Patient Win of the Month: “I Thought I’d Never Feel My Toes Again” — How Targeted Physical Therapy Helped Sciatica

If you’ve ever dealt with sciatica, you know how frustrating, scary, and downright painful it can be—especially when the numbness lingers for weeks or months. But here’s the good news: with the right approach, sciatica can often be relieved with exercise alone.

This month’s patient win highlights exactly that.

Tammy’s Story: When Sciatica Steals More Than Comfort

Tammy, a woman in her 50s, had been living with sciatica pain and numbness in her toes for two months. Like many people, she tried all the usual routes:

• A chiropractor — no relief

• Prescription oral steroids from her PCP — some relief, but symptoms returned

• Rest — didn’t help

She was starting to think her symptoms were permanent.
Her exact words:
“I thought I’d never feel my toes again.”

Then she came to Altamont Physical Therapy.

Understanding Sciatica: What’s Really Going On

Sciatica often occurs when a pinched or irritated nerve in the lower back sends pain, numbness, tingling, or weakness down the leg.
But here’s the part most people don’t realize:

The right exercises can reduce pressure on the nerve and restore normal function—sometimes faster than you’d expect.

How Dr. Stephanie Mason Helped Tammy Get Her Life Back

During her evaluation, Dr. Stephanie Mason listened closely to what Tammy was experiencing—not just the pain, but how it was limiting her life. Then she built an individualized care plan focused on:

• Reducing nerve irritation

• Restoring mobility

• Improving strength

• Teaching Tammy what movements helped vs. harmed her recovery

And the result?

✔️ Her sciatica pain improved dramatically
✔️ Her mobility increased
✔️ The numbness in her toes disappeared

Yes — after two months of barely feeling part of her foot, the feeling returned.

All from a plan built on evidence-based exercises and personalized care.

Why Physical Therapy Works for Sciatica

Not all sciatica is the same — and that’s exactly why cookie-cutter treatments fall short.

At Altamont PT, we help patients:

• Identify the true source of their sciatica

• Understand which movements relieve the nerve

• Build strength and flexibility to prevent future flare-ups

• Take control of their recovery instead of depending on passive treatments

In the right hands, exercise isn’t just helpful — it can be life-changing.

If You’re Dealing With Sciatica, You Don’t Have to Live With It

Sciatica responds extremely well to targeted physical therapy, and you deserve the same relief Tammy found.

If you’re experiencing:

• Pain down the back of the leg

• Numbness or tingling in the foot or toes

• Burning or shooting pain

• Stiffness in the low back or hips

• Symptoms that keep returning

—let’s take a look before it becomes a long-term issue.

Ready to feel better?

📞 Call Altamont Physical Therapy today to schedule a visit.
You don’t have to live with sciatica — and you don’t have to lose hope.