Our Approach
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Your First Visit
It is really important that we are as thorough as possible in when establishing what is causing your problem as this helps us explain and recommend your options for care. Our practitioners aim to make your first visit as beneficial as possible. When you meet your chiropractor for the first time, they will start with a discussion about you, your health and your reasons for seeking chiropractic care. We call this taking your medical history.
You will be asked for a great deal of information, not just about the pain or complaint that brought you to the clinic, but also about your past health history. Some of the questions may appear irrelevant, but they are extremely important to your chiropractor as they need to establish your overall health picture. Your chiropractor will use this information to ensure that chiropractic care is appropriate for you and your condition. If chiropractic care appears not to be suitable for you, you will be referred to your GP or relevant specialist.
All the details you provide are confidential. No one else will be allowed to see your notes without your permission.
Examination & Treatment
Once your case history is complete, your chiropractor will conduct a thorough physical examination. The examination will concentrate on your neuromusculoskeletal system (nerves, muscles and joints), but it will may also be necessary to examine other areas such as your heart, lungs and abdomen to rule out other causes. A thorough check-up is a normal procedure in a chiropractor’s clinic.
You will normally have to remove some items of clothing so that we can examine you appropriately. Gowns are available for you to wear during the examination, as well as for any following treatments if you require one. You will also be provided with a private room in which to change and if you require a chaperone, please let us know before your appointment.
Massage
After the initial consultation and examination, your chiropractor may offer treatment almost immediately. However, it may be delayed for a day or two if your chiropractor needs to obtain further information from your GP such as blood test results, for example. We are also able to arrange for you to have for private X-rays, ultra sound scans or MRIs. Should you require one of these investigations we will explain why they are necessary and the costs involved. Imaging will only be requested where clinically justified, in line with current legislation and guidelines.
Before starting treatment, your chiropractor will explain to you in clear simple language, what is wrong, what can be done about it and what your options are. They will explain to you what to expect when you receive your first treatment and what the overall plan of care is. They will also explain any material risks and how likely it is that your condition will improve (the prognosis).
Part of improving your condition relies on you and your actions. Our practitioners actively encourage all patients to help themselves where possible.
Futher Information
Chiropractic treatment involves a package of care designed for you to help your specific problem. This may include manual therapy (manipulation and/or mobilisation), exercise rehabilitation, soft tissue techniques (like massage), medical acupuncture, ultrasound and shockwave therap.
Manipulation often requires a short thrust to a specific joint and can result in an audible ‘pop’. In many cases this may result in some relief of symptoms. The ‘pop’ is simply the sound of gas bubbles popping in the fluid of the joint as the pressure is released.
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There is, however, no instant cure and most patients will require a course of treatments in order to optimise their recovery. Treatments are usually painless but some patients may experience temporary symptoms such as pain or soreness around the areas being treated. Your chiropractor will explain what you can do to help with your recovery
As treatment progresses your chiropractor will tell you about any likelihood of a recurrence of your problem and the possible need for any ongoing supportive care. This is not an unusual situation for patients who have a long-term problem or lifestyle factors, as well as those who have experienced serious injuries. We normally provide you with specific and appropriate exercises or lifestyle advice so you can get better and stay better. Any exercises or advice given will be tailored to suit your needs as an individual, so please follow instructions and advice carefully and completely.
Remember, your chiropractor is here for you to discuss any concerns you may have.
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