Human Chiropractic
Every movement, from getting out of bed to running a marathon is made possible by our nervous system, our skeleton and joints and synchronising of many muscles. If the function of the nerve fibers, which supply these muscles is altered, coordination deteriorates.
Therefore spinal and joint alignment with preservation of nerve integrity and function are imperative for healthy movement and longevity.
This is central to the Chiropractic approach to treatment.
Philosophically there is an emphasis on the mind/body relationship in health and the natural healing powers of the body. This represents a biopsychosocial philosophy of health rather than a biomedical one.
There are many reasons why patients seek to consult with a Chiropractor:
- Lower back pain
- Disc issues
- Headaches/Migraines
- Cranial/Sacral assessment
- Sports injuries
- Rotator cuff problems
- Tendonitis and Plantar Fasciitis
- Scoliosis management
- Hip, Knee, Foot and ankle pain
- Shoulder, Elbow, Hand and wrist pain
- Vertigo/Dizziness
- Growing pains in adolescents
- Pregnancy related discomfort
- Rib pain and breathing issues
and many more……
Your Chiropractic consultation with us:
All New Patients will complete a full history form outlining their concerns and areas
of discomfort/pain.
A Full Chiropractic Assessment followed by a Report of Findings of treatment options and outcomes will be discussed.
As we are all unique, so too are our treatment options – These are our treatment options available:
- Diversified Chiropractic adjustments
- SOT Sacro-occipital Technique realignments
- Soft tissue modalities – Massage, Dry Needling, Kinesiotaping
- Patient Education – Home exercise/posture recommendations
The Chiropractic profession makes no use of prescription drugs or surgery, and patients requiring these interventions are referred for medical care.
I strongly believe in a multidisciplinary approach to patient care and therefore I
welcome chiropractic doctors/chiropractors, medical doctors, physical therapists and others working as partners in private practices, occupational health, automobile accident and other rehabilitation centres and national sports medicine teams.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Chiropractic safe?
Providing that your treatment is performed by a registered chiropractor, then chiropractic care is extremely safe. Your first visit to us will include a thorough examination which is essential for the chiropractor to diagnose your condition and assess your needs. A chiropractor will only adjust you if it is appropriate to do so. A small number of patients may experience mild stiffness and/or soreness for a few days after their first adjustment.
What’s an adjustment?
A chiropractic adjustment is a highly refined manual process described by definition as a specific high velocity, low amplitude thrust that is developed through years of intensive studies, training and practice. Proper chiropractic adjustments have a specific amount of energy, delivered to a precise spot, at the right angle.
Chiropractors use their hands to adjust the joints, especially those of the spine, in order to reduce pain and restore proper function, balance and range of movement. The technique can be adapted to each patient according to their individual needs, symptoms and comfort levels.
Do adjustments hurt?
Chiropractic adjustments are very gentle and not painful. There can sometimes be mild post-treatment soreness, particularly in the first phases of treatment, but this should resolve quickly.
What’s the ‘popping’ noise?
Sometimes, you may hear a ‘POP’ or cracking noise when a Chiropractic adjustment is performed. This is completely normal. This particular sound is called a cavitation, and it’s essentially caused by the shift of gas/bubbles inside the joints. If there is no sound, it does not mean the adjustment was not successful, it simply means that there was no sound from the escaping gas.
Is everyone adjusted the same way?
No, each individual diagnosis and care plan is unique. Patient care is custom-tailored according to age, symptoms, expectations, comfort, and level of fitness.
How many adjustments will I need?
Each case is unique and can require a specific duration and frequency of treatment.
The number of sessions can vary according to individual health goals. Most people notice progress within a week or two. As the stability of your spine improves, you will generally visit your chiropractor less and less often.
What’s a subluxation?
A subluxation is a condition that commonly affects the spine and which is successfully treated by chiropractors. It consists primarily of a slight misalignment of the vertebrae and it can occur alone or in conjunction with other vertebrae and/or related disc problems.
Subluxations can cause pain and impair the normal functioning of the nerves, compressing them which could lead to paresthesia (pins & needles and a burning sensation). Subluxations in the neck can cause numbness in the arms, while numbness in the legs is usually associated with the presence of subluxations in the lumbar spine or pelvis.
Can I adjust myself?
No – You can make your joints ‘pop’, but you cannot perform a real chiropractic adjustment before years of specific training.
Serious damage can be caused by mobilising a joint with weakened ligaments and hypermobility (too much movement or instability) – better avoid the risk of making things worse.
What should I wear for my first appointment?
Loose fitting clothes. We’ll ask you to perform a series of range of movement tests so it’s best not to feel too constricted! You will be offered a gown to wear if you prefer and given privacy to change.
Can babies and children get adjustments?
Yes, and most kids enjoy their adjustments!
The essential biological and physiological principles of chiropractic care apply to both adults and children. The treatment can be equally beneficial to adults, children and babies. Paediatric chiropractic adjustments can be extremely gentle: your chiropractor will apply the same pressure you’d use to test the ripeness of an avocado. During childhood, periodic examinations by a chiropractor can help to prevent and identify deficiencies or postural weaknesses that may predispose children to significant spinal problems. Typical
‘growing pains’ can often be traced to the spine. Chiropractic care is always adapted to the individual.
Am I too old for Chiropractic?
Definitely not! Chiropractic is highly recommended and beneficial for elderly patients.
Through the use of appropriate and individualised adjustment techniques, a
chiropractic doctor can help older patients improve mobility and vitality, reducing the symptoms of diseases typically attributed to ageing, such as arthritis and osteoporosis by increasing blood flow to specific areas which aid in healing.
I have Osteoporosis, can I see a Chiropractor?
Of course! Chiropractic techniques are non-invasive and chiropractors always take into account the patient’s health status. When developing a treatment plan, your chiropractor will consider the unique circumstances and expectations of each patient.
What if I had back surgery?
You can still benefit from chiropractic adjustments. Rest assured that your chiropractor will avoid the surgically modified areas of your spine. Surgery often causes instability above or below the involved level. These areas will be the focus of your chiropractic care.
Can Chiropractic relieve acute back pain?
Many of our patients begin their treatment as they experience episodes of acute pain. There are no contraindications and numerous scientific studies show that chiropractic can help you relieve both acute and chronic back pain.
Will my insurance policy cover Chiropractic?
Chiropractic care is included in most health insurance plans. Some plans may have limitations or exclusions applicable to chiropractic so check your benefit plan description for details.