Chiropractic turns off pain quickly and gets you moving properly. Getting to the cause of the problem means that you can really get better. Our aim is to get you moving and pain-free as quickly as possible.
The chiropractic degree consists of 4 years full time study. Many of the same subjects are covered as in a medical degree: neurology, orthopaedics, pathology, pharmacology, medical diagnosis, radiology. Medical doctors go on to specialise in areas such as neurology and orthopaedics and they can lose sight of the body as a whole. Chiropractors focus more on the structure of the body (in particular the spine) and it’s effect on health. Chiropractors make connections between bones, joints and muscles (orthopaedics) and nerves (neurology). They also take into account things such as work, posture, stress etc.
A detailed medical history and chiropractic consultation lead to a good diagnosis and an effective treatment plan. Once your problem, what you want from the treatment, and any relevant medical details have been discussed, the assessment can begin. The consultation will remain strictly confidential.
Our consultation combines orthopaedic, neurological, chiropractic, osteopath and physiotherapy elements. It will involve palpating your muscles and assessing the movement of your joints. You may have your strength and reflexes checked. If there are any signs of concern you may be referred to the relevant specialist with a covering letter. Otherwise our chiropractor will devise a management plan for you. The plan will, as far as possible, tell you how much better you will get and how quickly.
When he has completed his chiropractic consultation he will discuss his advised treatment plan and any home exercises you might need to do. Of course all the information held about you at the clinic is strictly confidential. If there is no need to refer you on, and Mr Massey does not require any further information from you, he will normally give you your first treatment right away.
Chiropractic treatment usually works quickly, dissolving your pain, getting you moving fluidly, standing straighter and feeling better. Our chiropractor uses a combination of chiropractic, osteopath, and physiotherapy techniques to relieve the muscle tension/joint stiffness cycle which can lead to painful symptoms.
Chiropractic treatment may involve mobilisation (gentle rocking) of joints, adjustment (re-setting joint movement patterns using short thrusts), massage and stretching. Your chiropractor may work on the area where your problem is and he may work in other parts of the body because, from the holistic perspective, every part is influenced by the rest of the body and for good health all your joints and muscles should be functioning well.
Before any new chiropractic treatment your chiropractor explains what he is going to do and why he is going to do it. He may put you into position for manipulation and make sure that you are comfortable before attempting any new manoeuvre. You may be asked to undress and put on a gown if you need any massage. If you are not comfortable with any aspect of the treatment, if you want to discuss your treatment plan or change any part of it your chiropractor will always be to happy change his plan of action; there are always different ways of doing things and there is always room for flexibility.
Treatment does not end when you are moving and feeling better. Normally you will continue to have treatment, less frequently to get to the root of the problem, in order to avoid painful recurrences,
Many people continue to have regular check-ups/MOTs because once you have experienced the benefit of treatment you may want to maintain the fluidity and freedom of movement that it brings so that you can perform better at everything you do. That is why so many professional sports people choose to have chiropractic treatment