Yes. Most sciatica improves with conservative care. Physical therapy treats the cause of the nerve irritation with manual therapy, nerve glides, targeted exercise and movement changes, and many people get relief without injections or surgery. If your symptoms need a doctor, your therapist will tell you and help you get there.

No referral is needed for an evaluation. Texas law lets you see a physical therapist directly. Some insurance plans still require a referral for treatment, so our Gunter front desk checks your benefits before your first visit.

Most health plans include physical therapy benefits, but copays, visit limits and referral rules vary. Call our Gunter clinic at 903-421-1786 with your insurance card and we will verify your coverage before you come in.

Many patients feel a difference within the first few visits. A full plan often runs several weeks, depending on how long you have had pain, what is causing it and how consistent you are with your home exercises. Your therapist will give you a clear timeline after your evaluation.

Both can help. A physical therapist focuses on finding why your back hurts and building the strength and movement habits that keep pain from coming back, with a home program you can keep using. If you are not sure which fits you, call us and we will talk it through.

Your first visit is one-on-one with a licensed physical therapist. We ask about your pain, work and goals, check how you move, and test strength and nerve mobility. Bring your photo ID, insurance card and any imaging reports, and arrive 15 minutes early.

Go to the emergency room if back pain comes with loss of bladder or bowel control, numbness in the groin or inner thighs, sudden leg weakness, or follows a major fall or accident. Those signs need medical care right away, not physical therapy.

The Gunter clinic has an on site recovery sauna. It does not replace treatment, but it can be part of your recovery routine when your physical therapist says it fits your plan.