Chiropractic

Chiropractic is a profession which is regulated in the UK by the Chiropractors Act 1994. The General Chiropractic Council (GCC) is the regulatory body which ensures that anyone calling themselves a chiropractor abides by a strict Code of Practice (CoP) and Standard of Proficiency(SoP) (www.gcc-uk.org)

Treatments may include a very wide range of chiropractic techniques that vary in their approach (manipulation, mobilisation, joint distraction, traction, or passive/active range of motion), they may include soft tissues techniques (such as massage), heat/cold therapy, active procedures such as exercises and rehabilitation. Chiropractors will also offer advice on lifestyle, exercise, diet and self-help and will provide support for pain management, sports injuries and active rehabilitation. Chiropractors take an integrated and holistic approach to the health needs of their patients, considering physical, psychological and social factors, so a full presenting picture is obtained before offering a treatment plan.

McTimoney treatment at Chevington Chiropractic Clinic
At Chevington Chiropractic Clinic all 6 chiropractors use the McTimoney technique of chiropractic. This was developed by John McTimoney in Banbury, Oxfordshire in the 1950s and is now used by about a quarter of the chiropractors in the UK. It is characterised by its holistic approach, utilizing the body’s own self-healing abilities. At each treatment the whole body is assessed and adjusted as necessary using precise, very fast adjustments that do not appear to have much force. As such it can be well tolerated by more fragile individuals as well as the elderly and young. McTimoney technique is also in the forefront of chiropractic treatment of animals due to its systematic light force approach.

What happens at the first treatment?
The chiropractor will initially take a detailed case history and perform a thorough examination, which considers all aspects of the presenting complaint and may include orthopaedic and neurological testing or imaging. At this point a chiropractor will refer to hospital or a G.P if there are underlying conditions which require medical care. The chiropractor will discuss with you what they have found and suggest to you the best course for managing or resolving your problems, explaining clearly what this means whether it be McTimoney chiropractic treatment, exercise or lifestyle changes such as sleeping, working or resting positions.

Once you agree they may ask you to undress to your underwear and put on a modesty gown. They will then assess the joints throughout your body and make swift, precise gentle adjustments wherever they are required. Once you have dressed they will discuss any advice they have to give and answer all your questions.

Benefits of Treatment
Chiropractors do not necessarily treat the presenting condition but they manage the presenting symptoms in order to help the patient. These symptoms may be musculoskeletal problems caused by accidents, stress, lack of exercise, poor posture, illness and everyday wear and tear. Patients with ongoing degenerative problems which cannot be ‘cured’ may come for treatment so that they are able to maintain their normal activities in life such as playing with grandchildren, gardening or sports. Pain is not the only reason that patients seek help from a chiropractor. Whilst no specific claims can be made about effectiveness, in clinical practice patients have reported improvement in a wide range of presenting complaints such as IBS, headaches, blood pressure problems, vertigo or dizziness, eczema, coccydynia, temporomandibular joint disorders, fibromyalgia, premenstrual syndrome etc.

How many treatments will I need?
This depends on how long you have had the problem, how bad the problem is, what you do for yourself between treatments and how you respond to treatment. The chiropractor will explain what they think is wrong, what they intend to do about it and how many treatments they think you need before you start a course of treatments.

Typically an average initial course of treatments may be between 3 and 6, initially at weekly intervals which will increase as you progress.