What is Chiropractic?
It is a regulated profession, which specialises in the diagnosis, treatment and overall management of conditions, which are due to mechanical dysfunction of the nerves, muscles and joints of the body. After taking a detailed case history, going through a thorough examination and reaching a diagnosis, chiropractors provide a variety of methods of care.
These include manual therapy (massage, stretching, mobilisation and manipulation); rehabilitation (through a regime of exercises); advice on orthotics (shoe inserts), posture, activity, lifestyle, diet and prevention.
Some chiropractors use other forms of treatment including low-laser therapy and dry needling (also known as medical acupuncture). As far as treatment is concerned, to give their patients an informed freedom of choice, chiropractors will give them advice on all the treatment options available for their particular complaint.
(Chapman-Smith, 2000 cited in Waddell, 2004)
What conditions is Chiropractic for?
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Acute and chronic lower back or neck pain
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Migraine and cervicogenic headache
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Cervicogenic dizziness
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Shoulder girdle pain
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Adhesive capsulitis (frozen shoulder)
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Tennis elbow
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Hip osteoarthritis
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Knee osteoarthritis
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Plantar fasciitis (policeman's heel)
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Extremity joint conditions, such as of the wrist and ankle
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Based upon Bronfort, G. (2010). The Bronfort Report – Effectiveness of Manual therapies. Available HERE.
What happens at an appointment
Your first visit will last around 40 minutes. After going through the case history, and obtaining your consent, we will proceed to a thorough physical examination. For this purpose, we may ask you to change into a gown which we will provide.
Following the examination, the chiropractor is, usually able to reach a diagnosis. If additional investigation, such as an X-ray or MRI scan, is necessary to assist the diagnosis, you will be advised accordingly and provided with a referral letter. Like all BCA chiropractors, we are trained and qualified to interpret X-ray pictures.
If we identify an underlying condition for which another treatment is appropriate, you will be referred to your GP or another specialist without delay.
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Before moving on to the treatment phase your chiropractor will explain what he found in the examination, what treatment plan he proposes, what alternative treatments are available and the benefits and risks associated with your condition and the proposed treatment. Before asking you to consent to treatment, we will make sure you have been given every opportunity to ask questions and to understand what has been explained. If you wish, you are welcome to bring a relative or a friend with you into the consultation room. With your permission, your chiropractor may send a report to your GP, with details of your condition and the treatment you are receiving.
Unsure if this is the right treatment for you? Call us on 01483 562 830