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🔙 Sciatic Nerve Glide

The Sciatic Nerve Glide is a beginner back exercise that targets the sciatic nerve mobility. Gentle nerve mobilization to relieve sciatic symptoms. It's commonly prescribed during rehabilitation for Sciatica and Disc Herniation. Below is how to perform the Sciatic Nerve Glide with correct form, plus the benefits, common mistakes, and how many reps to aim for.

BackBeginnerChair3 × 10

Benefits of the Sciatic Nerve Glide

  • Strengthens and activates the sciatic nerve mobility
  • Improves pain relief
  • Improves mobility
  • Supports recovery and rehab for Sciatica and Disc Herniation
  • Can be done with simple equipment (chair)
  • Performed sitting, so it's easy to set up

How to do the Sciatic Nerve Glide

  1. Sit upright in a chair
  2. Slowly straighten your affected leg out in front
  3. At the same time, look down (chin to chest)
  4. Then bend your knee back and look up
  5. Move slowly and rhythmically

How many reps & sets

A common starting point is 3 sets of 10 reps. Progress gradually and stop if you feel sharp pain.

Form tips

  • Don't push into pain
  • Should feel a gentle glide, not stretch

Muscles worked

Sciatic nerve mobility

When to be cautious

  • Acute severe radicular pain

Who should do the Sciatic Nerve Glide?

The Sciatic Nerve Glide is often included in programs for people recovering from Sciatica and Disc Herniation, and for anyone wanting to strengthen the back. It's rated beginner.

Sciatic Nerve Glide — FAQ

What muscles does the Sciatic Nerve Glide work?
The Sciatic Nerve Glide primarily targets the sciatic nerve mobility.
How many sets and reps of the Sciatic Nerve Glide should I do?
A common starting point is 3 sets of 10 reps. Progress gradually and stop if you feel sharp pain.
Is the Sciatic Nerve Glide good for Sciatica?
Yes — the Sciatic Nerve Glide is commonly used in rehab for Sciatica and Disc Herniation. Confirm with your clinician before starting, especially if you have pain.
Do I need equipment for the Sciatic Nerve Glide?
You'll need: chair.
When should I avoid the Sciatic Nerve Glide?
Take care or skip it if you have: acute severe radicular pain. When in doubt, check with your physiotherapist.
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