Radiating leg pain rarely starts in the leg.
Physiotherapy for Sciatica Amsterdam
Sciatica describes nerve-related pain from the lower back or buttock into the leg. We identify what irritates the nerve and build a plan to calm symptoms and restore movement.
★★★★★ 47 reviews · No referral needed · often covered by insurance
Who is this for?
This page is for you if pain travels from your back or buttock into the leg, sometimes with tingling or numbness.
You want to know whether it is safe to move and what you can do to reduce the nerve irritation.
You probably recognise this
What you notice
- Pain from the lower back or buttock into the leg.
- Tingling, numbness or burning sensations.
- Symptoms with sitting, bending, lifting or walking.
- A protective posture because you are afraid to trigger the leg pain.
Sciatica is a symptom name, not one single diagnosis. A herniated disc can be a cause, but hip, back or nerve sensitivity can also contribute.
How sciatica develops
Sciatic pain can come from nerve root irritation, disc-related complaints, reduced hip or back mobility, muscle guarding or repeated overload.
The key is finding what specifically irritates the nerve in your situation.
Why it keeps coming back
Treating only the leg pain misses the source of the irritation.
Avoiding movement for too long can make the back and hips less tolerant, while pushing through nerve pain can keep symptoms active.
How we treat this at BeyondPhysio
We assess nerve signs, back and hip movement, strength and symptom behaviour to create a safe build-up.
Assess nerve sensitivity.
We check radiating symptoms, strength, sensation and positions that provoke or ease pain.
Calm symptoms.
We adjust movement and load so the nerve gets less irritated.
Rebuild tolerance.
We strengthen the back, hips and legs so daily load becomes manageable again.
What you can do yourself
Avoid long static sitting if it worsens symptoms. Short walks, position changes and gentle movements that reduce leg pain are usually useful.
Seek urgent medical help with bladder or bowel changes, saddle numbness, progressive weakness or severe unexplained symptoms.
What you get back
Less radiating leg pain, more trust in bending, walking and training, and a clear plan for flare-ups.
What waiting costs you
If nerve symptoms are ignored or feared for too long, movement confidence and capacity can drop quickly.
Frequently asked questions
When should I see a physiotherapist for sciatica?
If sciatica lasts longer than expected, keeps returning, limits work, sleep, sport or daily movement, an assessment is sensible. We check whether physiotherapy is the right care and refer you when medical evaluation is needed.
Do I need a referral?
No. Physiotherapy in the Netherlands is directly accessible. You can book an assessment without seeing your GP first.
How many sessions will I need?
That depends on your complaint, history and goals. After the assessment you receive a clear recovery plan with a realistic timeline.
Do you treat English-speaking clients?
Yes. Our physiotherapists speak English and regularly treat internationals and expats in Amsterdam West.
Is sciatica the same as a herniated disc?
No. Sciatica describes radiating nerve pain. A herniated disc is one possible cause, but not the only one.
Should I stretch the nerve?
Aggressive stretching can irritate symptoms. We choose movements based on how your nerve responds.
Book your assessment
For many clients, physiotherapy is covered through supplementary Dutch health insurance. No referral is needed. You work in 45-60 minute one-to-one sessions with one consistent therapist, in private treatment rooms with rehabilitation and strength building inside BeyondFit Amsterdam. Excellent rating: 47 reviews.
Sciatica belongs to our neck and back pain programme and can overlap with herniated disc complaints.
Want to know what is irritating your sciatic nerve? Book your assessment.