Back Pain & Sciatica Physiotherapy in Sheffield
Home physiotherapy across Sheffield for new and recurring back pain, sciatica and spinal stenosis.
What usually causes back pain
Back pain is one of the most common reasons people see a physiotherapist, and most of it is not caused by anything serious. It can be very painful and frightening at first, but most episodes improve within a few weeks, and staying gently active helps far more than bed rest.
Where pain keeps coming back, has gone on for months, or runs down the leg as sciatica, a proper assessment and a structured exercise programme make a real difference. Doing that at home means the plan fits the way you actually live, including the stairs, the car and the garden.
Back problems treated at home
New back pain
Sudden pain after lifting, bending or for no clear reason. Usually settles within weeks with the right advice and movement.
Back pain that keeps coming back
Repeated flare-ups are a sign the back needs building up between episodes, not just resting during them.
Sciatica
Pain running down the leg from an irritated nerve in the lower back. Most cases improve without surgery over weeks to a few months.
Spinal stenosis
Leg pain or heaviness when walking that eases when you sit or lean forward, common in older adults. Exercise can improve walking distance.
Long-standing back pain
Pain that has lasted months. The focus moves to strength, confidence and getting back to what matters to you.
Back pain after a fracture
Including spinal fractures from osteoporosis. See rehab after surgery or a fracture.
What helps
- Stay as active as you can. Keep walking and doing normal things, within reason. Bed rest slows recovery.
- Pain relief to keep you moving. Take pain relief as advised by your pharmacist or GP so you can stay active.
- Heat. A warm pack or a warm bath often eases spasm and stiffness.
- Exercise that builds up. Gentle movement at first, then strength. The right starting point depends on how irritable the back is.
Go to A&E straight away if back pain comes with numbness around your bottom or genitals, new problems passing urine or controlling your bladder or bowels, or weakness in both legs. Also see a doctor urgently for back pain with fever, unexplained weight loss, a history of cancer, or after a significant fall.
Neck pain too?
Neck pain has its own page now, including headaches and pain into the arm: see neck pain physio in Sheffield. Many people have both, and both can be looked at in the same visit.
What the first visit involves
- A proper history: how it started, what eases and aggravates it, and whether there are leg symptoms.
- Assessment: movement, strength, the nerves to the legs where needed, and how you manage everyday tasks at home.
- A clear explanation: what is most likely going on and what is not, in plain terms.
- Hands-on treatment where it is likely to help.
- A short, specific exercise plan and advice on sleep, lifting, work and driving.
Why Hamoodi
Hamoodi is a Senior Physiotherapist with an MSc in Physiotherapy and NHS experience at Sheffield Teaching Hospitals, Barnsley Hospital and Rotherham Doncaster & South Humber NHS. His specialist work has been in post-operative orthopaedics and trauma rehabilitation, on hospital wards and in outpatient clinics, so he knows the pathways people come home from and what the hospital team will usually have told you.
Every appointment is a home visit. There is no GP referral needed, and the first step is a free phone call to check that home physiotherapy is the right thing for you before anything is booked. Hamoodi also speaks Arabic, which some families find makes a real difference.
Your physiotherapist in Sheffield
Hamoodi Othman
Senior Physiotherapist
- MSc Physiotherapy, BSc Sports Therapy, HCPC Registered (PH131379)
- Musculoskeletal physiotherapy
- Home visits across Sheffield and the surrounding South Yorkshire areas
Call Hamoodi on 07821 402 634
Please mention Mobile Physiotherapist.co.uk when you call.
Home visits across Sheffield
Hamoodi visits homes right across Sheffield, including Hillsborough, Crookes, Walkley, Broomhill, Fulwood, Ranmoor, Ecclesall, Nether Edge, Sharrow, Woodseats, Dore, Totley, Heeley, Gleadless, Handsworth, Firth Park, Chapeltown and Stocksbridge. See the Sheffield page for everything Hamoodi offers locally.
Helpful guides
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a scan for back pain?
Usually not. Scans often show age-related changes that are not causing symptoms, and for most back pain they do not change the treatment. Hamoodi will say if he thinks you need one or a GP review.
Should I rest my back?
No, not for long. Short periods of rest when pain is very bad are fine, but staying as active as you can speeds recovery.
How long does sciatica last?
Most sciatica improves over weeks to a few months. Weakness that is getting worse, or any bladder or bowel changes, needs urgent medical attention.
Can exercise help back pain in older people?
Yes. Strength and walking exercise help at any age, including with spinal stenosis and long-standing pain.
I have had back pain for years. Is it worth trying?
Often, yes. The aim is to build strength and confidence so you can do more, and many people find their pain eases as they do.
Do you visit anywhere in Sheffield?
Yes. Every appointment is a home visit across Sheffield and its suburbs.