Pain, injury and recoveryVideo, 0:30
Sciatica: Should You Move or Rest?
Short answer
In most cases, gentle movement. Dave Tam, RMT, says staying gently active, such as light walking and comfortable movement, is usually better than complete rest. Everyone's sciatica is different: avoid movements that significantly increase your symptoms and have the underlying cause assessed.
From Dave Tam, RMT, Director and Registered Massage Therapist, Artemis Wellness Clinic, Richmond, BC.
In this video
- Gentle walking and comfortable movement
- Avoiding movements that significantly worsen symptoms
- Getting an assessment and exercises suited to you
About this video
Comfortable movement and individual limits
Dave Tam uses this video to introduce a common question about sciatica: whether to stay active or rest. He discusses light walking and comfortable movement, then makes clear that everyone's situation is different. The emphasis is on activity that stays within an individual's tolerance.
Assessment comes before a specific exercise plan
The video encourages viewers to avoid movements that significantly increase symptoms and consult a healthcare professional about the underlying cause. Any stretches or exercises are chosen after an assessment, to suit the person. At Artemis Wellness Clinic in Richmond, BC, an appointment provides an opportunity to discuss an individual plan.
Learn more: Registered massage therapy at Artemis Sciatica Treatment in Richmond BC: RMT, Acupuncture, Physiotherapy and Chiropractic
Full transcript
What Dave Tam, RMT says in the video, from its captions.
In most cases, staying gently active is better than complete rest. Light walking and comfortable movement can help things from getting stiff and irritated. We would also likely recommend some stretches and exercises which help promote long-term health outcomes.
That said, everyone's sciatica is different. Avoid movements that significantly increase your symptoms and consult a healthcare professional to assess your underlying cause so you can get the right treatment for you.
Questions about this video
Should you push through movements that make sciatica worse?
No. Dave Tam, RMT, says to avoid movements that significantly increase your symptoms.
How are stretches and exercises chosen for sciatica?
Dave Tam, RMT, says the clinic would likely recommend some stretches and exercises, chosen after a healthcare professional assesses the underlying cause so they suit you.
More short videos from our practitioners: all videos · Artemis Wellness Clinic on YouTube (opens in a new tab)
Educational information only. Individual assessment and treatment advice are provided by your healthcare professional.
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