Who is it suitable for?
People of all ages and from all walks of life may benefit from chiropractic treatment. People with a range of musculoskeletal issues (problems with the joints, bones and muscles), particularly back pain, consult chiropractors. Various factors in your everyday lifestyle may impact on joint mobility, giving a reduced range of motion and ultimately leading to pain.
What to expect from your chiropractic visit
Initially, the chiropractor will take a full health history to determine how your presenting complaint fits in with your overall health picture. Then, a physical examination will take place which includes a spinal examination, orthopaedic testing and a complete neurological exam, if needed. A working diagnosis will be made and a report of findings will be explained to you. A tailored treatment plan will be set up in order for you to maximise benefits from your chiropractic care. Part of your treatment will include an adjustment: a technique in which the chiropractor will use her hands directed at specific segments of the spinal column with a quick painless thrust that mobilises the vertebrae.
Our chiropractor takes a gentle unhurried approach. She mainly uses adjustments (quick movements applied to a patient’s joint) in a gentle, easy way that patients tolerate well and find comfortable. Many patients who have never seen a chiropractor before find her technique comforting and therapeutic. In addition to adjustments the chiropractor may also use other techniques such as soft tissue therapy, stretching and mobilisations.
If, following a consultation, your complaint falls out of the chiropractic scope of practice, you will be referred to alternate practitioners or testing to suit your condition including GPs, x-ray and MRI facilities, and / or medical specialists. In addition, the Belsize Health has a strong team of complementary health therapists who will be happy to assist you for any other problems that may arise.
How many sessions will I need?
This will depend on several factors such as how long you have had your condition, how severe it is, how you respond to treatment and how much of your chiropractor’s advice you follow.
Chiropractic has both short term and long term goals. In the short-term, goals are aimed at getting the presenting complaint under control and move the patient towards a pain free state. Long term goals are to correct the functional imbalances in the spine that originally led to the problem and to prevent re-occurrence. Practitioners believe that through regular chiropractic care the body will be better able to deal with the many stresses and strains that it is confronted with daily.
Our chiropractor develops specialised treatment programs for each patient, which may include exercise prescriptions, dietary advice and core strengthening. She encourages patients to prevent reoccurrences of the existing problem by understanding what has contributed to the initial problem, as opposed to just fixing the symptoms.
Is it safe?
In common with medical practitioners and dentists, the chiropractic profession is regulated by law and it is illegal to practise as a chiropractor without being registered with the GCC. This is to protect the public and ensure that all practitioners are trained to a high standard, practise safely and continue to develop their practise with ongoing further training.
Our chiropractor Elise is registered member of the General Chiropractic Council and the Scottish Chiropractic Association. She is also covered by all insurance companies including BUPA and AXA PPP. |
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