Los Altos, CA
Back Pain and Sciatica Treatment at
PhysioFit Physical Therapy & Wellness
Back pain and sciatica are the most common injuries in the modern world. Treatment at
PhysioFit can help through a variety of techniques!
Understanding Back Pain and Sciatica
Back pain is one of the most common conditions we treat, affecting nearly 80% of Americans at some point in their lives. Whether you're dealing with a persistent dull ache, sharp pain that stops you mid-movement, or shooting nerve pain that travels down your leg, you're not alone. And these issues are almost always treatable.
Many people assume back pain is just part of getting older, or something they have to push through. That's simply not true. Physical therapy addresses the root cause of your symptoms,often eliminating the need for pain medication, injections, or surgery.
At PhysioFit, we provide private, one-on-one care in a comfortable environment. No shared sessions, no rushed appointments, just effective treatment that gets results.
Types of Back Pain & Sciatica
Back pain can present in several ways. Understanding your type helps us create the right treatment plan.
Acute Back Pain
Sudden onset from injury, lifting, or unexpected movement. Usually resolves well with early, targeted treatment.
Chronic Back Pain
Pain lasting more than 3 months. Often involves disc, nerve, or muscle dysfunction that requires a structured rehab approach.
Sciatica
Shooting pain, numbness, or tingling radiating from the lower back down through the buttock and leg — often past the knee.
Disc-Related Pain
Herniated, bulging, or degenerative discs pressing on nerves. Highly treatable with PT — surgery is rarely necessary.
How Physical Therapy Treats Back Pain and Sciatica
Our comprehensive approach addresses the root cause — not just the symptoms.
Manual Therapy
Hands-on techniques to release muscle tension, mobilize stiff joints, and decompress irritated nerves along the spine and sciatic pathway.
Core & Hip Strengthening
Targeted exercises that stabilize the spine and reduce load on injured structures — the foundation of lasting back pain relief.
Postural Retraining
Correcting how you sit, stand, and move throughout the day so your spine isn't under constant stress — especially important for desk workers.
Body Mechanics Education
Learning how to lift, bend, and carry safely so you stop re-injuring the same structures over and over again.
Flexibility & Nerve Mobility
Stretching tight muscles like hip flexors and piriformis that contribute to nerve compression, plus nerve gliding exercises for sciatica relief.
Shockwave + EMTT
For chronic or treatment-resistant back pain, our regenerative therapy accelerates tissue healing at a cellular level — available at PhysioFit.
Signs & Symptoms of Back Pain & Sciatica
If any of these sound familiar, physical therapy can help.
Common Causes of Back Pain & Sciatica
Back pain rarely has a single cause. Here are the most common contributors we see at PhysioFit.
Herniated or Bulging Discs
Pressing on nearby nerves, causing local pain or symptoms that radiate down the leg.
Muscle Imbalances
Weakness in the core or hips that forces the spine to compensate — and eventually break down.
Poor Posture / Prolonged Sitting
A major driver of lower back strain, especially for desk workers and people who drive long distances.
Sacroiliac (SI) Joint Dysfunction
A commonly missed cause of lower back and hip pain that responds very well to PT.
Spinal Stenosis
Narrowing of the spinal canal that puts pressure on nerves, causing pain, heaviness, or weakness in the legs.
Piriformis Syndrome
A tight buttock muscle that compresses the sciatic nerve, mimicking disc pain — and often misdiagnosed.
What You'll Get at PhysioFit
Most people don't realize just how much physical therapy can do for back pain. At PhysioFit, we've helped hundreds of patients avoid surgery and return to the activities they love. You don't have to "just live with it" — and you don't have to figure it out alone.
Private 1:1 Sessions
Every session is just you and your therapist. No shared appointments, no rushed care — your full hour, every single time.
Root Cause Focus
We find and fix what's actually causing your pain — not just manage your symptoms until they come back worse.
Home Program Included
You leave every session with a clear, personalized plan to keep progressing on your own between visits.
Why PhysioFit Physical Therapy for Back Pain?
You will have a private 1-1 evaluation with a physical therapist. The evaluation of your back pain and sciatica symptoms includes your medical history, a movement analysis, and an assessment of your posture, muscles, and nerves.
EMOTIONS YOU MAY BE FEELING
- Depressed living with chronic pain
- Fearful/worried that you can’t keep up with life's demands
- Cheated out of enjoying free time
- Concerned over the longevity of your back
- Trouble working for long periods of time
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TYPICAL TREATMENT
- Education on body awareness/ mechanics focusing on your back
- Stretches and strengthening exercises to balance muscles
- Manual treatment to balance muscles, and joints, and decompress nerves
Get your desired outcome
- Be able to take care of the kids/family
- Remain active without constantly worrying about your back going out
- Avoiding/reducing days off work
- Be able to sit through the day at work/at the computer with no back pain
- Be able to continue gardening
- Avoid injections or surgery
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Let's Fix Your Back Pain!
Move better.
Live better.
Move better. Live better.
PhysioFit Physical Therapy & Wellness, like Los Altos itself, combines an inviting, community environment with exceptional talent. Founded and led by Kim Gladfelter, a keen, well-rounded expert in healing through movement, and a dedicated team that takes a holistic approach to optimal health.
Free Guide For Anyone
Who Wants To End Back Pain & Sciatica:
9 Quick And Easy Tips To Relieve Back Pain Emailed to You!
What Our Clients Say
K.T.
"The staff was fantastic! Everyone I spoke with was friendly and helpful. My therapist is AMAZING. She's incredibly articulate, intelligent, and informative. I left my appointment feeling optimistic and ready to come back for more sessions with my therapist. Thank you!"
Los Altos, CA
B.R.
"All the therapists are great they helped me so much to reduce my back pain and show me what I can do and what I should do."
Los Altos, CA
Frequently Asked Questions
Answers to the questions we hear most often about back pain and sciatica.
Can physical therapy fix a herniated disc?
In many cases, yes. PT can't reverse the herniation, but it reduces nerve compression and inflammation. Studies show 90% of disc herniations improve with conservative care like PT — without surgery.
Should I rest or stay active with back pain?
Stay gently active. Complete bed rest weakens the muscles that support your spine and slows recovery. Your therapist will guide you on which movements are safe during healing.
How is sciatica different from regular back pain?
Sciatica travels — it radiates from the lower back down through the buttock and leg, often past the knee. Regular back pain stays localized in the back itself.
How many sessions will I need?
Acute back pain typically improves in 4–6 sessions. Chronic conditions or nerve involvement usually require 8–12 sessions. You'll get a realistic timeline at your first visit.
Do I need a referral for PT in California?
No. In California you can see a physical therapist directly without a doctor's referral for up to 45 days of treatment.
What's the difference between a PT and a chiropractor?
Chiropractors focus primarily on spinal manipulation. Physical therapists take a broader approach — addressing muscles, nerves, movement patterns, and strength deficits for long-term correction.
