooting pain down the leg.
Our treatment focuses on:
Manual therapy to reduce nerve pressure and restore spinal mobility
Core stabilization exercises to support your lumbar spine
Stretching and strengthening routines to prevent future disc injuries
2. Spondylolisthesis-Related Sciatica
If one vertebra slips out of place and pinches a nerve, you may feel pain, tingling, or weakness in your leg.
In this case, our therapists design a stabilization program that strengthens the core, glutes, and lower back muscles to restore spinal integrity and minimize slippage.
3. Piriformis Syndrome
This condition occurs when the piriformis muscle — located deep in the buttock — compresses the sciatic nerve.
Our physiotherapy approach includes targeted mobility exercises, myofascial release, and muscle relaxation techniques to reduce tension in the piriformis and restore pain-free movement.
4. Sacroiliac (SI) Joint Dysfunction
When the joint connecting your spine to your pelvis is inflamed or misaligned, it can irritate the sciatic nerve.
We use manual adjustments, joint mobilization, and corrective exercises to balance pelvic alignment and relieve nerve irritation.
5. Spinal Stenosis
Narrowing of the spinal canal can compress the sciatic nerve roots.
For this, we focus on mobility training, posture correction, and strength-building exercises that relieve compression and improve spinal flexibility.
When Should You See a Physiotherapist for Sciatica?
If your pain lasts more than a few days, radiates down one leg, or interferes with walking or sitting, it’s time to see a physiotherapist. Delaying care can lead to worsening nerve irritation or chronic weakness in the leg.
Early physiotherapy intervention can:
Prevent the condition from progressing
Reduce inflammation and pressure on the sciatic nerve
Improve flexibility and strength
Speed up your recovery and lower the risk of recurrence
Call us today at (973)-922-9659 to schedule your appointment and start your journey toward lasting relief from sciatica pain.
What others are saying
"I recently had ankle surgery and Clifton PT has been nothing short of amazing! My goal was to get back to playing soccer as quick as possible before the college season started and so far I'm right on track. Izzy, Bianca, Tiff, and John have gone above and beyond to make sure I'm back to 100%. Couldn't be more grateful to be treated by the best team ever!." - Nat Rufino
All the therapists at Clifton Physical Therapy are awesome, but I spend most of my time with Izzy and Bianca—and they’ve been amazing. They’re enthusiastic, knowledgeable, and always take the time to explain what I’m doing and what my issues are. Their positive energy and clear communication make a big difference in my recovery." - Bryan Tompkins
"Going Clifton physical therapy was one of the best thing that came out of my back pain! Every single staff member is amazing and cares for your recovery! I have been with them for the past couple of months and now continuing their workout program! I can’t recommend them enough! Tiffany, Izzy, Bianca and everyone else I have worked with there! Can’t rave about them enough!!." - Monica Mehta
"Clifton Physical Therapy has been a great place for me to heal my meniscus tear. The staff is very knowledgeable and friendly, and has been extremely helpful in guiding me through my recovery. I highly recommend their services.." - Kelly Bevando
Clifton Physical Therapy
✆ Phone (appointments): (973)-241-1338
Address: 1059 Bloomfield Ave, Clifton, NJ 07012
