Fix Your Sciatica Podcast

Dr. Ashley Mak, PT, DPT, CSCS

How to manage your sciatica and low back pain without the use of medication or surgery.

  1. 1D AGO

    The Movement Detective’s Guide to Sciatica

    Dr. Ashley Mak explores personalized pain management strategies, focusing on identifying individual movement patterns and biases to optimize recovery. He emphasizes the importance of testing one variable at a time and tailoring exercises to specific archetypes like extension, flexion, lateral, and rotational biases. Check us out at ifixyoursciatica.com Marin County, California Resident? Check out our local clinic in San Rafael, we make house calls: dragonphysicaltherapy.com You can get access to the somatic tracking cheat sheet here: https://ifixyoursciatica.gymleadmachine.co/self-treatment-cheat-sheet-8707-4603 Check out our favorite products! (affiliate page): https://ifixyoursciatica.gymleadmachine.co/favorite_products Did you know that our YouTube channel has a growing number of videos including this podcast? Give us a follow here- https://youtube.com/@fixyoursciatica?si=1svrz6M7RsnFaswN Are you looking for a more affordable way to manage your pain? Check out the patient advocate program here: ptpatientadvocate.com Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/fix-your-sciatica-podcast/donations Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

    10 min

  2. MAR 2

    Pattern Recognition in Sciatica Pain

    Dr. Ashley Mak delves into the complexities of sciatica, emphasizing that MRIs are not definitive indicators of pain. Instead, he advocates for understanding personal movement patterns through a structured approach of identifying what feels good, neutral, and painful. By creating a personalized pain inventory, individuals can better navigate their recovery process and find effective treatment strategies. Here's an article about the limitations of MRIs. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4464797/ You can get access to the somatic tracking cheat sheet here: https://ifixyoursciatica.gymleadmachine.co/self-treatment-cheat-sheet-8707-4603 Check out our favorite products! (affiliate page): https://ifixyoursciatica.gymleadmachine.co/favorite_products Did you know that our YouTube channel has a growing number of videos including this podcast? Give us a follow here- https://youtube.com/@fixyoursciatica?si=1svrz6M7RsnFaswN Are you looking for a more affordable way to manage your pain? Check out the patient advocate program here: ptpatientadvocate.com Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/fix-your-sciatica-podcast/donations Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

    6 min

  3. FEB 23

    Anatomy and Physiology of Sciatica Pain

    In this episode, Dr. Ashley Mak delves into the anatomy and physiology of the sciatic nerve, explaining its origins in the brain and its pathway through the body. He discusses the nature of nerve pain, describing it as an irritation along the nerve's path and outlining a spectrum of sensations from numbness to burning and sharp pain. Dr. Mak emphasizes the importance of understanding these sensations to reclaim control over recovery and identifies key indicators of improvement in pain management. You can get access to the somatic tracking cheat sheet here: https://ifixyoursciatica.gymleadmachine.co/self-treatment-cheat-sheet-8707-4603 Check out our favorite products! (affiliate page): https://ifixyoursciatica.gymleadmachine.co/favorite_products Did you know that our YouTube channel has a growing number of videos including this podcast? Give us a follow here- https://youtube.com/@fixyoursciatica?si=1svrz6M7RsnFaswN Are you looking for a more affordable way to manage your pain? Check out the patient advocate program here: ptpatientadvocate.com Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/fix-your-sciatica-podcast/donations Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

    9 min

  4. FEB 16

    Graded Exposure and Sciatica Pain

    In this episode, Dr. Ashley Mak discusses the relationship between pain and movement, emphasizing the importance of understanding how the brain perceives pain and the necessity of movement for recovery. He introduces the concept of graded exposure to movement, using a traffic light analogy to help listeners navigate their physical activities safely. The episode concludes with practical homework for listeners to engage in active movement strategies while addressing their fears around pain. Check out our favorite products! (affiliate page): https://ifixyoursciatica.gymleadmachine.co/favorite_products Did you know that our YouTube channel has a growing number of videos including this podcast? Give us a follow here- https://youtube.com/@fixyoursciatica?si=1svrz6M7RsnFaswN Are you looking for a more affordable way to manage your pain? Check out the patient advocate program here: ptpatientadvocate.com Book a free strategy call: https://kilo.gymleadmachine.com/widget/bookings/ifixyoursciatica/strategy-callu02wqf Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/fix-your-sciatica-podcast/donations Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

    10 min

  5. JAN 19

    Pain Reprocessing Therapy for Sciatica Pain

    In this conversation, Dr. Ashley Mak and Dr. Deb Nelson delve into Pain Reprocessing Therapy (PRT), exploring its principles, effectiveness, and how it contrasts with traditional pain management methods. They discuss the psychological aspects of pain, including catastrophic thinking and the brain's interpretation of pain signals. The conversation emphasizes the importance of understanding the brain's role in pain perception and the need for a holistic approach to pain management that includes both physical and psychological strategies. You can find Dr. Deb Nelson here: https://www.drdebnelson.com/ You can find more information about pain reprocessing therapy here: https://www.painreprocessingtherapy.com/ You can get access to the somatic tracking cheat sheet here: https://ifixyoursciatica.gymleadmachine.co/self-treatment-cheat-sheet-8707-4603 Check out our favorite products! (affiliate page): https://ifixyoursciatica.gymleadmachine.co/favorite_products Did you know that our YouTube channel has a growing number of videos including this podcast? Give us a follow here- https://youtube.com/@fixyoursciatica?si=1svrz6M7RsnFaswN Are you looking for a more affordable way to manage your pain? Check out the patient advocate program here: ptpatientadvocate.com Book a free strategy call: https://kilo.gymleadmachine.com/widget/bookings/ifixyoursciatica/strategy-callu02wqf Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/fix-your-sciatica-podcast/donations Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

    45 min

  6. JAN 12

    Somatic Tracking for Sciatica Pain

    In this episode, Dr. Ashley Mak discusses the different categories of pain, focusing on nociplastic pain and the technique of somatic tracking as a method to manage and recalibrate pain perception. He emphasizes the importance of changing the language used to describe pain and introduces practical exercises to help listeners engage with their sensations in a neutral way. The session concludes with to practice of these techniques. You can get access to the somatic tracking cheat sheet here: https://ifixyoursciatica.gymleadmachine.co/self-treatment-cheat-sheet-8707-4603 Check out our favorite products! (affiliate page): https://ifixyoursciatica.gymleadmachine.co/favorite_products Did you know that our YouTube channel has a growing number of videos including this podcast? Give us a follow here- https://youtube.com/@fixyoursciatica?si=1svrz6M7RsnFaswN Are you looking for a more affordable way to manage your pain? Check out the patient advocate program here: ptpatientadvocate.com Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/fix-your-sciatica-podcast/donations Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

    8 min

  7. JAN 5

    The Biology of Sciatica Pain

    The first episode of the year brings a shift in looking at sciatica pain. Yes, there are many ways that sciatica pain can occur: herniated discs, stenosis, arthritis, deep gluteal syndrome, piriformis syndrome. But what about the biology of pain itself? Today we take a deep dive to learn more about how pain works and the types of pain that can be associated with sciatica. We also go through specific actionable steps to help get to the root cause of your sciatica pain. Check out our favorite products! (affiliate page): https://ifixyoursciatica.gymleadmachine.co/favorite_products Did you know that our YouTube channel has a growing number of videos including this podcast? Give us a follow here- https://youtube.com/@fixyoursciatica?si=1svrz6M7RsnFaswN Are you looking for a more affordable way to manage your pain? Check out the patient advocate program here: ptpatientadvocate.com Here’s the self cheat sheet for symptom management: https://ifixyoursciatica.gymleadmachine.co/self-treatment-cheat-sheet-8707 Book a free strategy call: https://msgsndr.com/widget/appointment/ifixyoursciatica/strategy-call Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/fix-your-sciatica-podcast/donations Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

    11 min

  8. 12/29/2025

    Dead Space and Sciatica Pain

    In this solo session, Dr. Ashley Mak discusses how to manage sciatica flare-ups during the holiday season when many health services are unavailable. He emphasizes the importance of remaining calm, using breathing techniques, and approaching pain with curiosity. Dr. Mak provides practical tips for self-care, including asking for help, keeping a pain journal, and recognizing when to seek medical attention. He reassures listeners that flare-ups are temporary and encourages a positive mindset for recovery as the new year begins. Happy New Year! Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/fix-your-sciatica-podcast/donations Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

    8 min
See All (201)

4.8
out of 5
18 Ratings

About

How to manage your sciatica and low back pain without the use of medication or surgery.

Information

  • Creator
    Dr. Ashley Mak, PT, DPT, CSCS
  • Years Active
    2021 - 2026
  • Episodes
    201
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © All rights reserved.
  • Show Website
    Fix Your Sciatica Podcast

You Might Also Like