Sciatica Osteopath in Geelong

Osteopathy for sciatica in Geelong targets the lower back and pelvis to ease pressure on the sciatic nerve and reduce pain running down the leg. Treatment involves manual therapy alongside advice on movement and activity, and suits people with new or ongoing sciatic-type pain.

What treatment involves

An osteopath treating sciatica typically works on the lower back, hips and pelvis using joint mobilisation and soft tissue techniques, aiming to reduce muscle tightness that may be compressing the nerve. They’ll also assess movement patterns that could be contributing, such as prolonged sitting or particular postures, and give you exercises to support the treatment between visits.

When to see an osteopath about sciatica

Get an assessment if you have pain radiating from your lower back or buttock down one leg, especially if it’s affecting your ability to sit, stand or walk comfortably. Sciatica that comes with numbness, significant weakness in the leg, or bladder or bowel changes needs urgent medical attention rather than a standard osteopathy consult.

What to expect at your first consult

Your osteopath will take a detailed history of when your symptoms started, what makes them better or worse, and any relevant past injuries. They’ll then assess movement in your lower back, hips and legs, along with nerve-related tests where appropriate. From there, they’ll explain what’s likely driving your sciatica and set out a plan combining treatment with exercises and activity advice.

A GP referral isn’t needed for a standard consult. You’d only need one to access a Medicare rebate through a GP Chronic Disease Management plan.

Related services

Sciatica is closely linked to these areas:

• Back pain, often the underlying source of sciatic symptoms
• Postural and office pain, where prolonged sitting can aggravate sciatica
• Sports injuries, where nerve irritation can follow strain or overuse