Chiropractic Treatment
What is Chiropractic?
Chiropractic is a primary health profession that specialises in the diagnosis, treatment, prevention and overall management of conditions that are due to problems with the joints, muscles, ligaments and nerves and the effects of these problems on the function of the nervous system and general health.
Conditions effectively treated by Chiropractic;- Back pain
- Sciatica
- Neck pain
- Shoulder pain
- Hip osteoarthritis
- Knee osteoarthritis
- Joint pain
- Headaches arising from the neck
- Migraine
- Activator Methods Chiropractic Technique
- Diversified Chiropractic Technique
- McKenzie Diagnosis & Therapy
- Neil-Asher Technique for frozen shoulder
- Functional corrective exercises
- SIRPA Trained - strategies for chronic pain
- Functional Nutrition
- Lifecode Nutrigenomic Testing
First Visit to the Chiropractor
When you meet the chiropractor for the first time, she will start with a discussion about you, your health and your reasons for asking for chiropractic care. Then a thorough examination will be carried out to determine the cause of your problem. A gown is made available for you to wear. Male patients may wish to bring a pair of loose fitting shorts. If you are taking medications, please bring a list of these with you. Any imaging ie an MRI scan, will only be requested where clinically justified, in line with current guidelines.
Report of findings
Before treatment, the chiropractor will tell you what is wrong, what can be done about it and what you should expect when you receive treatment.
You will be advised of costs involved and if appropriate the likelihood of recurrence. In some cases, often with long term problems, ongoing supportive care may be appropriate and you would be advised of this.
Treatment
Chiropractic treatment involves safe, often gentle, specific spinal manipulation to free joints in the spine or other areas of the body that are not moving properly.
Chiropractors are also trained to deliver a wide range of other treatment approaches including soft tissue techniques, medical acupuncture (dry needling), exercise prescription and postural or lifestyle advice.
Treatment Phases
Acute Phase - At the start of treatment the aim is to reduce pain and restore function as quickly as possible. Treatments may be close together initially.
Rehabilitation Phase - Once out of pain we will look at what is necessary in terms of exercises and postural correction to improve joint stability, mobility and muscular strength to reduce the likelihood of problems recurring. Treatment is less frequent.
Maintenance/Check ups - For some conditions a regular check up helps to maintain the improvements gained. This may be at monthly, three or six monthly intervals. This is not always necessary and how long you benefit from chiropractic care is entirely up to you.
