Sciatica and Radiating Leg Pain Rehab in Hillsboro, OR

Relieve nerve-related pain. Restore movement. Get back to feeling normal again.

Pain traveling down the leg can feel alarming.

Whether symptoms present as sharp pain, burning, tingling, numbness, or aching discomfort, radiating leg pain is commonly associated with nerve sensitivity, often referred to as sciatica.

At Tualatin Valley Physical Therapy, we help patients throughout Hillsboro and the Tualatin Valley reduce nerve-related symptoms, restore mobility, and rebuild confidence in movement.

We identify what is driving your symptoms from sciatica and radiating leg pain, not just label them, and treat the root cause(s) for better long-term outcomes.

What Is Sciatica?

Sciatica refers to symptoms related to irritation or compression of the sciatic nerve.

Common sensations include:

  • Pain radiating down the leg

  • Burning or electric-like pain

  • Numbness or tingling

  • Leg heaviness or weakness

  • Symptoms with sitting or bending

  • Discomfort with prolonged positions

Infographic about sciatica and radiating leg pain including the symptoms and possible causes.
Infographic of quotes from patients describing what sciatica and radiating leg pain feels like

Sciatica and Radiating Leg Pain are Symptom Patterns, not the Cause.

Many structures can contribute, including:

✔ Disc irritation
✔ Joint sensitivity
✔ Muscle tension
✔ Nerve mobility restriction
✔ Movement sensitivity

Why Radiating Leg Pain Happens

Nerves are sensitive, adaptable tissues.

Symptoms often arise from:

  • Mechanical sensitivity

  • Inflammation or irritation

  • Compression intolerance

  • Mobility restrictions

  • Load tolerance deficits

Pain intensity does not always reflect severity.

Most cases improve with conservative care.

Graphic of a person's lower half with overlaid anatomy of the lumbopelvic region in relation to potential causes of sciatica.
Graphic of a person with their lumbopelvic-hip complex anatomy demonstrating the cause of sciatica is pressure on the sciatic nerve, causing pain.

Common Sciatica Myths

Many patients worry:

  • “My disc is permanently damaged.”

  • “Pain means nerve injury.”

  • “I should avoid movement.”

  • “This will require surgery.”

Modern evidence shows:

👉 Most disc-related symptoms improve
👉 Nerves calm with graded loading
👉 Movement is usually beneficial
👉 Conservative rehab is highly effective

How Physical Therapy Helps Sciatica

Effective rehab focuses on calming sensitivity and restoring tolerance.

Your treatment may likely include:

  • Movement & symptom assessment

  • Neural mobility strategies

  • Directional preference movements

  • Strength & stability progression

  • Load tolerance restoration

  • Mobility normalization

  • Sitting & posture tolerance training

  • Flare-up management planning

  • Education about nerve sensitivity

Our goal is restoring comfortable:

✔ Sitting
✔ Walking
✔ Bending
✔ Lifting
✔ Daily activity

Without constant nerve irritation.

A physical therapist mobilizing a patient's hip using a mobilization belt to increase mobility and reduce restrictions causing pressure on the sciatic nerve.
A physical therapist in a PT exam room working with a patient who has sciatica pain on their spinal mobility

What We Commonly Help

We frequently work with:

  • Acute sciatica

  • Chronic nerve pain

  • Disc-related symptoms

  • Sitting intolerance pain

  • Recurrent flare-ups

  • Numbness & tingling patterns

  • Back and leg pain

Rehab is always tailored to each individual.

Sciatica & Radiating Leg Pain FAQs

  • Yes, conservative rehab is often highly effective. Physical therapy reduces nerve sensitivity, improves mobility, and restores load tolerance.

  • Most cases of sciatica do not require imaging unless serious medical concerns (red flags) are present.

  • Yes, most patients improve with conservative rehab.

  • No. Nerves are adaptable and responsive to treatment. Most cases improve significantly with conservative rehabilitation.

  • Prolonged rest often worsens symptoms. Guided movement is key.

  • Many patients see improvement within several visits.

  • Absolutely!

Stop Waiting. Start Recovering.

No referrals. No insurance delays. No techs or aides.
Just one-on-one care with a Doctor of Physical Therapy.

Whether you’re dealing with back pain, a sports injury, an auto accident, or a work injury, we make it simple to get started. Same-day appointments available.

Serving Hillsboro, Cornelius, Forest Grove, Aloha, and the greater Tualatin Valley.

Call us today at (971) 238-5755, or click the button below to schedule your initial evaluation online.

Unsure if self-pay physical therapy is for you? Schedule a free 15-minute consultation using the same button!

Our friendly team is ready to guide you on your path to recovery and lasting wellness.

Auto (PIP) Accepted

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Workers' Compensation Accepted

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Out-of-Network Reimbursement Available

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Auto (PIP) Accepted 〰️ Workers' Compensation Accepted 〰️ Out-of-Network Reimbursement Available 〰️

Transparent pricing. Clear plan. No surprise bills.

Experience the TVPT Difference.