Chiropractors
Learn more about McTimoney Chiropractic
Chiropractors are concerned with the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of mechanical disorders of the musculoskeletal system, and the effects of these disorders on the function of the nervous system and general health. There is an emphasis on manual treatments including spinal adjustment and other joint and soft-tissue manipulation. The McTimoney method of chiropractic was founded over 50 years ago by the late John McTimoney. It is well known for being a gentle, precise, whole body approach to chiropractic care. The following is a list of some conditions helped by chiropractic treatment:
Ankle sprain (short term management)
- Cramp
- Elbow pain and tennis elbow (lateral epicondylitis) arising from associated musculoskeletal conditions of the back and neck, but not isolated occurrences
- Headache arising from the neck (cervicogenic)
- Inability to relax
- Joint pains
- Joint pains including hip and knee pain from osteoarthritis as an adjunct to core OA treatments and exercise
- General, acute & chronic backache, back pain (not arising from injury or accident)
- Generalised aches and pains Lumbago
- Mechanical neck pain (as opposed to neck pain following injury i.e. whiplash)
- Migraine prevention
- Minor sports injuries and tensions
- Muscle spasms
- Plantar fasciitis (short term management)
- Rotator cuff injuries, disease or disorders
- Sciatica
- Shoulder complaints (dysfunction, disorders and pain)
- Soft tissue disorders of the shoulder
Misalignment of the joints can occur for many reasons; some of the most common are incorrect lifting, some sporting or overuse type injuries, stress, and poor posture. These can lead to pain, stiffness, discomfort (such as numbness or pins and needles), or restricted mobility.
Chiropractors are highly trained to treat these misalignments by using safe, quick, dexterous and accurate adjustments which are generally comfortable for you to receive and appropriate for your condition. There is no upper or lower age limit to have chiropractic treatment! The youngest patients we have seen have been just hours old and the oldest well into their 90s. Chiropractic treatment also offers safe, gentle relief of discomfort during pregnancy.
What to Expect from your First Treatment
Your chiropractor will take a detailed case history regarding your general health as well as details of your symptoms. This will help in assessing and analysing your particular problem. They will then examine you and may carry out neurological and orthopaedic tests if required and make the appropriate adjustments where necessary. A gown is offered to patients or you may wear loose clothing during the treatment and examination. Upon locating a problem, your chiropractor will use one of a number of light, swift and precise techniques to adjust a joint. Advise will be given on preventing and addressing the causes and reasons for your presenting problem(s).
If your chiropractor discovers or suspects a condition which requires medical intervention, they will refer you to your GP. You may be referred for a scan of X-ray, if clinically necessary, in order to fully assess your condition.
Treatment is very much a partnership between you and your chiropractor. Before your treatment starts, your chiropractor will explain to you clearly:
What they found in the examination
The treatment plan they propose
The benefits and any significant risks associated with your condition and proposed treatment.
The chiropractor will review your progress regularly and you will be asked to give your consent to any changes to your treatment plan. They will discuss carrying out further investigations or referring you to your GP if your condition does not improve. It is important that you talk to your Chiropractor if you feel worried about anything either during or after treatment. Your Chiropractor will give you an after care leaflet and explain it to you at your first appointment.
Will The treatment hurt?
Chiropractic treatment is usually painless unless an area is inflamed (swollen). If this is the case your Chiropractor will alter the treatment as much as they can whilst still being effective. They might advise ice or pain relief but may not be able to do much until the inflammation has started to subside. Some patients have mild reactions such as temporary aches and pains initially after treatment, usually lasting no longer than 48 hours.
How Many Sessions Will You Need?
- The number of sessions needed varies depending on:
- Your age
- The nature of the problems
- How long you have had the problem
- Your level of fitness
- Your work and hobbies
- How well you follow the aftercare and lifestyle advice given by your chiropractor
Typically most patients need between two and six sessions (your chiropractor will advise), initially at weekly intervals, then gradually more widely spaced out, by which time a noticeable change should have occurred, though chiropractic care may continue for longer
