What is chiropractic?

First appointments are often one hour + in duration. Follow up treatments will then usually be 30-45 minutes. During your first visit, your practitioner will take a full history of your specific problem, and of your health in general. It will include your “presenting symptoms”, your medical history (illnesses, traumas, operations etc…) and your family’s medical history.

You will discuss with your practitioner whether chiropractic is the right option for you.

Your first visit might include a full physical examination, checking your physical presentations against what you have described and carrying out a number of physiological function tests.

BUT it is possible you might not be suitable to receive treatment in your first visit, so don’t be disappointed!

Before your appointment, it is a good idea to think about:

What do you want to get out of the treatment?

The type of pain you are experiencing – where, when, what makes it better or worse? 

What you think might have caused or be causing your pain.

Bring a list of prescriptions and medications you are currently taking.

As you are likely to be asked to dress down during your physical examination, consider the underwear you plan on wearing!  

What treatment will feel like depends on the techniques that your practitioner uses. It can include manual treatments; adjustments, thrusts and joint mobilisation; soft tissue release; and rehabilitation exercises.

McTimoney adjustments are fast, light adjustments that feels like a spring or wisp in the area that is being adjusted. The speed and precision of the adjustment is what causes a response in the body.

It might not feel like anything is happening at the time! 

It shouldn’t be painful!

You may here “clicks” but these are not indicative of a successful or unsuccessful adjustment!  This is thought to be air escaping from your joints as they move - if there is no air, there will be no "click".

 The root of your pain is located and alleviated by your practitioner. Bear in mind that the origin of your pain may be different to what you expect!

The frequency of your appointments, and the number that you require will depend on your  individual condition. They will usually initially be around one week apart .

 In partnership with your practitioner, you will identify the cause of  your pain, such as poor posture, and work together to correct it.

The frequency of your appointments might be spread out to allow your body to adapt to the adjustments made during each session.

You may be given exercises by your practitioner to follow. These are an essential part of the recovery process - the more you do at home, the more successful your treatment will be!

Once you are pain-free, keeping up with 3-6 monthly prophylactic appointments will help locate issues whilst they are easily reversible.

Patients with underlying conditions, playing high-level sport or in physical occupations might benefit from more frequent care.

The aim is to keep you pain-free – what is Your Optimum?