FAQ

Increasingly, GPs are recognising chiropractic as an effective complementary treatment, particularly for back pain. You do not need a GP’s referral to visit a chiropractor as he/she is trained to recognise conditions which are beyond his remit and make appropriate referrals where necessary.

Some GPs are able to purchase chiropractic treatment for their patients on the NHS. Many health insurance companies will now pay for chiropractic treatment.

The first consultation takes, on average, about 45 minutes, and a treatment session about 15-20 minutes. This will vary according to your condition and your individual needs.

Your chiropractor will begin your first consultation by taking a full case history. You will then be given standard orthopaedic and neurological tests and the movement of your spine and joints will be checked. If x-rays are necessary to assist in the formation of a diagnosis, these may be ordered or requested if taken previously. Our Chiropractors are trained and qualified to take and interpret x-rays.

If your chiropractor identifies an underlying condition for which another treatment is more appropriate, you will be referred to your GP or another specialist without delay. Even in such cases, Chiropractic may be very helpful in providing additional relief.

The treatment itself is tailored to the individual person and his complaint.

Your recovery is dependent on many factors such as the problem, the length of time you have had it and your own commitment to any rehabilitative exercises and treatment visits which your chiropractor may recommend.  Each case is assessed individually as no two problems are entirely the same.  Feel free to discuss this with your chiropractor who will explain your treatment programme to you.

As well as gentle joint manipulation and muscle techniques our chiropractors may advise the use of ice or heat at home.  A programme of exercises always forms part of a treatment plan and ergonomic advice, specific to your needs does too.  All of our chiropractors are qualified in the use of acupuncture which may be used to facilitate the other techniques.

Chiropractic treatment is suitable for everyone including newborn babies, the elderly, pregnant women and sports enthusiasts. Once you are feeling better, your chiropractor will help you to maintain your own health and keep your body working as it should, by offering exercises and lifestyle advice for you to follow in the future.

When the two surfaces of a joint are moved apart rapidly, as happens in a chiropractic adjustment, there is a change of pressure within the joint space. This may cause a bubble of gas to ‘pop’ – but this does not hurt.

These are common, general terms used to describe a multitude of conditions. Your chiropractor will make a more specific diagnosis and explain your condition to you.

Manipulation, when carried out correctly by a qualified practitioner is not painful. If you have acute muscle spasm, when even the lightest touch hurts, there may be some temporary discomfort. If you have had a problem for some time, you may feel sore whilst your body starts to adjust itself. Your chiropractor will tell you if this is likely to happen.

Many of our existing patients refer their family and friends. This may be to address a particular problem they have or just for a check-up. Chiropractic is suitable for all age groups as the techniques used are modified to suit the individual.

Some mechanical problems may persist after surgery. A functional approach as provided by chiropractic is often complementary to medical/surgical treatment. Chiropractic techniques are adjusted to the individual patient and this includes those who have had prior surgery.

Nearly all Private Medical Insurance companies cover chiropractic treatment from recognised, experienced chiropractors such as those at our clinic. This includes AXA, Bupa, Aviva, and all other major Medical Insurance Companies.