Sciatic Nerve

Authors
Affiliations

Nate Yomogida, PT, DPT

Doctor of Physical Therapy

B.S. in Kinesiology

Chloë Kerstein, PT, DPT

Doctor of Physical Therapy

B.A. in Neuroscience

Cross-section of middle thigh1: Sciatic nerve labeled the Ischiadic nerve

Cross-section of middle thigh1: Sciatic nerve labeled the Ischiadic nerve

Roots

Pathway

Common Fibular Division

Motor innervation

Direct Branches

  • Semitendinosus2
  • Semimembranosus2
  • Biceps femoris (long head)2
  • Adductor magnus (medial part)2

Cutaneous Innervation

Examination

Neural Tension Test

The Active Slump Test applies a neural tension on the Sciatic n. and the L4 and L53

Dysfunction

Damage to the common fibular division during Total hip arthroplasty can result in drop foot

  • Deep gluteal syndrome is an increasingly recognized disease entity, caused by compression of the sciatic or pudendal nerve due to non-discogenic pelvic lesions

Entrapment

Reading list
  • Sciatic nerve p3734

Treatment

Depending on your school of thought, either the sciatic nerve becomes inflamed and adheres to surrounding muscles making these muscles tight or the muscles become tight and entrap the sciatic nerve. Regardless of the pathological mechanism, the treatment can remain largely the same.

Release the muscles surrounding the sciatic nerve using manual therapy, cupping, stretching, and exercise

  • Ankle pumps
  • SLR
  • Modified deadlift with DF deficit
  • Heel raise with DF deficit

References

1.
Gray H. Anatomy of the Human Body. 20th ed. (Lewis WH, ed.). Lea & Febiger; 1918. https://www.bartleby.com/107/
2.
Gilroy AM, MacPherson BR, Wikenheiser JC, Voll MM, Wesker K, Schünke M, eds. Atlas of Anatomy. 4th ed. Thieme; 2020.
3.
APTA. Current Concepts of Orthopaedic Physical Therapy. 5th ed.; 2024.
4.
Kolar P. Clinical Rehabilitation. 1st ed. Dynamic Neurological Stabilization; 2014.

Citation

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