What Is Chiropractic?

The word "Chiropractic" is taken from two Greek words and literally means "manual practice"; or, in other words, treatment by manipulation.

Chiropractic is an independent branch of medicine that specialises in the diagnosis and treatment of mechanical disorders of the joints, particularly those of the spine and their effects on the nervous system. X-rays are often used in the diagnosis and a chiropractor carries out treatment by specific manipulation. Drugs and surgery are not used.

Research, various government and medical organisations have authenticated the effectiveness of chiropractic treatment (see external links, below, for further details). As chiropractors, we offer evidence-based quality care.

Is A Chiropractor Properly Qualified?

Since 1925 The British Chiropractors' Association has maintained a register of members, all of whom have graduated from recognised chiropractic colleges. These members must subscribe to the code of ethics, rules and by-laws laid down by the Association to regulate relationships between a chiropractor and his/her patients. (In 1984 the Association changed its name to The British Chiropractic Association.)

The responsibility for the register is now held by an independent body, the General Chiropractic Council (GCC), since the passing of The Chiropractic Act of 1994. The register was opened in July, 1999 and after the 15th June, 2001 it became illegal for anyone not registered to call themselves a chiropractor.

Both chiropractors at the practice are on the GCC Register and are members of The British Chiropractic Association.

Your First Visit

Your first visit will last for about one hour. Initially you will be asked to complete a confidential personal information form and invited to sign a consent form for appropriate examination. In private, the chiropractor will take a full case history: asking you lots of straightforward questions about your problem; your medical history; and some family history. You will then be asked to change into a gown for the examination phase.

During this time, the chiropractor will examine the area of complaint and may check your blood pressure and perform a few other tests fundamental to your health. It is possible that to complete the diagnosis, X-rays will be required. We can arrange for you to have X-rays taken locally or, if necessary, refer you directly for a private, self-funded MRI scan (at a very-much reduced cost of £218 per area scanned) at the MRI Centre, Linton House, Cheltenham, without you having to be referred by your GP.

At the end of this phase of your visit, the chiropractor will explain all her findings to you, give you the opportunity to ask questions, be able to give you an indication as to whether she can help and explain a plan of any proposed treatment. If a course of chiropractic treatment is advised and you are happy with everything that has been explained, you will be asked if you are prepared to give your consent to continuing. If you are happy with the treatment plan, the first treatment can start straight away. (At any point through the treatment you have the opportunity to discuss your problem or choose not to consent to any specific procedure.)

Treatment usually consists of specific massage to the muscles and soft tissues surrounding the area at fault, followed by the "adjustment". This is the chiropractic term for "manipulation". The adjustment is usually a very quick, sharp release of the joint. It is often accompanied by a "popping" noise: this is only due to a change of pressure within the joint; there is nothing to worry about, nor is it essential to achieve a satisfactory outcome.

The chiropractor will have advised you when and how frequently subsequent treatments will be required to achieve your recovery.

Will It Hurt?

There are often several ways available to treat your condition and the chiropractor will choose the method most suited to your condition and needs. In most cases, treatment is pretty painless; although the "popping" noise may initially be alarming!

How Long Will It Take To Get Better?

The number of treatments varies considerably. Results of a survey show that a patient with low-back pain attends a chiropractor, on average, for six treatments. This varies considerably and may be greater in number, especially in chronic cases, or less in others.

What Sort Of Response Will I Have To Treatment?

The response varies from patient to patient. Some feel immediate improvement, others have to be treated four or five times before they start to feel better. Improvement at first is often temporary, but becomes longer lasting with subsequent treatment. Sometimes it may be felt immediately after treatment; more frequently, not until the next day or often not for several days or longer. It is not unusual to have a reaction, especially following the first treatment, usually later that day or the next day (sometimes later). This may be felt as soreness, stiffness or aching and sometimes, even increased pain.

Some patients feel energetic following an adjustment and others feel extreme relaxation or tiredness due to the sudden release of muscular tension. Patients seldom get better at a constant rate, so it is not unusual for a patient who has been getting better to suffer a temporary relapse before treatment continues again.

Some patients who improve slowly to begin with suddenly reach a stage where they improve rapidly. Others who improve quickly to begin with may take longer to recover fully.

Following a course of treatment, some patients require an occasional check-up to make sure they maintain their improvement. If the trouble should recur, it can often be cleared up in relatively few treatments if not left too long before the chiropractor is consulted again.

Some patients who do not benefit are those who expect immediate improvement and failing to respond at once, discontinue treatment. The chances of improvement are always helped by following your chiropractor's advice.

If we consider that your condition is beyond our expertise, or not responding well to treatment, or that we are concerned about some aspect in particular, patients are immediately referred back to their GP with a covering letter (with their permission, of course).

A fully qualified sports massage therapist also works in the clinic. This type of treatment can be indicated to enhance your treatment or is available as a "stand-alone"" option. The current charge is £25 for an approximately one hour session. For contact details, please telephone the clinic.

What About My General Practitioner?

Most patients consult a chiropractor directly, usually after personal recommendation. However, general practitioners are allowed by the General Medical Council to refer patients to chiropractors if they are sure that the chiropractor is the proper person to deal with the patient's condition.

What Is The Difference Between Chiropractors and Osteopaths?

In most countries, chiropractors are better known than osteopaths. Their forms of treatment have similarities, but there are important differences in their techniques. The important fact is that now, due to legislation, only genuinely qualified osteopaths and chiropractors are allowed to practise in the UK.

Where Can I Find Any Further Information About Chiropractic and What Chiropractors Treat?

The chiropractic profession is regulated by the General Chiropractic Council (GCC): www.gcc-uk.org
and supported by The British Chiropractic Association (BCA): www.chiropractic-uk.co.uk

Both websites offer more information about the profession and what we treat. They also include links to numerous research papers, endorsing the profession.