Frank’s pain was the worst he’d ever felt. It started in his lower back but then radiated down the back of his leg all the way to his toes. Sometimes, he felt numbness or tingling in his leg, which he found especially concerning. But worst of all, this radiating pain made it almost impossible for him to get around.
Eventually, Frank visited his physical therapist, where he learned this pain had a specific term: sciatica. Its name comes from the fact that it affects the sciatic nerve, which runs from the lower back down into the foot.
Frank also learned that his sciatica, like most people’s, came courtesy of a herniated disc in his lumbar spine. Fortunately, physical therapy is a frontline treatment for herniated discs, and with a month of regular PT sessions, Frank resolved his pain.
Are you experiencing radiating leg pain like Frank? If so, reach out to us at Teton Therapy. We can help you know for certain if your pain is sciatica or another similar condition — and we can help you find relief with a customized treatment plan.
Call or text Teton Therapy today to schedule your initial consultation!
What Is Sciatica? Symptoms and Causes
Sciatica is a somewhat misunderstood condition. Many people refer to any radiating pain in the back and legs as “sciatica.” In reality, sciatica only refers to pain that stems from pressure or irritation on the sciatic nerve.
Sciatica’s main symptom is pain that starts in the lower back, radiates into the buttocks, and then runs down the back of one leg into the foot, following the path of the affected sciatic nerve. Often, the leg pain will be worse than the back pain.
However, other symptoms often indicate sciatica, including the following:
- Weakness in the affected leg
- Muscle spasms in the back
- “Pins and needles” sensations in the leg and/or foot
- Numbness in the leg and/or foot
- Shooting or burning pain deep in the buttocks or legs
Sciatica occurs when the sciatic nerve is pinched, compressed, or irritated in some way. But what causes that nerve irritation in the first place?
For most people, as it was for Frank, the answer is a herniated disc. Your spinal vertebrae are cushioned and protected by flexible cartilage discs (spinal discs). If one of these discs bulges or ruptures so that it irritates or pinches the sciatic nerve, you’ll experience sciatica pain.
Other medical issues (such as a bone spur, inflammation related to pregnancy, or a tumor) can also cause sciatica, but these conditions are much rarer. If you have sciatica, the chances are good you have a herniated disc, and that’s something physical therapy can help resolve!
How Physical Therapy Can Help With Sciatic Pain
When treating a herniated disc (and, by extension, sciatica), our therapists will move through the following steps:
Manage Pain:
Improve Mobility:
Support Your Back for Better Movement:
Learn How to Move with Confidence:
Find Sciatica Relief at Teton Therapy
Sciatic pain can be incredibly intense and often debilitating. Regular physical therapy will help you resolve that pain — and the underlying cause — so you can get back to living a full, healthy life.
To get started with your own personalized sciatica treatment plan, call or text Teton Therapy to schedule an appointment today!
Your Success Is Our Priority!
Ready to keep moving forward? Return to Teton Therapy and schedule your appointment now!
Patient Testimonial
“Before starting therapy, my right wrist was very painful. Now, I can do pushups without any pain. Therapy has helped a lot and I’m thankful I chose Teton Therapy!”
-D.K.
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Why Sciatic Pain Doesn’t Just Go Away On Its Own
Sciatic pain can come and go, which often leads people to believe it will resolve on its own. But in most cases, that relief is only temporary. The underlying issue is still there, and without the right treatment, symptoms are likely to return or gradually worsen over time.
Sciatica is typically caused by irritation or compression of the sciatic nerve, often due to problems in the lower back, hips, or surrounding muscles. This can include disc issues, joint dysfunction, or muscle imbalances that place ongoing stress on the nerve. Because these root causes don’t correct themselves, the pain tends to persist or cycle through periods of flare-ups and relief.
What starts as occasional discomfort can eventually impact your ability to sit, stand, sleep, or stay active. Some patients also begin to notice weakness, numbness, or tingling down the leg, which are signs that the nerve is being affected more significantly.
The key to lasting relief is identifying and addressing the source of the problem, not just managing the symptoms. At Teton Therapy, our team takes a comprehensive, evidence-based approach to evaluate your movement, pinpoint the cause of your pain, and develop a personalized plan designed to restore function and prevent recurrence.
If sciatic pain is interfering with your daily life, it’s important to take action early. The sooner the underlying issue is addressed, the easier it is to get back to moving comfortably and confidently.
Now offering Spanish-speaking services in Cheyenne
At Teton Therapy, we believe that clear communication is essential to great care. That’s why we’re proud to offer Spanish-speaking services at our Cheyenne location, helping more members of our community feel comfortable, confident, and understood throughout their therapy journey.
Whether you’re coming in for physical therapy, occupational therapy, or specialized care, our bilingual team is here to guide you every step of the way. From your first evaluation to your final visit, you can expect personalized, evidence-based treatment delivered in a language you feel most comfortable with.
We know that asking questions, understanding your diagnosis, and following your treatment plan are key to achieving the best results. By offering care in Spanish, we’re breaking down barriers so you can focus on what matters most: healing, movement, and getting back to the life you love.
If you or a loved one prefers to receive care in Spanish, we invite you to connect with our Cheyenne team today.
Ahora hablamos español: Atención en tu idioma
En Teton Therapy, creemos que una buena comunicación es clave para recibir una atención de calidad. Por eso, nos enorgullece ofrecer servicios en español en nuestra clínica de Cheyenne, ayudando a más miembros de nuestra comunidad a sentirse cómodos, seguros y comprendidos durante todo su proceso de rehabilitación.
Ya sea que necesite fisioterapia, terapia ocupacional o atención especializada, nuestro equipo bilingüe está aquí para acompañarle en cada paso. Desde su primera evaluación hasta su última visita, puede esperar un tratamiento personalizado y basado en evidencia, brindado en el idioma con el que se sienta más cómodo.
Sabemos que hacer preguntas, entender su diagnóstico y seguir su plan de tratamiento son fundamentales para lograr los mejores resultados. Al ofrecer atención en español, eliminamos barreras para que usted pueda enfocarse en lo más importante: recuperarse, moverse mejor y volver a la vida que disfruta.
Si usted o un ser querido prefieren recibir atención en español, le invitamos a comunicarse hoy mismo con nuestro equipo en Cheyenne.
Exercise of the Month
SEATED LEG EXTENSION
Sit up straight in a chair with your feet flat on the floor. Slowly extend one leg out in front of you until it’s straight, squeezing your thigh muscle. Hold briefly, then lower it back down with control. Alternate legs or complete all reps on one side before switching.
3 Sets, 10 Reps (each leg). (Materials needed: chair)
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Now Offering Driving Evaluations
We’re expanding our services at our Lander clinic! Our occupational therapist, Zac Schaller, MOT, OTR/L, now provides comprehensive driving evaluations to help individuals stay safe and confident behind the wheel.
What Is a Driving Evaluation?
A driving evaluation is a clinical assessment that focuses on the physical and cognitive skills required for safe driving and offers an opportunity for you to review your current driving habits and concerns with an occupational therapist.
When the evaluation itself is complete, our OT will provide clear feedback and recommendations for your next steps, all to support safe decision-making.
What’s Included in the Evaluation?
Driving is a complex task that requires various physical, mental, and visual skills working together. Changes in any of these areas can affect safety.
Reaction Time
Coordination
Cognitive Function
Visual Processing
Who Should Consider a Driving Evaluation?
This service is helpful if you or a loved one are:
- Recovering from an injury or surgery
- Living with a neurological condition, especially conditions that affect movement and coordination, such as stroke or Parkinson’s disease
- Managing arthritis or joint pain that limits movement
- Noticing changes in vision, slower reactions, or reduced confidence while driving
Supporting Safe Independence in our Community
For many people, driving is an important part of day-to-day independence. A professional evaluation helps you understand your current abilities and next steps, whether that means continuing to drive, utilizing adaptive equipment, or exploring driving alternatives. To get started with a driving evaluation at Teton Therapy in Lander, schedule an appointment today.
Diagnostic Ultrasound
We have some exciting news: our Riverton clinic is now offering diagnostic ultrasound, bringing more precise answers to your care. Please join us in congratulating Clinic Director Andrew Bosselman, PT, DPT, and Director of Quality Luke Bennett, PT, DPT, MDNC, on their recently acquired diagnostic ultrasound certifications!
What is Diagnostic Ultrasound?
Diagnostic ultrasound uses low-power sound waves to create real-time images of muscles, tendons, ligaments, and joints. It offers a specialized view of soft tissues that traditional diagnostic tools, such as X-rays, cannot capture, providing a more complete view of your injury that allows for:
- Dynamic movement assessment, which is especially helpful for identifying issues that only appear with activity.
- Side-to-side comparisons of both the involved and uninvolved sides of the body to provide a baseline and improve diagnostic accuracy.
- Improved exercise precision, ensuring the correct muscles are activating during rehabilitation.
- Faster, more accurate clinical decisions, reducing guesswork and unnecessary delays in care.
- More personalized care planning, as treatments can be adjusted immediately based on findings.
This level of insight supports safer progression, better outcomes, and a more confident return to daily activities.
Why This Matters for You
Diagnostic ultrasound helps the Teton Therapy team identify issues quickly and safely, including:
- Tendon tears
- Tendinopathy and tendon inflammation
- Ligament sprains or tears
- Muscle strains
- Joint swelling or arthritis
Furthermore, there are no risks associated with diagnostic ultrasound, and the procedure is painless.
Let Us Guide You on A More Precise Path Forward
With diagnostic ultrasound, your care becomes more focused from day one. You get clear answers, a defined plan, and measurable progress toward the activities that matter most. To learn more about the diagnostic ultrasound services at Teton Therapy in Riverton, schedule an appointment today.
Custom Splinting for Hand & Joint Support
Available in Cheyenne with Jacqui Vooge, MOT, OTR-L, CHT, CWT
Proper support can make a meaningful difference in how your body heals. When a joint is injured, recovering from surgery, or dealing with ongoing pain, it needs the right balance of protection and movement to heal effectively.
At Teton Therapy, we offer custom splinting designed specifically for your body and condition. Led by Clinic Director and Certified Hand Therapist Jacqui Vooge, our splints are carefully crafted to provide the precise support your joint needs while still allowing safe, functional movement.
Custom splinting can help:
- Protect injured or healing joints
- Reduce pain and inflammation
- Support proper positioning for recovery
- Improve function during daily activities
Whether you are recovering from a hand injury, managing chronic pain, or healing after surgery, a personalized splint can play a key role in your recovery plan.
If you are in the Cheyenne area and think custom splinting may help, our team is here to guide you toward the right solution for your needs.
Packed with savory flavor, this sun-dried tomato focaccia turkey sandwich layers tender turkey with rich, herby notes for a truly satisfying bite. It’s the perfect balance of hearty and fresh, making it a delicious go-to for lunch or a quick, elevated meal.
Teton Therapy’s Monthly Healthy Recipe
Sun-Dried Tomato Focaccia Turkey Sandwich
- 1 loaf of sun-dried tomato focaccia
- one 7-ounce package deli turkey
- 1 large tomato, thinly sliced
- one handful of greens – sprouts, microgreens, spinach, etc.
- a few pieces of thinly sliced red onion
- 1/4 cup mayo
- 1/4 cup pesto
Preheat the oven to 400 degrees. Toast the focaccia in the oven for 5-8 minutes. Mix the pesto and the mayo together in a small bowl to make a pesto mayo. Keeping the bread flat on a cutting board, turn your serrated knife sideways and slice horizontally through the center of the loaf. (You don’t want to flip the top and lose those yummy crumbles.) Keeping the top piece flat, set it aside. Layer the sandwich with pesto mayo, turkey, tomato, greens, red onion, and finish with dollops of pesto mayo. Dollop the top layer of pesto mayo directly on top of the greens and onions so you don’t have to flip the top piece upside down to spread it on the bread.
Gently press your top piece back on top of the sandwich. When it’s nice and secure, use a large knife to cut through the sandwich. Cut it down the middle and across 3 times for a total of 6 pieces. Serve and enjoy!
Staff Spotlight
Rylee Ramsey, COTA
Being born and raised in the great state of Wyoming, I have a deep passion for the great outdoors and agriculture. I graduated from Casper College in 2022, where I earned my Occupational Therapy Assistant Degree and Certification in Equine Assisted Therapy. I then completed my Bachelor’s of Human Health in 2024. Occupational Therapy has allowed me to combine my love for creativity and compassion to help others, and ensure people can live their lives to the fullest. In my free time, you can usually catch me hunting, fishing, hiking, or hanging out with animals.
May Word Scramble
edaldnnoi
nhiigfs
uuasrt
prsnig
eskbta
lveendar
Answer Key
dandelion
fishing
taurus
spring
basket
lavender
