Frequently Asked Questions

Chiropractic is a healthcare profession concerned with the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of disorders of your muscles, bones and joints (the “musculoskeletal system”). These problems can be caused by a number of factors including trauma, bad posture, stress, inactivity and general wear and tear. Treatment usually involves specific manual adjustments (or manipulation) to encourage movement in joints that are not moving as they should. You will also receive advice on exercise, diet and lifestyle.

The chiropractic adjustment is usually painless however, in some acute/severe cases there can be some discomfort associated with it. It is normal for some patients to feel bruised or sore after a treatment similar to the feeling of having done exercise after a period of inactivity (and finding a few muscles you never thought you had!). This is temporary and your chiropractor will give you advice on the use of ice packs and stretches that should help.

Depending on the technique used some patients will hear a clicking or a popping sound during an adjustment which is like the sound you get from cracking your knuckles. This is a perfectly normal and safe technique; the sound is caused by the release of gas bubbles which temporarily form within a joint as it is stretched. It is completely harmless and has no bearing on the outcome of the treatment.

This will depend on a number of factors. After your consultation your chiropractor will put together your treatment plan which will include how many treatments you are likely to need. This will be specific to you, the severity and duration of your condition, age, fitness and activity levels. Your recovery will depend on how well you respond to treatment and how compliant you are with the treatment plan. Your chiropractor will monitor your progress at every single treatment and changes will be made to your plan if appropriate.

In most cases yes. Most health insurers now recognise the benefits of chiropractic and will offer some form of cover. You’ll need to check with your insurer if they will cover you. We will be happy to provide you with receipts whenever you need them. If you are unsure of anything please give us a call.

It is not necessary to inform your GP of your chiropractic treatment. We are more than happy to write to your GP should you wish them to be informed. We’ll always ask for written consent from you before we release any information to your GP. Some GPs refer patients to us but it is not essential in order for you to have a consultation with us.

Generally yes. We have the facilities and expertise to treat people of all ages – from the young in body to the young at heart! We have successfully treated newborn babies through to the elderly with a variety of conditions. If we find that chiropractic care is not suitable for your condition we’ll be sure to refer you to the appropriate specialist.

Your chiropractor will determine if this is necessary following your consultation. If so we can arrange one either privately or though your GP. All chiropractors are qualified to take and read x-rays.

Your first visit – consultation and examination

Your first visit will take approximately one hour but we do ask you to arrive a few minutes early to fill in a little paperwork if you haven’t already done this online before your appointment.  We will need to take a medical history and check for any signs and symptoms that might mean certain types of treatment are not right for you.  Please bring a list of any medication you are taking. Your chiropractor will then take a full case history and perform an appropriate physical examination which will include checking reflexes, flexibility etc. Please wear appropriate clothing for the examination.  Sportswear or anything loose fitting is fine. If you would like a friend or relative to accompany you on any of your visits they are more than welcome.

Once the history and examination are complete your chiropractor will be able to explain their diagnosis and treatment plan.  You will have the opportunity to ask questions.  We value your input and we will take your preferences for treatment into account.

Once we have recorded consent to treat, your appointment will finish with treatment.  This may be quite gentle to begin with in order to minimise the possibility of post treatment soreness. We often like to send you away with advice, stretches or exercises that you can do following treatment.

After your treatment you’ll be taken through to reception to book your next appointment.  Sometimes we advise booking a few appointments in advance. This is to help you find the times in our diary that suit you best. You won’t be asked to pay for these sessions upfront.

If, after your appointment you have any questions or issues, please feel free to email or telephone the clinic and we’ll do our best to respond as quickly as we can.