I recently had the pleasure of receiving chiropractic treatment at Bristol Chiropractic Sports and Family Clinic and thought it may be helpful to share my experience as a patient for anyone who may be considering treatment but isn’t sure what to expect.
I started working as a receptionist at the clinic a few months ago and have become very used to patients telling me how much treatment helps them! However, despite being a karate athlete and coach for many years, and as a result having my fair share of sporting injuries, I had no previous personal experience of chiropractic treatment.
I won’t deny I was slightly nervous and a little squeamish at the prospect of having any
realignment work or dry needling done, but Lizzie had very kindly offered to help with my
numerous aches and pains and I wasn’t about to refuse the opportunity to feel better!
1. NON-JUDGEMENTAL LISTENING
At the start of the new chiropractic patient session Lizzie took the time to listen. She has known me for a few months now but there was no presumption or judgement on my various aches and pains. I’ve had hip surgery and major knee surgery over the last three years in addition to dealing with hypermobility, chronic health conditions and the joys of peri-menopause, all of which are taking their toll on my health.
She asked questions, listened to the answers and then asked more questions before
beginning any treatment.
2. I FELT IN CONTROL
This was the part of the process which took me most by surprise!
Nothing was done without explanation or consent. Lizzie explained step by step what
she was going to do and made sure I was comfortable and happy for her to continue
before each part of the treatment.
The alignment she did on my pelvis and back felt weird but I’m less squeamish now I’ve
experienced it. The cracking sounds that emitted from my body made me think it should
be painful, but it wasn’t, it was just noisy. As for the dry needling, I found a couple of the
points Lizzie inserted needles uncomfortable but not painful, the majority I wasn’t aware
of at all.
The massage hit all the tight spots and the end result of the session was me
feeling relaxed and more mobile. As a sports person, the most uncomfortable part of the
session was the bruise to my ego on hearing that some of my muscles aren’t as strong
as they ideally should be to support my joints! However, I left the session equipped with
the tools and knowledge to be able to do the work and make the necessary
improvements to my strength.
3. OBSERVANT
Turns out chiropractors are very observant people! Lizzie was checking in
with me throughout the session, not just verbally but watching my physical reaction to
what was happening. As she said to me when she saw me tense up before she inserted
a needle in my knee ‘there are no medals for bravery, we can treat this differently if you
want me to’.
She was right, I was absolutely trying to brave out my nerves and had
already tensed up at the prospect of pain which, as it turned out, was totally
unnecessary as it didn’t hurt! She helped me to relax, reminded me not to hold my
breath and told me numerous interesting and random facts to keep my brain occupied!
4. KNOWLEDGEABLE
The breadth of knowledge Lizzie demonstrated about my injuries
and medical conditions was both impressive and reassuring. I’ve seen all the certificates
on the walls and fully appreciate the many years of training and continued CPD all of the
chiropractors at the clinic undergo to be as highly qualified as they are. But experiencing
that knowledge and understanding on a personal level is hugely reassuring as a patient.
5. CARING
This one didn’t come as much of a surprise as I know all the chiropractors here
care about their patients, but my experience as a patient really enforced it. It felt good to
have someone actively listen to how I was feeling and take a kind and caring approach
to treatment.
For anyone considering chiropractic treatment, I hope reading about my experience helps. If
you’d like an appointment please don’t hesitate to give me a call and I’ll put my receptionist hat back on and get you booked in, either for a consultation and treatment appointment, or for a free chat with one of the awesome team of chiropractors here who can discuss things with you in more detail.
Lindsey