Boulder Sports Clinic

Physical Therapy for
Low Back Pain & Sciatica in Boulder, CO

Movement-Based Treatment to Relieve Pain and Restore Confidence
Relieve leg pain, numbness, and back pain.

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Lower Back
Pain Treatment
Lower Back
Pain care
Lower back pain

Physical Therapy for
Low Back Pain & Sciatica
in Boulder, CO

Low back pain and sciatica can make everyday activities — sitting, lifting, exercising, even sleeping — frustrating or impossible. At Boulder Sports Clinic, our physical therapists help patients in Boulder reduce pain, improve mobility, and return to the activities they enjoy by treating the root cause, not just the symptoms.
If you’re searching for physical therapy for low back pain or sciatica in Boulder, you’re in the right place.
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📍 Helping Boulder, Colorado and Surrounding Area
📅 Same-Day appointments often available

What Is Sciatica?

Sciatica is a term used to describe pain, numbness, tingling, or weakness that travels along the sciatic nerve — typically from the low back, through the hip or glute, and down the leg.
It’s not a diagnosis itself, but a symptom of irritation or compression of the sciatic nerve.
To learn more about sciatica, click here.

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Quick Answer: Can Physical Therapy Help Low Back Pain and Sciatica?

Yes. Physical therapy can help low back pain and sciatica by improving movement, strengthening supportive muscles, reducing nerve irritation, and correcting faulty movement patterns. Many cases of sciatica and chronic low back pain respond very well to targeted, exercise-based physical therapy.
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What Causes Low Back Pain and Sciatica?


Low back pain and sciatica are rarely random. They’re often caused by a combination of mobility limitations, muscle weakness, and repetitive stress over time.
Sciatica can develop for several reasons, including:
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  • Disc bulges or herniations
  • Joint stiffness or irritation in the lower spine
  • Tight hip flexors, glutes, or hamstrings
  • Weak core or hip muscles
  • Poor posture or prolonged sitting
  • Old injuries, lifting injuries, or car accidents
When these factors combine, they can irritate spinal joints or compress nearby nerves — leading to pain that stays local or radiates into the hip and leg.
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Conditions Physical Therapy Can Help
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Mechanical Low Back Pain

Pain caused by muscle imbalance, joint restriction, or poor movement patterns.

Sciatica

Radiating pain, numbness, or tingling traveling from the low back into the hip, leg, or foot due to sciatic nerve irritation.

Disc-Related Back Pain

Symptoms related to disc irritation that may worsen with sitting, bending, or lifting.

Postural or Sitting-Related Back Pain

Pain that builds throughout the day or Leg pain worsened by desk work, driving, or prolonged sitting.

Recurrent or Chronic Back Pain

Pain that keeps returning despite rest, stretching, or medication.
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How Physical Therapy Treats Low Back Pain & Sciatica

Physical therapy focuses on long-term solutions, not temporary relief.
Your treatment plan may include:
  • Core and hip strengthening to offload the spine
  • Nerve mobility techniques when sciatica is present
  • Movement retraining for bending, lifting, and sitting
  • Postural and ergonomic education
  • A clear home exercise program to reinforce progress
  • Coordination with chiropractic, massage, or spinal decompression when appropriate
The goal is not just pain relief — it’s restoring function and preventing recurrence.
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What Makes Our Physical Therapy Different?

Our physical therapy is always 1-on-1 with the Doctor. You will never have an assistant giving advice or another patient to compete with.

Many people with sciatica have tried rest, stretching, or medication with limited success.
At Boulder Sports Clinic, we:
  • Identify why your back pain or sciatica keeps returning
  • Progressively load tissues to build resilience
  • We are one of the only offices in Boulder to have the advanced Hill-DT Spinal Decompression table to relieve disc pressure.
  • Integrate chiropractic, massage, and physical therapy when appropriate
  • Treat athletes, desk workers, and active adults
This integrated approach helps patients recover more fully and confidently.

To learn more about how physical therapy can help sciatica and low back pain, click here.
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What to Expect at Your First Physical Therapy Visit

Your first visit includes:
  • A detailed history of your leg, hip, and back symptoms
  • Assessment of posture, strength, mobility, and movement
  • Identification of contributing movement patterns
  • Clear explanation of what’s causing your sciatica
  • A personalized treatment plan
If appropriate, treatment often begins the same day.
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How Long Does Physical Therapy Take to Work?

Most patients notice improvement within a few sessions, especially when pain is movement-related. Chronic or disc-related cases may require a short plan of care focused on rebuilding strength, mobility, and confidence.  Our focus is always to reduce pain, improve function, and create long term independence.
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Who We Help

We commonly help people who:
  • Have low back pain that limits sitting, lifting, or exercise
  • Experience sciatica or leg pain with numbness or tingling
  • Feel stiff or sore after long workdays or driving
  • Have trouble exercising or sleeping due to leg pain
  • Want a conservative, non-surgical option first
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Frequently Asked Questions About Chiropractic for Sciatica

Can physical therapy fix sciatica?

Yes. Physical therapy can help many cases of sciatica by improving nerve mobility, reducing compression, and strengthening the muscles that support the spine.

Is physical therapy better than rest for low back pain?

In most cases, yes. Guided movement and strengthening lead to better long-term outcomes than rest alone.

Will exercise make sciatica worse?

Exercises are selected carefully and progressed gradually. Most patients feel better as strength and control improve.

Do I need imaging before starting physical therapy?

No. A thorough exam often determines next steps. Imaging may be recommended if needed. We can send you for x-rays or an MRI if needed.

Do I need a referral to see a physical therapist for back pain or sciatica in Boulder?

No referral is required. We can likely get you in for a same day appointment.
We can help

Physical Therapy for Low Back Pain & Sciatica
Boulder Sports Clinic


You don’t have to live with back or leg pain.
Book your Treatment with Boulder Sports Clinic today and take the first step towards a pain-free life!

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