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Sciatica at Better Flow Physio, Hackney

Sciatica Treatment in Hackney

Our physio-led team in Hackney assesses the underlying cause and works with you on a treatment plan to reduce irritation and get you moving comfortably again.

Hackney clinic, E2 · 07517 049272

  • No GP referral needed
  • Physio-led assessment
Understanding it

What is sciatica

Sciatica describes pain that travels from the lower back down through the buttock and leg, and it can range from a mild ache to sharp, limiting pain that affects walking, sitting and sleep. Most sciatica improves over several weeks with the right guidance, and NHS guidance suggests staying gently active and avoiding prolonged bed rest supports recovery for most people.

Symptoms
  • A shooting or burning pain down one leg
  • Numbness or pins and needles in the foot or calf
  • Lower back stiffness that can make certain positions uncomfortable
What causes it
  • A disc bulge or tightness in the surrounding muscles and joints
  • A sudden increase in lifting or training load
  • Prolonged sitting
  • General wear in the lower spine that develops over time
When to seek help
  • Numbness around the genitals or buttocks. Seek urgent medical assessment
  • New loss of bladder or bowel control. Seek urgent medical assessment
  • Rapidly worsening weakness in one or both legs. Seek urgent medical assessment
How we assess it

How we assess it

At your first appointment we take a detailed history of when the leg pain started and what it feels like, then carry out a thorough nerve and movement assessment to identify which structures are likely involved and how irritable your nerve currently is. We explain our findings clearly, flag anything that needs onward referral, and agree a treatment plan with you based on what you need to get back to.

WHAT TO EXPECT

How we treat sciatica

Treatment is built around you and usually combines:

Hands-on physiotherapy

Reduce pain and restore movement.

Graded exercise

Progressive exercise built around how irritable your symptoms are.

Acupuncture

For some patients, as part of a broader pain management plan.

Rehab coaching

Bridge you from pain relief back into strength training.

Sciatica can improve gradually or fluctuate before it settles. Many people see a noticeable reduction in leg pain within a few weeks of consistent treatment, with strength and confidence building over the following months as we progress your exercise plan.

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Patient reviews

What our patients say

5.0★★★★★167 Google reviews
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Claire C.★★★★★ September 2026

“I cannot recommend Joana highly enough. From my first appointment, Joana was professional, knowledgeable and genuinely invested in my recovery. She took the time to thoroughly assess my injury, explained the cause and created a tailored plan which resulted in a full recovery.”

Posted on Google
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Emilie D.★★★★★ September 2026

“Joana is a wonderful physio! She guided me through my entire rehabilitation following ankle surgery. I started out in a wheelchair, and within just a handful of weeks, I was back to exercising thanks to her extensive hands-on treatment.”

Posted on Google
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Catalina D.★★★★★ August 2026

“Sajj is honestly second to none! I'm a runner and work in finance so suffer from various pains from hip bursitis to neck pain due to stress and everything in between… Sajj (unlike many physios) takes a holistic approach and really reads into the root cause.”

Posted on Google

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Good to know

Frequently asked questions

Can I see a physio for sciatica without a GP referral?
Yes. You can book directly at our Hackney clinic, and we will let you know if a GP or specialist opinion is needed alongside physio.
Will exercise make my sciatica worse?
The right exercise, at the right level, generally helps rather than harms recovery, and NHS guidance supports staying active where possible. We will tailor your programme to your current irritability level.
How long does sciatica usually take to settle?
This varies significantly between people, but many notice improvement within a few weeks of starting treatment. We will give you a personalised estimate after assessment.
Do I need a scan before I can be treated?
Not usually. Most sciatica is diagnosed and treated based on your history and physical assessment, and scans are reserved for cases that are not responding as expected or where red flags are present.
Inside the Better Flow Physio and Pilates studio, Hackney
Find us

Better Flow Physio

Unit 3, 430 Hackney Road, London E2 6QL

07517 049272

Monday–Friday7:30am–8pm
Saturday9am–2pm
SundayClosed

Let's get you moving again

Book an appointment online, or get in touch and we will come back to you the same working day.

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