Frequently asked questions
These are some of the more usual questions that I am asked. If you can’t find the answer that you are looking for don’t hesitate to call, text or message me and I’ll get back to you as soon as I am able.
Where did you train ?
I trained for 5 years at the McTimoney College of Chiropractic in Abingdon where I obtained a BSc (Hons) Chiro in 2005. This was just the start though and I have continued to add to my skills over the years with training in soft tissue techniques, pregnancy specific techniques, joint mobilisations, therapeutic exercises and various others. I’ve never stopped learning and love getting together (pre covid) with my colleagues to add yet more to what I can use to help you.
What can chiropractic help ?
Whilst many people anecdotally find relief from a variety of complaints, research evidence is available to support the use of chiropractic in cases of :
Back, mechanical neck pain and shoulder pain
Muscle aches and spasms
Sciatica
Headaches arising from neck problems (cervicogenic)
Shoulder complaints (dysfunction, disorders and pain) Soft tissue disorders of the shoulder
Rotator cuff injuries, disease or disorders
Pain, discomfort and stiffness in joints
Minor sports injuries
Plantar fasciitis
Inability to relax
If you are unsure about whether chiropractic will help your complaint, why not call or book a FREE 30 minute, no obligation chat and spine check?
How much does chiropractic cost ?
A first session lasting 90 minutes is £65 and includes complete record taking, appropriate testing and treatment. Subsequent treatments last 45 minutes at a cost of £50.
Is it safe for my baby and I to have treatment if I am pregnant?
Absolutely. Pregnancy can be a wonderful, exciting time but for some, it can also bring discomfort as the body adjusts to your changing posture and weight distribution. For some the extra physical challenges of pregnancy may mean that old injuries re-emerge. There are a few pregnancy related conditions which would contra-indicate chiropractic treatment, but these are rare. As a rule it is my personal preference to delay the start of chiropractic treatment until the 12 week mark, not because there is any evidence that it could be detrimental prior to this point, but more to err on the side of absolute caution. If however, you are in significant pain please do call me so that we can discuss your options. I have undergone additional training covering treatment during pregnancy including seminars with Gail Tully of Spinning Babies, The Pelvic Partnership (a great resource for mamas experiencing PGP, pelvic girdle pain), Liz Koch, Jeanne Ohm (Webster technique) and Elisabeth Davidson to name a few. I love to work with new and expectant mums and can’t wait to meet you!
How is a chiropractor different from an osteopath?
For the most part you will find that an osteopath tends to use more soft tissue work than a chiropractor (although I personally firmly believe that soft tissues and skeletal components need to be assessed in combination) whilst a chiropractor will concentrate on bony manipulation, aiming to enhance neuromusculoskeletal function (neuro = nerves, musculo = muscles, skeletal = bony). A chiropractor will more often use what is known as a short lever adjusting technique whereas an osteopath may use long lever techniques such as exerting traction on an arm to adjust an area in the mid back. There are some philosophical differences in the origins of both but essentially we all have the same aims.
What can I expect from my first session ?
To begin with I will take a record of your medical history including details such as current medications, surgeries and existing medical conditions. We will talk about your area of complaint in some depth covering things like what started it, what kind of pain you are experiencing (burning, sharp, shooting, electrical, dull, aching etc), what makes it worse, what eases it ie positions, activities etc and also whether there are any other symptoms which appear to be connected.
After this I will, with your approval, perform a physical examination including appropriate neurological and orthopaedic tests. This is to give us more of an idea as to the root cause of your condition, so that we can be sure that chiropractic is a suitable treatment. If during the history or testing I suspect that you should seek further investigation or medical intervention before starting treatment, I will ask you to visit your GP first. If it looks like you would benefit from some imaging to determine “what lies beneath” then I am able to submit a referral to a heavily subsidised private MRI imaging service.
The treatment itself consists of light, fast, adjustments which can be altered to the individual making them suitable for most people of all age ranges and during pregnancy. Treatment may also include soft tissue and mobilisation techniques where needed.
Treatment is most often carried out in your underwear as this enables a better contact for soft tissue work but a back opening gown is available for use if you would like it. Your comfort and ease is of primary importance.
Does chiropractic hurt ?
Many patients remark upon how surprised they are at how gentle McTimoney Chiropractic is and how different to the popular perception of Chiropractic generally, often commenting on how relaxed they feel after treatment. However, it’s important to remember that if an area of the body is inflamed and generally uncomfortable in the first place then you may feel some mild discomfort in the 24-48 hours following treatment as your body adjusts to what has been done. This is more usually where soft tissue work is needed rather than where chiropractic adjustments are carried out. If at any point you are concerned at your reactions to treatment in the following days then I am always on hand to discuss this with you and suggest ways to make the reaction period more comfortable.
What should I wear to my appointment ?
I would ask that you arrive for your appointment dressed in thin, loose fitting clothing such as sportswear. Please try to avoid jeans or garments with thick heavy seams or which might restrict your ability to move or stretch. I may ask you to remove some items of clothing in order to give better access for some treatment techniques in the affected area, particularly if neurological testing of the area is necessary prior to your first treatment. In subsequent sessions this should not be necessary.
How many treatments will I need ?
The answer to this is dependant upon a number of factors including:
Age
Extent of injury
Duration of injury
General health
Lifestyle / stress
Posture
Most people will see significant improvement within the first 1-3 sessions. However, everybody is individual and some may take longer and some less time. All treatment schedules will be discussed each time we meet and you will never be pressured in to continuing treatment or booking blocks of appointments if you feel it’s not for you. It’s important that you feel a part of the decision making process.
How can I book an appointment ?
If you would like to book an appointment simply click on one of the buttons below to book online, call or text for a call back. If I’m not available at the time of your call I’m most likely in clinic treating so please leave a message including your full name, number and enquiry details and I’ll get back to you as soon as possible.