The Chiros Clinic

Who should I see, or what sort of treatment should I receive?

This is a very difficult question to answer, but as a general rule if you have pulled a muscle then physiotherapy, massage, sports therapy or acupuncture would be appropriate. If you had one sided neck, mid back, low back pain, migraines, pins and needles or tingling sensations in the arms, buttocks or legs then chiropractic could be appropriate. In some cases a particular injury could be treated by either of the above therapies. If there is any doubt as who you should see, Nick Richmond, head of practice at The Chiros Clinic who is available for a free, brief check up to determine the nature of the problem and refer you to the most appropriate therapist.

How does McTimoney Chiropractic work?

The gentle and non-invasive McTimoney technique is applied to the spine and other joints of the body to relieve pain and restore normal joint mobility. Chiropractors look for areas of your spine where the joints may be fixated and ‘pressing’ or ‘pinching’ on nerves. The application of the technique to a specific area is called an ‘adjustment’, a very high speed but light impulse movement of the hand. By re-aligning the spine and relieving irritation of the neighbouring nerves, the nervous system is allowed to function at its optimal level, thus helping to restore the body’s musculo-skeletal health.

What is an adjustment?

Chiropractic adjustments can vary greatly, but generally they involve a quick impulse in a specific direction to restore proper movement to a joint. Some methods are done using the chiropractor’s hands or a hand-held instrument. There are many ways to adjust the spine and the most appropriate method will be chosen for each patient. There are some very gentle techniques that can be used to treat infants and the elderly.

Will the treatment hurt?

Chiropractic treatment is usually painless unless an area is inflamed, in which case treatment will be modified. Very occasionally you may hear a clicking or popping sound when one of your joints is being adjusted – this is perfectly normal.

Can I have care while pregnant?

Yes. Many pregnant women benefit from chiropractic and physical therapy care. Your body is changing rapidly, altering your centre of gravity and your gait. This in turn can put stresses on your spine and other joints. With treatment  these areas can be balanced, decreasing the levels of discomfort.

How many sessions will I need?

This will vary depending on the severity of the injury and how long you have had the injury. Your age, general fitness and health may also have an influence on how quickly you recover. Generally two to four sessions is sufficient to notice if there are going to be any significant improvements in your condition. A course of treatment may also be prescribed for you, which may be two to four additionally sessions spread over several months.

If I have a medical condition, is it safe for me to have treatment?

There are numerous common medical conditions that exist and are perfectly safe to have treatment at the same time. These need to be checked with your practitioner who can then determine whether it is safe to proceed or that you need a referral to a GP or similar healthcare professional.

How can I prevent my condition/injury from returning?

After your initial course of treatment your practitioner may suggest some rehabilitative exercises or refer you to another practitioner qualified to offer these exercises. Once your condition has stabilised you can use these exercises on a regular basis or enrole in one of our many exercise classes (pilates and yoga). Additionally, following a routine of general exercise (gym, walking and cycling ) as well as having a good balanced diet will also help prevent your injury from returning and promote a healthy lifestyle. It may also help the body to have a regular check up, the frequency of which will depend on individual needs, some patients like to be treated every few months, whereas others are happy to be checked once a year.

How will I feel after treatment?

In addition to feeling less pain from your injuries or condition, occasionally you may have a post treatment reaction phase, usually lasting up to two days: The most common reactions being slightly stiff, sore, achy, tired and, occasionally, headaches.

Should I work after treatment?

This would depend on the nature of your work. If you are office based you may want to rest for an hour before resuming work. However if you work involves vigorous or strenuous activity it may be better to plan your treatment for the end of the day in order to give the body time to recuperate.