FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is Chiropractic?
- What is an adjustment?
- What should I wear?
- What can I expect?
- What is the sound made during an adjustment?
- Will it hurt?
- Do I need a GP referral?
- What's the difference between a chiropractor and an osteopath?
- How about painkillers?
1. What is Chiropractic?
Chiropractic is a health profession which aims to restore your health by improving the function of your spine, with specific manual techniques called adjustments.
We also offer soft tissue work, exercises and nutritional advice. Chiropractic is a safe, natural, drug-free approach to health and wellbeing.
Although we also work on areas of the body such as shoulders, knees and wrists, chiropractors place particular emphasis on the spine as it protects the most important system in the human body: your nervous system.
Your nervous system regulates the functioning of all body systems including your heart, lungs and digestive system. Chiropractors do not use drugs or surgery, and believe that an optimally working nervous system is essential for your body to heal and function at its best.
Download The Chiropractic Report (July 2010) here for further information. It contains all the facts, research and answers you could need.
2. What is an adjustment?
An adjustment is manipulation to a specific restricted joint, which restores or improves its normal function and movement. Most of the adjustments we perform are to your spine, although any joint can be adjusted. A restricted joint in your spine is known in chiropractic terminology as a subluxation.
3. What should I wear?
Please wear loose comfortable clothing. During your initial one hour Health Assessment you will be asked to undress to your underwear, ladies are given gowns to wear. You will usually remain fully clothed during your treatment sessions though.
4. What can I expect?
Your initial Health Assessment takes one hour. During this time your chiropractor will perform an examination and take a detailed medical history. If you need x-rays we can take them here.
On your Report of Findings visit (1st or 2nd visit depending whether you have x-rays), your chiropractor will explain the cause of your symptoms, and outline your care plan and the choices that are available to you. This will be based on your unique situation and health goals.
Subsequent adjustment sessions are 15 minutes. Each visit builds on the one before so it's important to keep your scheduled appointments for the best results.
5. What is the sound made during an adjustment?
You often hear a clicking sound during an adjustment. This is caused by the release of gas from the joint fluid. It is perfectly normal and is similar to the sound of clicking your knuckles.
6. Will it hurt?
Adjustments are usually painless; in fact most people feel an immediate sense of relief and relaxation. If you are in pain anyway, then any movement may be uncomfortable. This is usually short lived though and easily remedied with a cold-pack.
7. Do I need a GP referral?
No. As we are primary healthcare physicians, you have direct access to our clinic without the need for referral. Chiropractic is included in the NHS National Institute for Clinical Excellence (NICE) Guidelines . For health insurance purposes you may need to ask your GP for a referral.
8. What's the difference between a chiropractor and an osteopath?
Whilst both professions work with the muscles, bones and joints, chiropractors place an emphasis on the nervous system and the alignment of the spine. We are qualified to take and read x-rays.
The important thing is to find a practitioner who's style of practice and personality suits you.
9. How about painkillers?
As natural healthcare providers we would usually advise you to use non-pharmaceutical methods of pain relief first, such as ice or heat (ask your chiropractor for details). However we are able to give advice about over-the-counter medication.
Chiropractic is an holistic, non-invasive approach to health. No surgery or drugs are involved. Chiropractic is the world's third largest health care profession after medicine and dentistry; it is regulated by a government statutory regulatory body, the General Chiropractic Council (GCC).
