Some people have never been to a Chiropractor before and may have questions about what chiropractic is all about. Here are some answers to your possible questions; however please feel free to send us an email or speak to us over the phone if you require further information about chiropractic.

Chiropractors are experts in neuro-musculo-skeletal function and are trained in assessing your spinal, cranial, muscular and nervous system function and reaching an appropriate diagnosis. We use our hands to align and restore good movement to all of your joints from the head to feet. When your spinal joints are aligned and moving well, your pain levels will decrease and your body will start to function in a more efficient and comfortable way.

Chiropractors undertake 5 years of undergraduate studies and study much the same subjects as the medical doctor with a special focus on biomechanics, radiology, radiography and neurology. They are also trained to look out for pathology and such conditions that need medical referral or other types of care.

Most Chiropractors use their hands to gently realign the joints. This is called an adjustment and has a specific direction and pressure allowing the joints to establish good movement and position. Sometimes an adjustment is very fast and other times slow, such as in Cranio Sacral work or Sacro Occipital Technique (SOT).

The Chiropractor may also treat you with soft tissue and mobilisation techniques, other times cranial and jaw work is required. The treatment is tailored to each individual, whatever age, health condition or special circumstances, such a pregnancy or arthritic conditions.

The adjustment will realign and slightly separate the joint surfaces, creating a temporary release of joint fluid and gases. The popping sound is not always present though. The Chiropractor will always do a post adjustment test to assess for successful mobility and alignment to be restored.

This varies for each patient depending on the length of the problem, severity and injury. It may also depend on the general health, medical status and age. Most people need at least 6-8 sessions for long-term improvement and new movement patterns to occur. We like to see new patients twice a week initially, to allow the body to accept the new changes. Our aim is to help you to get and stay well. This does require cooperation and commitment from your side too and we will discuss this regularly during our sessions.

At initial examination, your case history will be taken, followed by a thorough physical examination, aimed at diagnosing the cause of your pain. Depending on your individual circumstances and general health status, an X-Ray or MRI scan may also be required.

This may often be the case, depending on your symptoms and presentation. If we need more investigations we will refer for X-Rays, MRI or laboratory tests before we treat the spine or any other area.

Our patients often find the gentle spinal adjustments to be painless. There is often stiffness and some soreness after the first session, as the body is trying to adapt to the new movement and position. We call this a healing reaction. It is due to spinal joints, muscles and ligaments being stretched into a new position and movement and allowing blood flow to this area.