Conditions
Sciatica in Doha - Physio Assessment at MVP
Sciatic nerve irritation causes shooting pain from the lower back into the leg. Physiotherapy assessment identifies the source and guides the right treatment.
Where you will be treated
Chartered PhysiotherapistsLongevity SuiteMsheireb Downtown DohaSymptoms we commonly see
- Sharp or burning pain running from the lower back through the buttock and down one leg.
- Numbness or tingling in the leg, calf, or foot on one side.
- Weakness in the leg or difficulty controlling the foot when walking.
- Pain that worsens with prolonged sitting, especially on a hard surface or during a commute.
- Relief when lying flat or walking slowly, but flare-ups with bending or lifting.
What drives sciatica
Sciatica is a symptom, not a diagnosis. The nerve irritation can come from several different sources, and identifying which one matters for treatment.
- Lumbar disc compression. A bulging or herniated disc at L4/L5 or L5/S1 pressing on the nerve root is the most common cause in working-age adults. Long hours at a desk combined with gym loading accelerates this pattern.
- Piriformis syndrome. The piriformis muscle in the deep gluteal region can compress the sciatic nerve, particularly in runners and cyclists. Often misdiagnosed as a disc problem.
- Spinal stenosis or facet irritation. Narrowing of the spinal canal or irritated facet joints, more common in older adults or those with a history of repeated lumbar strain.
How a physio-led session helps
The first priority is to identify where the nerve is being irritated. We conduct a structured neurological screen - testing sensation, reflexes and motor strength - alongside movement analysis to pinpoint the level and likely cause. This distinction drives everything that follows.
Hands-on treatment aims to reduce the mechanical load on the nerve. This may include manual therapy to restore lumbar and hip mobility, soft tissue work around the piriformis and deep hip rotators, and specific nerve mobilisation techniques to reduce neural tension. We combine this with one or two targeted exercises to reinforce the gain between sessions.
We are direct about what physiotherapy can and cannot do. For true disc compressions with significant neurological deficit, we will refer for imaging and specialist review. For the majority of presentations, a structured 4-6 session plan produces measurable improvement.
When to escalate beyond physio
Some presentations require urgent medical assessment before physiotherapy begins. We screen for these at every session.
- Loss of bladder or bowel control - this is a medical emergency requiring same-day assessment.
- Progressive weakness in both legs or difficulty walking that has worsened quickly.
- Sciatica following a significant trauma such as a fall or road accident.
- Unexplained weight loss, fever, or night sweats alongside back and leg pain.
- Pain that is constant, severe, and completely unresponsive to any position change.
Related services at MVP
Who will treat you
Every session is one-to-one, and the person who assesses you is the person who treats you.
Dermot Simpson
Co-founder & Lead Physiotherapist
Chartered Physiotherapist · MSc Sports Physiotherapy (UCD) · Aspetar Doha · Qatar National Football Team (since 2018) · Asian Cup 2019 winner
Rana Brahim
Physiotherapist
Physiotherapist · Aspetar-trained · Dry Needling · McKenzie Method · FIFA Football Medicine · Adaptive Sports Medicine
Speaks Arabic
Taneille Johnson
Sports Therapist
Sports Therapy · Personal Training · FIFA Diploma in Football Medicine · FIFA U-17 World Cup medical team
Your first session
45 minutes · 600 QAR · one-to-one
Assessment
We review your history, assess how you move and explain what we find.
Hands-on treatment
Treatment starts in the same visit, combining hands-on therapy with targeted exercise.
A plan between sessions
You leave with exercises and a clear plan to follow until your next session.
Common questions
Do I need an MRI before seeing a physiotherapist?
No. A physiotherapist can assess the clinical picture first. If the findings suggest significant nerve compression or there is no improvement after a reasonable course of treatment, we will recommend imaging at that point.
Can I keep training through sciatica?
It depends on the severity and source. Many people can maintain modified activity. We will advise which movements to continue, which to modify, and which to avoid until the nerve settles.
How long does sciatica take to resolve?
Most acute episodes improve significantly within 6-12 weeks with appropriate management. Chronic or recurrent sciatica may take longer and often benefits from a structured exercise programme to prevent recurrence.
Is massage helpful for sciatica?
Soft tissue work around the hip and gluteal region can reduce muscle tension contributing to nerve compression, but it is not a substitute for a clinical assessment. We integrate manual therapy where appropriate within a physio-led plan.
5.0 on Google
A fantastic clinic with a clean, modern environment and a warm, welcoming atmosphere. The staff are very friendly and professional, making the whole experience excellent. A special thanks to Rana for her exceptional care!
I had physiotherapy treatment at MVP Clinic with Rana, it was professional, effective, and it was a good experience.
I had a fantastic physiotherapy session with Dermot. I highly recommend.
Recovery packages
Most people need more than one session
Hands-on treatment works best in a series. Massage packages bring the per-session price down and are paid online, so the plan is set before you walk in.
4 sessions
Save 90 QAR · 5% off
1,710 QAR
427.5 QAR per session
Valid for 30 days
8 sessions
Save 360 QAR · 10% off
3,240 QAR
405 QAR per session
Valid for 60 days
12 sessions
Save 810 QAR · 15% off
4,590 QAR
382.5 QAR per session
Valid for 90 days
- 60-minute sessions
- Deep tissue or sports massage
- The same team and standard as single sessions
Package sessions are scheduled by phone or at reception, not through the online booking page.
Practical information
Your session is one-to-one, in a private treatment room.
Sunday – Thursday: 8:00 AM – 10:00 PMFriday: 12:00 PM – 8:00 PMSaturday: 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Longevity Suite, Virgin Active Unit 120, Building 41, Street 950 Msheireb Downtown Doha, Qatar
Open in Google MapsGet an accurate read on your sciatica before it worsens.
45-minute physiotherapy session at the Longevity Suite, Virgin Active Msheireb. 600 QAR. Confirmation within an hour.