Understanding Sciatica

What is Sciatica?

Sciatica refers to pain that radiates along the path of the sciatic nerve — the longest nerve in your body, running from the lower back through the hips and down each leg.

The condition typically occurs when a herniated disc, bone spur, or soft tissue adhesion compresses part of the nerve. This causes inflammation, pain, and often numbness or tingling in the affected leg.

While sciatica can be intensely painful, most cases respond well to non-surgical treatment. Active Release Techniques targets the exact soft tissue structures compressing the nerve, delivering lasting relief in as few as 3–5 sessions.

Cory Harris performing ART treatment on a patient

Recognizing the Signs

Common Sciatica Symptoms

Sciatica presents differently in every patient. Here are the most common symptoms we treat.

Shooting Leg Pain

Sharp, electric pain radiating from the lower back through the buttock and down one leg — often worsened by sitting.

Numbness & Tingling

Loss of sensation or a pins-and-needles feeling in the leg, foot, or toes where the sciatic nerve is compressed.

Lower Back Pain

A deep, constant ache in the lumbar region that intensifies with movement, bending, or prolonged sitting.

Muscle Weakness

Difficulty moving the leg or foot, or a feeling that the leg might give out — especially when walking or climbing stairs.

One-Sided Symptoms

Sciatica almost always affects only one side of the body, following the path of the compressed nerve root.

Worsens with Sitting

Prolonged sitting compresses the piriformis and other muscles around the sciatic nerve, intensifying symptoms.

The ART Approach

How ART Treats Sciatica

Active Release Techniques targets the specific soft tissue structures causing your sciatic nerve compression.

Identify the Source

Through hands-on palpation, Cory evaluates the texture, tightness, and movement of muscles, tendons, and nerves along the sciatic pathway to find the exact point of compression.

Break Up Adhesions

Using precisely directed tension combined with specific patient movements, ART breaks apart the scar tissue adhesions that are trapping the sciatic nerve and restricting mobility.

Restore Function

As adhesions release, the sciatic nerve regains its ability to glide freely through surrounding tissues. Pain decreases, range of motion returns, and normal function is restored.

Your Visit

What to Expect During Treatment

Consultation & Assessment

Cory begins with a thorough evaluation — testing range of motion, identifying trigger points, and locating the exact soft tissue structures involved.

Targeted ART Treatment

Using one of 500+ specific protocols, Cory applies precise tension while you perform directed movements. Sessions typically last 15–30 minutes.

Progressive Improvement

Most patients notice improvement after the first session. A typical treatment plan of 3–5 visits resolves the condition. No drugs, no surgery, no downtime.

FAQ

Sciatica & ART Questions

How quickly will I see results?+

Most patients experience noticeable improvement after just 1–2 sessions. A complete treatment plan typically involves 3–5 visits, depending on the severity and duration of your condition.

Is ART painful?+

ART involves deep, targeted pressure that can feel intense but should not be unbearable. Most patients describe it as a "good hurt" — you can feel the adhesions releasing. Any discomfort resolves quickly after treatment.

Will my sciatica come back?+

ART addresses the root cause of sciatica — the soft tissue adhesions compressing the nerve. When the adhesions are fully resolved, recurrence is unlikely. Cory may recommend periodic maintenance visits for prevention.

Do I need a referral or imaging?+

No referral is necessary. While imaging can be helpful, Cory's hands-on diagnostic approach often identifies the problem without MRI or X-ray. Bring any imaging you already have to your first visit.

What if I've already tried everything else?+

ART is fundamentally different from massage, chiropractic, or physical therapy. Many of our sciatica patients come to us after other treatments have failed. ART targets the specific adhesions that other modalities simply cannot reach.

ART for Sciatica