What happens during a consultation?
Your chiropractor will begin your first consultation by taking
a full case history. Then you will 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 diagnosis,
these may be requested. Chiropractors are trained and qualified
to take and interpret X-rays.
If your chiropractor identifies an underlying condition
for which other treatment is appropriate, you will be referred
to your GP or another specialist without delay. Even for
such conditions, however, chiropractic may be very helpful
in providing additional relief.
As well as using manipulation, your chiropractor may use ice
or heat treatment, as well as other techniques, having explained
exactly how they work.
What treatment can I expect to receive?
Depending on your particular problem, a package of care will
be prescribed for you. This can include manipulation or mobilization,
along with massage. A treatment called dry needling may be
used (using disposable needles) to help with pain relief and
muscle relaxation. Electrical therapy may also be part of the
package. An exercise programme may be designed for you to include
stretching and strengthening exercises. Advice on sensible
every day activities and self help will also be given.
What exactly is chiropractic treatment and will it hurt?
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 discomfort. Sometimes
if you have had a problem for some time you may feel sore after
treatment whilst your body starts to adjust. Your chiropractor
will tell you if this is likely to happen.
Am I too old to receive treatment?
Age really is no barrier! Manipulation is safe for people of
any age; techniques differ for the very young, those with bone
disease such as Osteoporosis and the elderly.
Will I need X-rays or MRI scans?
This depends on the nature of the case. It is the policy of the
clinic to request X-rays or MRI scans only when it is judged
clinically necessary.
How many sessions will I need?
This will depend on your particular condition, its severity and
your response to treatment. Some general examples are:
3-6 treatments for a simple case of low back pain that you have
had for only a short periods of time
6-12 treatments for a long-standing (Chronic) condition. Follow-up
sessions at regular intervals may be necessary to help maintain
the improvement and to help prevent reoccurrences.
What happens at the end of my treatment or once I start to feel
better?
At the conclusion of a course of treatment or once asymptomatic
many of our patients choose to attend the Clinic periodically
in much the same way as they do with the dentist.
Periodic visits can help to maintain what has been achieved
through treatment and can help to prevent reoccurrences. The
decision to continue with maintenance care is very much a personal
one and is not obligatory.