Chiropractors only use their hands and the key to the success of the adjustments is in the speed, dexterity and accurracy with which the adjustments are performed.
McTimoney Chiropractic is a very gentle method of manipulation which makes it suitable for people of all ages, including babies, pregnant women, children and the elderly. Treatment is usually painless, unless an area is very inflamed, and most patients report very little discomfort during the treatment.
During the course of treatment most patients feel physical changes as the body realigns. This may include some temporary discomfort and stiffness and tiredness for a day or so. On the other hand, you may just feel relief from discomfort, a feeling of well being and feel more energetic.
Some patients are happy to receive treatment for their particular problem and then wait until, or if, their discomfort returns. However, some patients have an interest in staying well and would prefer to have check ups at more regular intervals to help prevent similar problems recurring in the future. This might be annual, 6 monthly or 3 monthly dependent upon the individual circumstances.
It is illegal for anyone in the UK to use the title Chiropractor or to imply they are a Chiropractor unless they are registered with the General Chiropractic Council (GCC).
Your Chiropractor will take a full medical history regarding your general health background as well as details of your symptoms. They will then examine your joints and make appropriate adjustments where necessary. All the information is recorded on a record card which enables the Chiropractor to reassess the outcome of treatment at intervals if necessary. If your Chiropractor discovers or suspects a problem which requires medical attention or further investigation, they will refer you to your GP. Where possible, your Chiropractor will work in co-operation with your GP but you do not need to let your GP know you wish to have Chiropractic treatment unless you want to. With your permission, your Chiropractor may send a report to your GP with details of your condition and treatment you are receiving.
You do not sign up for a course of treatment, every patient is assessed on their own particular problem and need. The number of sessions depends on certain factors such as:
Typically patients need 2 - 6 sessions, initially at weekly intervals and then more widely spaced out, by which time a noticeable change should have occurred. Once the problem has been resolved, regular check ups are recommended to keep your spine and joints functioning well an to help prevent any problems recurring.
Although many GPs recommend Chiropractic treatment care for their patients, at the present time the NHS will not usually pay for it. If you have private health insurance, check with the insurer that you will be covered for the treatment provided by your Chiropractor in order that you can reclaim all or some of the cost.
Horncastle McTimoney Chiropractic Clinic