Sciatica: Stretching vs Nerve Mobilisation

Sciatica is not simply a muscle tightness problem.

In many cases, symptoms are related to increased mechanosensitivity or reduced mobility of the sciatic nerve.

Traditional stretching alone may aggravate symptoms if neural tissue is irritated.

This is why neural mobilisation (nerve gliding) is commonly used in physiotherapy.

Exercises shown in this video:

1. Supine lumbar rotation stretch→ Helps reduce lumbar stiffness and protective muscle guarding.

2. Sciatic nerve mobilisation (supine)→ Rhythmic knee flexion/extension combined with ankle dorsiflexion and plantarflexion→ Progressed to 90° hip flexion nerve glide for controlled neural movement

Key principle:

• Movements are rhythmic, slow, and symptom-free

• No aggressive end-range stretching

• Designed to improve nerve excursion, not force flexibility

If leg pain worsens or persists, professional assessment is recommended.

4️⃣ Reference

• Butler DS, Shacklock MO→ Neural tissue requires movement for normal function

• Coppieters MW et al.→ Neural mobilisation shown to reduce pain and improve mobility in patients with lumbar-related leg pain

• Cleland JA et al.→ Neural gliding commonly used in conservative management of sciatica