This exercise is designed to mobilise and reduce tension in the sciatic nerve and its surrounding tissue down the back of the leg.
Watch the video below to see how to properly perform a seated sciatic nerve floss and follow along at home. Please discuss with your clinician when it is appropriate to introduce this exercise.
Instructions
- Sit upright in a chair with your back straight and feet flat on the floor.
- Straighten your affected leg/knee forward so the toes point up towards the ceiling.
- At the same time, tilt your head slightly backward.
- Then, bend your knee while tucking your chin towards your chest.
- Repeat this motion smoothly – when the leg straightens, the head goes up and when the leg bends, the head goes down.
- Your clinician will advise how many sets and repetitions to do.
Common Mistakes and Top Tips
- Move slowly and carefully, do not rush.
- Do not forcefully lock out the knee when straightening the leg.
- Do not over stretch to the point it becomes painful.
- Discuss with your clinician when it is appropriate to introduce this exercise because during an acute flare up it can aggravate your symptoms.
