Chiropractic
Chiropractic is a profession that is concerned with the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of mechanical disorders of the muscles, joints and nerves.
All muscle, joint and nerve problems are seen at the clinic, we treat all ages and specialise in Sports, Pregnancy and Paediatric Chiropractic care.
Chiropractors are primary healthcare clinicians who are able to diagnose and treat without needing a referral from a GP. Classically seen as non-surgical spinal specialists, the Chiropractors at our clinic have taken their training a step further and are specialists in treating all joints of the body and helping them function at their best.
Our chiropractic approach
We follow these four stages when treating our patients to ensure a fully patient-centred care approach
1. Injury - brings you to see us, where we take your history, assess you and put a plan together.
2. Treatment - Not just cracking joints. Treatment consists of multiple aspects such as hands on care, home exercises, analgesic advice, nutritional advice, and ergonomic advice for home and at work.
3. Rehab - this is brought in to the treatment as soon as possible, often during the first treatment. It is then regularly reassessed and progressed.
4. Maintenance - Also known as MOT visits or preventative care these visits are recommended once the pain stops. Research has shown that these occasional check up visits can be beneficial in preventing many recurrent injuries.
Biomechanics
Chiropractors are traditionally known to focus on spinal pain and manipulation, however here at the clinic we look at the body as a whole.
'Biomechanics' are how the body's muscles and joints move and function together, if there are irregular pressures or mechanical deformation/strain on our body, this will lead to injury and pain.
It is therefore important that these are checked and kept in good order.
Examples of mechanical strain or deformation are poor sitting postures leading to neck or lower back injury - Forward head posture is and example of this and can lead to muscle strains and headaches.
Our focus is on your overall health (a holistic approach). We therefore take into account not just how your body is coping physically but also the mental, social and emotional impact your injury is having on you.
Our chiropractors also regularly treat injuries of the arms and legs, take a look at our other pages to see how we can help your hip pain, shoulder pain and much more.
Techniques
Our Chiropractors partake in many courses over the CPD academic year, to refine their techniques in order to help you feel better.
Chiropractic treatment involves safe, often gentle, specific spinal manipulation to free joints in the spine or other areas of the body. Apart from manipulation, We use a variety of techniques including ice, heat, ultrasound, exercise and acupuncture and taping, as well as advice about posture and lifestyle.
We are passionate about rehabilitation and exercises, to prevent the return of pain and keep you living well.
Utilised all around the world by top athletes, Sports Chiropractic helps amateurs and professionals move better, stay stronger and prevent injury recurrence.
An effective and very gentle option for mums struggling with aches and pains in their joints and muscles during pregnancy.
Chiropractic for babies, toddlers and children. This gentle and effective form of Chiropractic care can help ease muscle and joint discomfort in the early years.
Frequently asked questions
What happens during my first visit to a Chiropractor?
Our friendly reception team will greet you and ask you to fill out the relevant paperwork required for your consultation, please allow 15 minutes prior to your appointment to complete these.
Your Chiropractor will then take you into a private one to one consulting room and go through a thorough history and examination with you.
A report of findings is given on the day, which will explain your injury and plan of how your Chiropractor can help you.
If appropriate, treatment is given on the day of your appointment. A variety of techniques may be used to help your complaint.
Your Chiropractor will provide you with an information sheet at the end of your first visit detailing your injury and plan of management.
How long do Chiropractic appointments last?
Your first appointment is scheduled for up to 60 mins, this includes consultation, examination, report of findings and treatment. Follow up appointments are scheduled for 20 mins.
Treatment time length is determined by your Chiropractor and is completely at their discretion. Treatments may be slightly shorter or longer than the allocated treatment time length.
Please note that treatment fees are for the Chiropractor's expertise and not the length of time spent with them.
How many Chiropractic treatments will I need?
Follow up treatments are always recommended to complete a plan of management. The number of treatments will vary from injury to injury and your Chiropractor will explain this during your visit, follow up appointments are used to maintain treatment progress and progress treatment plans.
We recommend making follow up appointments in advance so that you get the days and time slots that you want.
Tip: The 4-7pm slots get booked fairly quickly, along with Saturday mornings.
Should I be nervous about my first Chiropractic treatment?
It is natural to feel apprehensive about your first Chiropractic appointment, especially if you haven't received Chiropractic care before.
We have a welcoming team of receptionists that will happily answer any questions you may have to help re-assure you.
Chiropractic has been proven to be a very safe and effective treatment for a wide variety of muscle, joint and nerve issues. A thorough medical history is taken at the start of your treatment plan with us to minimise any potential risks.
Will I see the same Chiropractor at each visit?
We try to re-book you in with the same Chiropractor for each visit to ensure consistency and continuity of care, though you are welcome to switch Chiropractor if it suits your availability.
How long will my first visit take?
Your Consultation and first treatment will take up to 60 minutes, this consists of 30 mins history and examination and 20 mins of treatment. 5 mins are given either side for getting changed, analgesic advice and home exercises.
Will I be seen in a private room, on a 'one to one' basis?
Yes, we are a clinic that only provides treatment on a one to one, face to face basis. this ensures you get the best possible care.
What should I wear to my first Chiropractic appointment?
On the first appointment, we will need to see the area that needs to be assessed and treated.
For this reason we ask all patients to wear comfortable loose fitting clothing, your clinician will guide you as to what to wear for future appointments after the assessment is complete.
Your clinician may ask you to wear a clinic gown so they can better assess your area of concern.
Can I use my private healthcare insurance?
Yes, you can use your private healthcare with our Chiropractors, we are able to accept all private health insurance companies.
Our reception team will be able to give you more information about how to claim. We ask you to bring your authorisation number from your provider with you to your initial appointment.
How do Chiropractors differ to Osteopaths and Physiotherapists
There are many cross overs with Osteopaths and Physiotherapists, though you will certainly see a difference in approach during your consultation and treatment. This approach is based on the educational differences between professions at a university level.
For example, all Chiropractors have the ability to take and read X-rays (when needed). They also all have extensive training in spinal manipulative therapy.
These are just two examples of areas of focus which differentiate Chiropractors from other similar professions.
Are Chiropractors Doctors?
Chiropractors are 'Doctors of Chiropractic' (DCs), they are not Medical Doctors (MDs). Chiropractors may or may not choose to use their title of Doctor in their clinic. Our clinicians prefer to be addressed by their forename.