i just had an ayervedic massage that had Arnica Oil in in it...and pain diminished by about 60% for the day, but not the sciatica. It is possible to use topical gel too. It helps with sprain feelings, bruises,cramps in muscles. I don't rub it directly on my most tender skin.
At least some regular exercise and yoga is helping me more than PT-- truthfully I am learning better how to breathe oxygen into those squeezed...(VISE-GRIPPED) tissues and I don't do the other exercises! lol At the moment that's about all I have...

peaceful evening,

Hana