Bulging Disc vs Piriformis Syndrome: How to Tell the Difference

Welcome to the latest episode of HT Physio Quick Tips!

In this episode, Farnham’s leading over-50’s physiotherapist, Will Harlow, reveals how to tell whether a case of sciatica is caused by a bulging disc or piriformis syndrome. Both a bulging disc and piriformis syndrome can cause sciatica leg pain as well as numbness in the leg. For the average person, telling them apart can be difficult. However, there are some subtle signs that help to differentiate between these two conditions.

To get a copy of Will’s new book, Thriving Beyond Fifty, you can visit here: Get Your Copy HERE!

If you’re over-50 with a painful problem in the Farnham, Surrey area, you can learn more about how Will Harlow and HT Physio can help you overcome a painful problem here: Request Information About Cost & Availability

**Any information in this video should not be used as a substitute for individual medical advice. Please seek advice from your local healthcare professional before taking action on the information in this video.**

Carole Bush

23/04/2023

Will is very approachable and yet professional. I had an extremely painful flare up of arthritis in my knee. I didn’t want to go to my GP for painkillers. After 7 sessions with Will my knee is back to normal which is amazing! I am so pleased and grateful. I would highly recommend Will.

Caroline Crolla

14/04/2023

Will was very helpful with my knee and hip pain. He listened carefully and then diagnosed and treated my pain effectively. I liked being given a limited number of exercises to work on at home. This combination now means that I am pain free which is great. I recommend Will wholeheartedly.

Evelyn Hole

11/04/2023

I really enjoy all the information gleaned from the e-mails I get, It helps to be more knowledgeable.

Caroline Bridger

03/02/2023

I had a pretty severe issue with Sciatica. Will helped to get me moving again so I could resume my day to day activities

Angela Parke

20/01/2023

Before my first appointment with Will at HT Physio, I had suffered with chronic lower back pain and stiffness for 5 years. At its worst, I was unable to walk for more than 5 minutes without sitting down. I used to be able to go for 10-15 mile walks, but this was no longer possible. I felt miserable and thought that I would never be able to do the things that I used to do. During those 5 years I had consultations with NHS physiotherapists, but, as the appointments were limited, I never saw the same physiotherapist from one appointment to the next, and I was given very little specific guidance, so they did not help the problem. In desperation, I had treatments from a chiropractor, but these only made my back pain worse. Fortunately, while searching the internet 2 years ago, I found details of HT Physio and subscribed to the Three-Tip Friday emails. Shortly afterwards, I booked my first appointment with Will. I was impressed with how detailed a history he took, how thorough his examination was, and how reassuring he was that my back problem could be improved. I left with a set of exercises to do at home. At each subsequent appointment, he checked whether there had been any improvement in my pain and stiffness and how I was finding the exercises, modifying or changing them if necessary. Along with ultrasound and massage treatments, my back problem gradually improved, and was fully resolved in 5 months. Last summer while I was in holiday I was back to walking 13-16 miles a day! I have continued to book appointments with Will when I have had other musculoskeletal problems and I now see him every few months to check that everything is still ok. I very much appreciate not only his excellent diagnostic skills, treatment and advice, but also the reassurance that he gives that any problems can be improved or resolved. I highly recommend Will at HT Physio.

Juliet Browne

20/10/2022

I saw Will a few days after I had injured my arm. He was brilliant. He identified the problem with my rotator cuff and following his course of my treatment and exercises I'm very glad to be back to normal! The environment is warm and friendly from the moment you are greeted by Bryony in reception.

john white

15/09/2022

After a number of sessions with Will I am know free of neck pain. Will took the time to listen to my problem and provided me with complete confidence in his approach to resolving the problem I had. He is extremely knowledgeable and I have no hesitation in recommending him to you. Whilst undergoing treatment I took the opportunity to read Will's book "Thriving Beyond Fifty"...an easy read that is packed with great advice on staying healthy, which again I would thoroughly recommend.

Rachel Thompson

After a poor experience with an NHS allocated Physio I contacted HT Physio for a consultation re my shoulder. I had broken my collarbone and had frozen shoulder. I was told by the other physio that I was looking at a 2-4 year recuperation and unlikely to get full movement back as I was over 50! One year on, 10 months with Will at HT Physio and I am back to my ballet fun class, movement fully restored and pain free. A kind, compassionate, great listener Will diagnosed what was needed, clearly explained exercises and demonstrated. Printed visuals and equipment needed were provided. Appointments were regular and my choice. Text/email notifications were great. Price acceptable and on hindsight underpriced for results achieved. My injury was treated throughout Covid times as the comfortable treatment room and waiting area was kept immaculately clean and hygienic. I 100 percent recommend that you use HT Physio in Farnham.

Gary Woolgar

18/07/2022

I came to HT Physio after 6 months of not being able to run with a damaged knee. After I had seen my doctor who sent me for NHS physio which didn't seem to be helping. When I met Will at HT physio he was the first person to diagnose it as a meniscus tear. And explained to me what I had done. Over the next week's he devised an exercise plan too slowly strengthen my knee and encourage the healing of the meniscus. He told me it would take about 3 months which it did. When I first saw him I could not take one step without pain now I am completely pain free and back running again. I was very impressed with his professionalism and all the help and advice he gave me, I would highly recommend him. Gary Woolgar.