about chiropractic

• What is Chiropractic?
  
  Chiropractic is concerned with the diagnosis and treatment of mechanical disorders of the muscles and joints.

• Why might I consult a Chiropractor?
  
  Most of you will have heard that Chiropractors "treat backs", but they also diagnose and treat a wide variety of musculo-skeletal disorders such as
  
  • neck, shoulder, spine, hip and knee problems
  • muscle, joint and posture problems
  • sciatica and leg pain
  • symptoms of wear and tear
  • headaches and migraines
  • sports injuries
  • pregnancy related pain

• What can I expect on my first visit?
  
  It will usually last 30-45 minutes depending on your complaint.
  
  On arrival, you will be asked to fill out a quick form which will give us a few personal details, as well as authorising us to perform a thorough chiropractic examination.
  
  This will include:
  
  
  • a full history of your complaint as well as a few general details of your medical history so we can have an idea of your overall health
  • a postural, orthopaedic and neurological examination
  • a clear explanation of what the examination revealed and a proposed treatment plan
  • how many treatments you are likely to need and how frequently. This will depend on your complaint, its severity, how long it's been happening, how your body responds and how much of the advice you follow
  • our chiropractor will then answer any questions you may still have
  
  Chiropractic treatment will usually follow your consultation, lasting around 10-15 minutes. Your treatment will be specific to your complaint and to you.
  
  Subsequent treatments will last 15 minutes.
  
  
• Will treatment hurt?
  
  Chiropractic is generally painless.
  
  Occasionally, you may hear and feel clicking or popping noise during treatment, but don't worry, this is completely normal.
  
  You may feel slight tenderness, stiffness or tiredness for a day or so after treatment.
  
  
• Can anyone be a Chiropractor?
  
  Since July 2001 it is illegal for anyone to imply that they are, or call themselves a Chiropractor unless they are registered with the General Chiropractic Council (GCC).