New patient consultation and examination

When you visit us for the first time, we ask you to fill in a basic questionnaire giving brief details of your current problem, any other previous or current health problems and family history. You will then spend some time with the chiropractor who will listen to you describe your problem and ask you questions to gain all the relevant information. After taking a thorough case history, the chiropractor will perform a full examination including orthopaedic and neurological tests, to find out what is wrong and determine if Chiropractic care will help.

X-rays

In some cases it is necessary to take x-rays to reach a diagnosis and if this is the case it will usually be done on the first visit. X-rays are not performed routinely, only when clinically necessary and if you have had relevant x-rays taken elsewhere, we will endeavour to access these rather then take new ones.

Report of Findings

After the initial consultation and examination, we will explain what we have found and give you a diagnosis. After this, you should know what is causing your problem, how Chiropractic may be able to help you and how long it is likely to take to get better. Then, the most appropriate treatment plan for your condition will be outlined. This may not happen on the first visit as it may be necessary for the chiropractor to spend some time considering the results of the examination or further tests if needed.

Not all problems are suitable for chiropractic care. In these cases we inform you of our findings and recommend your best course of action. If this involves you needing to consult another health-care professional we will normally liaise directly with them on your behalf, unless you request us not to. In some cases it is necessary for tests to be done that require outside skills or facilities, for example blood tests or MRI scans and again, we would normally liaise with the relevant practitioners to achieve this.

Treatment

Chiropractors provide safe, effective treatment, using a wide range of techniques. By working on the joints and muscles, your chiropractor will use their skills to maximize function and relieve pain. Usually this involves precise manipulations, called 'adjustments', to the spine or other joints. We also use ultrasound, soft tissue work and dry needling (acupuncture). This is combined with individually tailored exercises and advice to complement your chiropractic care and help prevent future recurrences. The wide variety of techniques employed allows persons of all ages and states of health to be treated safely and comfortably, with care tailored according to the specific needs of each person.

Response to Treatment

Every patient is different and every patient’s problems are different. Acute recent conditions often respond more quickly, whereas chronic, longstanding problems generally take longer to respond. Most importantly, care goes beyond the relief of symptoms and concentrates on long-term good health through preventative chiropractic care.

Check-ups

Particularly if your problem has become chronic (longstanding), or re-occurs frequently, you will benefit from regular check-ups to maintain improvement - much like visits to your dentist.

Rehabilitation

Rehabilitative exercise has been shown to enhance chiropractic care and reduce disability, as well as significantly reducing the chances of back and neck pain recurring. We can design exercise programs to help patients strengthen specific muscle groups to overcome their pain and reduce the chances of recurrence.

Massage

Our Massage therapist Danielle Hall works at both clinics. She offers sports massage, remedial massage and Swedish massage. By working closely alongside the chiropractors she is able to offer care to complement and aid in patients’ recovery and long term improvement.

Your GP

Many GPs are now seeking the benefit of referring their patients to chiropractors for all types of musculoskeletal complaints. The Clinical Standards Advisory Group, The National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE), both of which are Government bodies, and the Royal College of General Practitioners have joined the growing tide of opinion recommending spinal manipulation for low back pain. Where possible it is best to inform your GP and if necessary your chiropractor may send a report to your GP, with details of your condition and the treatment you are receiving.

Private Health Insurers

If you have private medical cover, it will probably cover chiropractic treatment but we recommend that you confirm this with your insurance provider.

Refer a Friend

Most new patients are recommended by our existing patients. The greatest compliment you can pay a professional is to recommend them to your friends and family. Please ask for more information or pick up a referral card at reception.