Free Screenings
Join us on Saturdays from 9 am – 2 pm for FREE Screenings
(first come first serve basis, about 8 patient slots available per Saturday)
“This place provides Free Screenings every Saturday. I went to check my shoulder problem during their Free Screening event. The physical therapist took enough time to patiently assess me and also explain why I am getting the pain and how to fix it. I went for a few sessions of therapy following that. The treatment and tips they provided were very useful. I am a lot better now and play without limitation. I would recommend you use their free screening as they are very good at identifying problems at the very root stage level and treating them too.”
– Bhavya B.
Suffering from Sciatica? Physical Therapy Has Solutions
— March 2025 —
Are you dealing with burning, shooting pain that radiates from your lower back into your foot? This is the hallmark of sciatica, an often misunderstood nerve condition. While sciatica can be extremely painful–and often debilitating–you don’t need to despair. Physical therapy at Therapy Fit Physical Therapy has solutions to help you find relief.
Sciatica is named for the sciatic nerve, one of the primary nerves in your body. Its roots are located in your lower back, and the nerve runs through the buttocks and down the back of the leg into the foot. While some people will refer to any pain in the lower extremities as sciatica, the term only refers to symptoms that stem from the sciatic nerve.
To help you better understand sciatica and what physical therapy can do to help, we want to share a case study of one of our patients, a 55-year-old woman we’ll call Sally. If you suspect you may have sciatica, schedule an appointment with us today!
Exploring Sally’s Symptoms
Sally’s pain was quite severe. She mostly felt it in her right leg–a shooting, electric pain that seemed to split down the back of her calf muscle. Occasionally, she felt a dull ache in her lower back, but her leg pain caused her the most trouble. It was worse when she was lying down or had to be on her feet for long periods.
The other issue–and the reason she ultimately found her way to our clinic–was that she also experienced a persistent pins and needles sensation down the back of her leg, which alarmed her. As her leg began to feel weak and heavy, she knew her symptoms weren’t going away on their own.
Identifying the Root Cause
Our physical therapists listened to Sally explain her symptoms and then performed a comprehensive physical evaluation to assess her strength, range of motion, and key areas. We also took a complete health history.
While we could confidently say Sally had sciatica, it was more important for us to determine why she had it. The truth is that sciatica isn’t so much a condition in and of itself as a sign that something is wrong with the sciatic nerve–usually that it’s been compressed or irritated.
So we dug a little deeper and confirmed what we suspected: Sally had developed a herniated disc. Herniated discs occur when the cushiony material between the spine’s vertebrae bulges outward. In Sally’s case, that bulging disc was pressing against her right sciatic nerve root, sending symptoms radiating down the nerve itself.
Addressing the Issue
Once we knew Sally’s sciatica had developed due to a herniated disc, we were able to create a personalized treatment plan to address it. Fortunately for Sally, physical therapy is an excellent way of resolving pain from a herniated disc.
We began with acute pain management, particularly through manual therapy techniques like spinal mobilizations (guiding the back through its current range of motion) or soft tissue manipulation (a massage-like manipulation of the muscles and other tissue).
These techniques offered acute pain relief so Sally could begin working on a personalized exercise program. At first, we focused on gentle back stretches and encouraged Sally to walk around her block a few times a week.
But as she improved, we began incorporating core strengthening exercises, too. Why core strength? Well, your core muscles support and stabilize the spine; the stronger they are, the more support they offer the lower back. We guided her through a progressive series of exercises, increasing the intensity as she got stronger.
Finally, we gave Sally the tools she needed to prevent future herniated discs. Namely, we encouraged her to stay active, maintain her spine mobility, and continue strengthening her core. We also showed her proper lifting technique so she would be less likely to injure herself.
Find Your Own Sciatica Relief Today
If you have sciatica symptoms, you don’t have to suffer! The team at Therapy Fit Physical Therapy can help you pinpoint the cause of your sciatica and find a solution that works for you. Call us today to get started.
Sources: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK507908/, https://www.acpjournals.org/doi/abs/10.7326/m20-4187, https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1836955320300229
Physical Therapy Tip of the Month
Tee Up for a Healthy Golf Season
March marks the arrival of spring and the anticipation of a brand-new golf season. It’s not just about dusting off your clubs but also about prepping your body for the game. Here are some effective tips to ensure you swing into the new season at your best physical ability.
- Dynamic Warm-Up: Replace traditional static stretching with dynamic warm-ups like leg swings, arm circles, and torso rotations to prepare your muscles and joints for the various movements in golf.
- Balance and Coordination: Golf requires a high level of balance and coordination. Our therapists can give you drills to enhance your stability, which in turn will improve your swing.
- Soft Tissue Work: Use foam rollers or a massage stick to work on your soft tissue. This helps muscle recovery and keeps you loose and limber, reducing the risk of strains or sprains.
By incorporating these cutting-edge tips into your preparation, you’re setting yourself up for a healthier, more enjoyable golf season. May your drives be long and your putts be true!
Exciting News – Our New West Frisco Clinic is Open!
We’re thrilled to announce that Therapy Fit has officially opened a brand-new location in West Frisco, TX! This expansion allows us to serve even more patients with the same exceptional, evidence-based care you’ve come to expect from our team.
📍 New Address:
400 Stonebrook Pkwy, Unit 803
Frisco, TX 75036
📞 Phone: 972-845-4739 | Fax: 972-861-5156
📧 Email: therapyfit.wf@gmail.com
⏰ Hours: Monday–Friday | 8:00 AM – 7:00 PM
We celebrated our Grand Opening on August 18, and our doors are now open to welcome you and your loved ones!
What We Treat
Our West Frisco clinic specializes in helping patients recover from:
- Auto Accident Injuries
- Frozen Shoulder
- Back & Neck Pain
Our Evidence-Based Services
- Manual Therapy
- Hands-On Joint Mobilization
- Functional Mobilization Techniques
Whether you’re looking to restore mobility, relieve pain, or prevent future injuries, our expert team is here to help you move better and live stronger.
Ready to schedule your appointment? Call us today at 972-845-4739 and experience the Therapy Fit difference at our new West Frisco location!
Exploring the Other Causes of Sciatica
While a herniated disc is the most common cause of sciatica, it’s by no means the only one. Here are some additional sciatica causes to be aware of:
Spinal Stenosis
Spinal stenosis is a condition in which the spinal canal narrows, entrapping the spinal cord and nerve roots. If a narrowed spine presses against the sciatic nerve root, it can lead to sciatica.
Spondylolisthesis
This refers to a condition in which your spinal vertebrae slip out of place, running into the vertebra beneath it. That slipped disc can press into the sciatic nerve root, leading to sciatica symptoms.
Piriformis Syndrome
Okay, this one is a bit of a cheat. It doesn’t cause sciatica per se, but it does cause sciatica-like symptoms. The piriformis muscle is a flat, narrow muscle that runs from the lower spine (i.e., sacrum) through the buttocks and ends at the top of the thigh. The sciatic nerve runs underneath the piriformis. Piriformis syndrome develops when the piriformis presses against the sciatic nerve, leading to sciatic-like pain.
No Matter the Cause, We’ll Help You Find Relief
If you’re experiencing sharp, shooting pain in your leg, the team at Therapy Fit Physical Therapy is here to help. We’ll determine the source of your pain and develop a personalized treatment plan to address it. Call us today to get started!
Our Patients Get Great Results
“They were especially helpful working around my busy schedule!”
“One of the best physical therapy locations I’ve been to! The staff are friendly and helpful. The treatment I received from Dr. Praveen was exceptional. They were especially helpful working around my busy schedule! Would recommend to anyone needing physical therapy in the Frisco area!”
M.U.
Exercise of the Month
Bridging
(Glutes, Lower Back, Hamstrings)
Begin on your back. Bend your knees and keep your back flat on the ground. Gently, contract your abdominals and hold to keep your back flat as you move up into the bridge position. Remember to breathe. Gently, squeeze your butt muscles and lift your hips off the ground. The goal is to have your hips aligned with your knees and shoulders. Hold for 5 seconds. 3 Sets, 10 Reps.
Avocado Toast with Egg
- 1 slice of whole-grain bread (toasted)
- 1/2 ripe avocado
- 1 egg (poached, fried, or hard-boiled)
- Salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes (optional) to taste
- A squeeze of lemon juice
Instructions:
- Toast the bread: Toast your slice of whole-grain bread until golden brown.
- Mash the avocado: While the bread is toasting, mash the avocado in a small bowl with a fork. Mix in a squeeze of lemon juice and a pinch of salt and pepper.
- Cook the egg: Cook your egg to your preference (poached or fried in a little olive oil works well).
- Assemble: Spread the mashed avocado onto the toast. Top with the cooked egg.
- Season: Sprinkle with a little more salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if you like a kick. Enjoy!
Why it’s heart-healthy:
Egg: Provides high-quality protein.
Whole grains: Good source of fiber.
Avocado: Loaded with heart-healthy monounsaturated fats.
Let’s Get You Better ASAP!
Don’t let pain dictate your life. Take the first step towards reclaiming your mobility and well-being with our expert support. Start your journey to a healthier you today.
