Therapeutic exercise
Sciatic Nerve Glide
Neurodynamic mobilization of the sciatic nerve without excessive traction. Reduces neural mechanosensitivity and relieves radiating symptoms in subacute sciatica.
How to perform
- Starting position. Sit upright in a chair with your feet flat on the floor.
- Step 2. Extend the knee on the symptomatic side while simultaneously flexing your neck (chin to chest).
- Step 3. Return to the starting position (knee bent, neck extended).
- Return. Move slowly, like a pendulum, without forcing the range of motion.
When not to perform
- Symptoms that worsen with the movement
- Acute presentation with motor deficit
Medical disclaimer. These exercises are presented for informational purposes only. Always consult your physician before starting any exercise program, especially in case of acute pain, recent injury, or underlying clinical condition.
Related Exercises
Supine Hamstring Stretch
Stretches the hamstrings without lumbar overload. A key exercise for chronic low back pain — shortened hamstrings increase pelvic flexion and disc loading.
Supine Sciatic Nerve Glide
Sciatic-nerve mobilization with the leg elevated, useful for radiculopathy when sitting in a chair is uncomfortable. Performed without overtensioning the nerve root.
Lumbar Neural Flossing
Alternating tension-relaxation mobilization of the sciatic nerve. Reduces mechanosensitivity of the nerve root without overloading the neural tissue — indicated in subacute radiculopathy.