What can I expect at my first appointment?
Our initial consultations include three parts: a consultation, a physical examination, and an adjustment (if appropriate). This appointment lasts between 40-60 mins and takes place in one of our closed treatment rooms with a qualified chiropractor. Please note: if you intend to complete your health forms on the day of your appointment, remember to arrive 5-10 mins before your scheduled appointment time to avoid any delay.
How many appointments will I need?
The answer is entirely individual to every patient. It generally depends on the acuteness and duration of your symptoms, and what kind of approach you want to have with chiropractic. A treatment plan for someone looking to use chiropractic as maintenance will differ from one which aims only to alleviate existing symptoms. This is all discussed during your initial consultation with your chiropractor. Please remember that the decision to follow the proposed treatment plan is always yours.
What do I need to bring to my first session?
If you have access to any medical records, imaging, or reports, please bring these along to your first appointment. X-ray or MRI scans are very complimentary to visual and palpatory findings, making your treatment as accurate as possible.
If you are using private health insurance, you will need to contact your insurance first to get your authorisation code and to see if there is any excess to pay or a limit on the number of treatments covered. Bring all this information to your first appointment. If you have any further questions, please don’t hesitate to contact us.
Loose fitting clothing is advised to ensure maximum comfort, and we provide adjustment gowns if preferred.
Can I switch between chiropractic techniques once treatment has started?
Although we advise to stay with one chiropractor, we recognise that some of our patients may have a preference of chiropractic technique. For example, some people prefer being ‘cracked’, whilst others prefer gentle manipulation. If you believe you would benefit more from another approach, please speak to your chiropractor – they may be able to change their technique or refer you to another member of our team for further appointments.
What makes the ‘popping’ noise when I get adjusted?
In short, the noise is actually a release of gas from between the joints, rather than your bones ‘cracking’- a bit like popping bubble wrap! Not all chiropractic techniques involve audible manipulation and it shouldn’t be associated with a more effective adjustment.
Are there any ‘side-effects’?
Although chiropractic is recognised as being very safe when performed by a registered chiropractor, it is still an adjustment to your body. Our chiropractors are encouraging subtle changes to structures which have often been misplaced for months or years. As a result, you may feel slightly sore for 24-48 hours, although many of our patients don’t report this. Again, the effects of a chiropractic adjustment will be individual to you and may also differ between adjustments.
What is an ‘adjustment’?
Chiropractors ‘adjust’ lack of mobility, fixation or misalignment of any joint of your body – not just the spine – with the purpose of returning you back to normal joint physiology, i.e. alignment. Adjustments are done manually, sometimes using the help of complimentary devices depending on the technique. Regularly being adjusted can help correct spinal misalignment, allowing for a fully functioning nervous system and greater overall well-being.
Do I need to have an existing issue to visit a chiropractor?
Although chiropractic adjustments are most commonly used to ease back, neck, and shoulder pain, any spine can benefit from an adjustment! It is also a preventative approach which doesn’t require active symptoms, regardless of your age.
Are chiropractors doctors?
No – chiropractors in the UK can use the courtesy title ‘Doctor of Chiropractic’, but do not hold a general medical qualification. Chiropractic degrees include training in anatomy, physiology, biomechanics, with particular emphasis on the musculoskeletal and nervous systems, as well as training in medical diagnosis, radiography, and radiology. In the UK, only those who have qualified and registered as a chiropractor with the General Chiropractic Council (GCC) can work under the title.
Is chiropractic safe?
Chiropractic adjustments are well recognised as safe and effective manipulative procedures. This is provided they are carried out by qualified professionals who are able to accurately diagnose and safely treat each patient. All our chiropractors are registered with the General Chiropractic Council (GCC). As with any procedure applied to the body, temporary side effects are possible for around 24-72 hours after treatment.
How long will it take before I feel better?
This will be different for each individual case. A reduction in your symptoms post-adjustment could be felt within 20 minutes. However, if your misalignment is a mechanical restriction where deep soft tissues are damaged, improvement could be more gradual over a 24-72 hour period. In case of neurological dysfunctions, several adjustments over a few weeks will be necessary to make a significant change in the level of pain. Your chiropractor will discuss their predictions with you during your appointment.
