Sciatica treatment in London
Leg pain that starts in the back has its own rules. We work out what is irritating the nerve and build the plan that settles it.
- Initial assessment £85
- Hampstead & Highgate
- No GP referral needed
- Appointments in 24 to 48 hours
Medically reviewed by the SMARTPHYSIO clinical team · August 2026
Understanding sciatica
- Pain that runs from the back or buttock down the leg
- Pins and needles, tingling or numbness in the leg or foot
- Pain that worsens with sitting, coughing or sneezing
- A burning or electric quality to the pain
- Weakness or heaviness in the leg
- Often worse in one leg than the other
- Irritation or compression of a nerve in the lower back, often by a disc
- Narrowing of the spaces the nerves pass through, more common with age
- Muscle-related irritation deep in the buttock
- Sciatica is a symptom, not a diagnosis: the assessment works out the source
- If leg pain, tingling or numbness has lasted more than a few days
- If pain is severe or stopping you sleeping and working
- If you notice weakness in the leg or foot
- Seek urgent medical help the same day for numbness around the saddle area, new bladder or bowel problems, or worsening weakness in both legs
Our approach to sciatica
Settle the nerve first, then restore the strength and movement that stop it coming back.
Assessment matters more with sciatica than almost anything else we treat, because the right plan depends on what is actually irritating the nerve. We test your movement, strength and nerve signs, and explain what we find in plain language.
Treatment focuses on positions and movements that ease the nerve, hands-on treatment where it helps, and a graded programme to rebuild the strength of your back and hips as the pain settles. Most sciatica improves without surgery.
What your programme can include
Where to find us in London
Two clinics in north London, and home-visit teams working from Kensington and Chelsea. Can’t come to us? We come to you.
ClinicHampstead
444 Finchley RoadLondon NW2 2HY★ 4.8 · 140 reviewsView clinic →
ClinicHighgate
244 Archway RoadLondon N6 5AX★ 5.0 · 14 reviewsView clinic →Home-visit base
Kensington
2 Kensington SquareLondon W8 5EPHome visits across the areaHome visits from here →Home-visit base
Chelsea
48-56 Ebury Bridge RoadLondon SW1W 8QFHome visits across the areaHome visits from here →
What our patients say
“Shokola was great with my 12 year old daughter. She got straight to the issue and made good and practical suggestions for treatment.”
Google review →“Harsha has been kind, attentive and has helped me hugely with my hip and Achilles injuries. She’s a brilliant and very knowledgeable physiotherapist and I recommend her highly.”
Google review →“I have seen several different therapists at Sammy Margo’s over many years. Every one has been excellent. When I was recovering from a hip replacement the physio I received helped me recover really quickly. Highly recommended.”
Google review →“I had a full hip replacement following a cycle accident, and have daily physio visits on weekdays for three weeks. I am already able to walk short distances without a stick or crutch, and this is entirely due to the work they have done with me.”
Google review →“Thanks to Olga I have made great strides in my recovery from the after-effects of sepsis. My strength, balance and mobility have improved enormously under her excellent physiotherapy. I would recommend her wholeheartedly.”
Google review →Frequently asked questions
How long does sciatica last?
Is walking good for sciatica?
Do I need an MRI for sciatica?
When is sciatica an emergency?
Can sciatica be treated at home?
Let's get you moving again
Tell us about a home visit and we will call you back the same working day, or book a clinic appointment online.
We use essential cookies to make this site work, and optional analytics cookies to understand how it is used so we can improve it. See our privacy notice.