FAQs
What is a Chiropractor?
Chiropractors are qualified health professionals who can assess, diagnose and treat a wide range of conditions, such as back and neck pain, minor sports injuries and sciatica. Chiropractic treatment can be beneficial for a number of reasons; relieving symptoms of pain and discomfort, improving mobility and reducing disability associated with muscle and joint problems.
How can a Chiropractor help you?
Chiropractors are trained to use a range of techniques when treating their patients. They are best known for using manual methods of care, including spinal and joint manipulation (also referred to as ‘adjustment’) but may also use other hands-on or instrument-assisted approaches. Many Chiropractors will also provide lifestyle advice and exercises to help you manage your condition. This can include dietary and nutritional advice as well as strategies to manage stress and discomfort. Before starting treatment, a Chiropractor will assess your symptoms to determine if chiropractic treatment is right for you and your condition, and what techniques are most likely to help. Chiropractors are trained to recognise when chiropractic treatment will not help a medical condition and will make a referral to your General Practitioner or another healthcare professional, if necessary.
What will happen during my appointment?
When you attend your first consultation (initial assessment), which will last approximately an hour, your Chiropractor will take a detailed case history and carry out a physical examination. This will help to determine a working diagnosis for your issue and a suitable course of treatment. Before starting your treatment, we'll explain your recommended course of care, how it will improve your condition as well as any risks and possible side effects. If we don't believe that we can improve your condition or if we have concerns regarding other health conditions which you may have, we may refer you to another healthcare professional, such as your General Practitioner. Your Chiropractor cannot start any course of care until you have provided consent.
What do I need to know before I start my treatment?
Before treatment starts, your Chiropractor will explain what they have found during the physical examination and propose a treatment plan, including the benefits and possible risks. You should take this opportunity to ask questions or request further explanation if anything remains unclear. Before starting any treatment, you will need to give your permission (consent) to be treated by your Chiropractor. An agreement should also be reached about how much you will pay for your treatment. As our treatments are not covered by the NHS, either you or your health insurer will be required to pay for treatments.
Can I bring someone with me?
You're welcome to bring along a relative or friend if it makes you feel more at ease. It will be necessary to have a parent or guardian present during your treatment, if you're under 16 though.
How many treatments will I need?
Before your treatment starts, your Chiropractor will discuss the number of treatments he recommends as it can differ from patient to patient. This plan will include reassessing your progress regularly. Most patients see improvement in their condition within a short period of time of regular treatments, and many patients will not require further treatment after their initial care plan is complete. However, patients with complex, long-term, or reoccurring conditions may require an extended care plan depending on how quickly they respond to treatment. If you feel your condition has not improved within a few weeks of starting treatment, we'll let you know about other possible care options or refer you to another healthcare professional.
What should I wear?
We do recommend wearing loose fitting clothing when you visit so you can move around comfortably.
Will I need an X-ray?
Depending on your complaint, we may need to make sure you don't have any serious health conditions affecting your spine, such as a fracture or tumour, or to help to determine where is safe to adjust the spine. In this case, you'll be referred back to your GP to arrange an X-ray before continuing with chiropractic treatment. In most cases of non-traumatic musculoskeletal low back pain, an x-ray is not necessary.
How much will it cost?
If it’s your first visit, an initial assessment of your condition is needed before starting treatment. The cost for all our services as well as treatment plans and details of what they include can be found on our 'services' page. Keep in mind that chiropractic care isn’t widely available on the NHS. Most people who have chiropractic treatment pay either privately or through their health insurance schemes.
Will it hurt?
Treatment is usually painless unless an area is swollen. If this is the case, we'll alter the treatment you receive. You may also hear a clicking or popping noise during an adjustment. This is perfectly normal and common with chiropractic treatment. This noise is simply a release of gas when the joint is moved, similar to cracking your knuckles. Some patients also report temporary soreness after treatment. Again, this is nothing to worry about and is perfectly normal. It should go away after a couple of days. If you are uncomfortable with the techniques being used during your treatment, you should talk to your Chiropractor.
Is chiropractic safe during pregnancy?
Definitely! Chiropractors use special techniques to ensure that pregnant patients remain comfortable throughout their pregnancy. Pregnancy can tough on the body’s skeletal structure, especially as baby grows. Chiropractic is very beneficial for a number of resons including: - keeping the spine moving well and in alignment - improving the positioning of the baby - ensuring that your pelvis is sitting correctly to allow optimum room for your baby to grow and move - some women also have reported shorter labour times after regular chiropractic treatment during pregnancy.
Do I need to be referred by my GP?
No, you do not need to be referred to us by your GP. Keep in mind that some private health insurers that provide coverage for chiropractic care, may ask you to obtain a letter from your GP before seeing a Chiropractor.