Your symptom pattern
Where symptoms travel, when they started, and how sitting, standing, walking, bending, or other activities affect them.
Sciatica & Leg Symptoms
When pain travels down your leg, the evaluation matters.
Leg pain, tingling, or numbness can make sitting, walking, working, and sleeping difficult. At Nick Rinard Physical Therapy in Portland, we start by understanding your symptoms and how they affect your daily life.
We assess movement, function, and nerve-related findings to help determine an appropriate treatment plan. You do not need to know the exact cause before asking for an evaluation.
What is sciatica?
Sciatica describes symptoms associated with irritation or compression of the sciatic nerve or the nerve roots that contribute to it. Symptoms often travel through the buttock and down one leg, sometimes reaching the foot or toes. They can include pain, tingling, numbness, or weakness.
Back pain may occur too, but leg symptoms can be more noticeable. Other conditions can also cause leg pain, so an examination helps clarify the presentation and whether physical therapy is appropriate.
What we assess at NRPT
Movement and nerve function
Spinal movement and functional tasks, along with strength, sensation, reflexes, and nerve-sensitivity testing when indicated.
Your response to testing
How symptoms and mobility change with specific movements or positions, and whether findings suggest the need for further medical evaluation.
How the McKenzie Method can guide treatment
NRPT uses Mechanical Diagnosis and Therapy (MDT), also known as the McKenzie Method, to assess symptom behavior and help select individualized care. Repeated movements or sustained positions may reveal a useful treatment direction.
For some people, leg symptoms retreat toward the back during testing. This response, called centralization, can help guide treatment. We also track strength, sensation, function, and your overall progress. The exercise choice depends on your findings; everyone does not receive the same movement.
What physical therapy may include
Individualized exercise
Movements and exercises selected for your examination findings, with progression based on how you respond.
Practical self-management
Guidance on staying active, adjusting aggravating tasks, and using your home program. Hands-on care may support exercise when appropriate.
Return to daily activities
A plan to build tolerance for work, walking, lifting, and exercise, shaped around your priorities and current limitations.
When to seek medical attention
Go to an emergency department for new difficulty urinating, loss of bladder or bowel control, numbness around the groin or saddle area, or severe or worsening weakness or numbness in both legs.
New or worsening leg weakness, including difficulty lifting your foot, also needs prompt medical evaluation. Tell your clinician about changing symptoms rather than waiting for a routine appointment.
Common questions about sciatica care
Do I need an MRI first?
Imaging is not routinely needed before starting care for uncomplicated sciatica. Your clinician can help determine whether medical evaluation or imaging is indicated based on your symptoms and examination.
How long will recovery take?
Recovery varies. Many episodes improve over weeks to months, while some need longer or further medical care. We reassess your symptoms and function to guide next steps.
Do I need a referral?
See our referral information. Insurance requirements can vary; contact the clinic for help with scheduling and coverage questions.
Related resources
Back Pain Physical Therapy →The MDT / McKenzie Method →How Treatment Works →All Conditions We Treat →
Patient information: NHS: Sciatica · NICE: Low back pain and sciatica
Southwest Portland
Schedule a sciatica physical therapy evaluation
Nick Rinard Physical Therapy is located at 9700 SW Capitol Hwy, Suite 140, Portland, OR 97219.