Your First Visit with the Chiropractor
Consultation and Examination
Your Chiropractor will discuss with you your reason for seeking their help. You will be asked a great deal about yourself, your current state of health as well as your past medical history and family history. The Chiropractor will need all this information to build up an overall picture of your health status. Your notes will remain confidential and no one is allowed access to these without your permission. Once the Chiropractor has taken your case notes, they will then examine you and form a diagnosis. Female patients will be offered a gown and the Chiropractor always leaves the room while a patient changes. The examination will concentrate on your neuromusculoskeletal system (nerves, muscles and joints), but it may also be necessary to check other things such as your heart, lungs and abdomen to rule out other problems. After the initial consultation and examination, your Chiropractor may offer you treatment immediately. However, it may be delayed for a day or two if X-rays need to be taken or viewed or further information needs to be obtained from your GP or the hospital.
Report of Findings
Before any treatments start your Chiropractor will tell you in clear, simple language what is wrong with you, what can be done about it and what you should expect when you receive your first treatment. You will be told about any exercises or changes to your lifestyle or diet that may be beneficial, so that you can help yourself. The Chiropractor will need you to help in your recovery so it is important to follow any instructions and advice carefully and completely. You will also be advised of the costs that relate to your treatment plan. The chiropractor will tell you of any likelihood of a recurrence of your problem and the benefits of maintenance care in the future.
Treatment
The Chiropractor will choose the most appropriate type and course of treatment for your problem and discuss this with you. Modern Chiropractic offers a package of care tailored to the individual. This may include manipulation, dry needling/acupuncture, modalities such as ultrasound, exercise rehabilitation and lifestyle advice.
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Manipulation treatment
Manipulation is an important technique that is frequently used by Chiropractors. With his or her hands, the Chiropractor moves a fixed or restricted joint a little in order to establish normal movement or normal range of motion. The vacuum that exists in most joints in the body is overcome and small bubbles of gas are created in the synovial fluid between the joints. These bubbles can cause the audible ‘pop’ that often accompanies manipulation. This sound is not caused by bones grating against each other or by something being torn. The purpose of this treatment is to normalise the functions of the joints and muscles and to ease, or remove pain.
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Dry Needling/Acupuncture
On some occasions the Chiropractor may feel that it is beneficial for a patient to receive dry needling alongside manipulation. The Term ‘dry needling’ (i.e. without injection) describes the technique of using acupuncture needles on trigger points to release tight muscles. Dry needling, sometimes termed as medical acupuncture uses Western based anatomy and physiology rather than Eastern based "meridians", which are common in Chinese medicine. Many of these trigger points are similar or identical to those of traditional Chinese medicine. Your Chiropractor will be able to able to answer any queries you have about this form of treatment.
Soft tissue treatment
The Chiropractor also treats the soft tissues of the body - the muscles and tendons. This may be done by different forms of massage and stretching.
Ultrasound
Ultrasound treatment is a form of high frequency sound wave used to treat soft tissue injuries. It is used to relieve pain and inflammation, reduce muscle spasms, increase the range of motion and speed recovery. Treatment is painless. A gel, often a pain relieving gel is applied to the skin and the ultrasound administered via a transducer head that is moved gently in circles or strokes over the affected area.
Exercise
Chiropractors often recommend a course of rehabilitative exercises designed specifically to maintain and improve range of motion, facilitate supporting muscles and improve core stability, strength and endurance. Evidence from research studies suggests that a combination of manipulation and exercise provides the gold standard for the treatment of certain types of back pain.
Lifestyle and other Advice
Chiropractors can advise on aspects of your lifestyle that may influence your health. They can also advise you on areas such as posture, ergonomics, lifting techniques, manual handling, nutrition, diet and dietary supplements. Where appropriate and with your consent, the Chiropractor may liaise with your GP for your benefit.