Blog
YOUR FIRST VISIT
Arrival at the clinic
As you arrive at the clinic you will be greeted by one of our friendly reception staff who will guide you through completing our brief registration forms. We welcome you with a complimentary peppermint tea and you are made to feel at home and relaxed.
Consultation
Following completion of your paperwork you will be introduced to Dr Ross our principal Chiropractor in our treatment room and he will run through a series of questions that relate to your complaint. This will involve a detailed history about your condition and also past medical history in order to fully understand what is causing your symptoms.
Examination
After your consultation your Chiropractor will then perform a thorough clinical examination which will include neurology tests, orthopaedic tests and musculo-skeletal tests. The exam is done on your spine and normally a full spine involves a full spine analysis as well as examination of any other joints that may be involved in your complaint.
Once the examination is completed your Chiropractor will then evaluate the need for any follow up testing such as x-rays and this will be discussed with you in full at that time.
The whole process should take no more than one hour to complete.
Follow up Report of Findings
At your follow up appointment, your chiropractor will have prepared a full report for you which will include a discussion about your diagnosis, a structured treatment plan which addresses your own health goals and when appropriate, a detailed report and explanation of any xrays that may have been taken.
The length of time it will take will to resolve your complaint will depend on many different factors but will be discussed with you as well as costs and payment options.
Once you fully understand what is causing your symptoms and how we will resolve them and how many treatments you will need and at what cost, your Chiropractor will then initiate your treatment at this stage.
Your First Treatment
Your Chiropractor will initiate treatment once you are ready to start following your report. After the treatment, as part pf the service your Chiropractor will then go through all the after care recommendations and advice that you need to know in order to help you get better as fast as possible and stop any potential future episodes.
After your treatment you will then be shown through to reception once more and there our assistants will then book all your future appointments and help you get the times and the days that are easiest for you.
WHAT IS CHIROPRACTIC?
Chiropractic is a branch of the health care sciences and is the third largest primary health care profession in the western world after conventional medicine and dentistry. At present, there are some 60,000 Doctors of Chiropractic in the world and 1,500 in the United Kingdom.
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SCA Definition of Chiropractic (Adapted by the SCA from the Association of Chiropractic Colleges) Chiropractic is a primary health care discipline, which emphasizes the inherent recuperative power of the body to heal itself without the use of drugs or surgery.
​
The practice of chiropractic focuses on the relationship between the structure (primarily the spine) and function (as coordinated by the nervous system) and how that relationship affects the preservation and restoration of health. In addition, Doctors of Chiropractic recognise the value and responsibility of working in cooperation with other health care practitioners when in the best interest of the patient.
​
The basic concept of chiropractic relates to the fact that the nervous system controls all organs, tissues and cells of the body. When vital nerve communication pathways are interfered with, as can occur with a variety of structural and / or functional problems in the spine, pain and ill health can be the result. Research both within and outside the chiropractic profession now provides support for this concept.
​
The Chiropractic profession is often poorly misunderstood. Chiropractic is founded on the scientific premise that the brain and nervous system can deliver its impulses and messages for the proper function of the body’s tissues, organs and systems.
Everyday occurrences, slips and falls can cause the spinal bones to lose their usual motion or position. This misalignment of the vertebrae is called VERTEBRAL SUBLUXTION. The misalignment of the vertebrae can result in nerve interference (decreased nerve function) to the areas of the body that the nerves supply. Symptoms often include but are not limited to, tingling, pain, numbness, or no symptoms at all. This can set off a chain reaction affecting the vertebrae, nerves, muscles, soft tissues and results in degenerative changes throughout the body.
​
Over 2 million chiropractic adjustments are delivered to patients every day. Adjustments are far safer than muscle relaxers, back surgery or even a single aspirin. People under chiropractic care are among the healthiest in the world, enjoying less medication, hospitalisations and medical doctor visits.
HISTORY OF CHIROPRACTIC
The Chiropractic profession is still relatively young. It dates back to 1895 when it was discovered by Daniel David Palmer (D.D.Palmer). D.D Palmer was born in 1945 in Ontario, Canada and moved to the United States when he was 20. He soon became friendly with a magnetic healer, a popular choice of therapy around that time. A few years later he moved Davenport Iowa and set up his first clinic, 'Palmer cure and Infirmary'.
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Palmer was working late one night when a fire engine went by his office. He realized that the janitor who was working did not flinch at the loud noise of the siren. He approached the janitor and soon realized that he was deaf. Palmer proceeded to communicate with the gentleman and it became clear that the janitor had normal hearing all his life until he bent forward one day and felt a pop in his back from a misaligned vertebrae. Palmer stated "I reasoned that if that vertebra was replaced the man's hearing should be restored," he wrote in his notes afterwards. "With this object in view, a half hour's talk persuaded Mr. Lillard to allow me to replace it. I racked it into position by using the spinous process as a lever, and soon the man could hear as before."
​
From there, Palmer went on to see many patients with many different problems by repositioning misaligned vertebrae. He gave it the name chiro (hand), practc (practice or operation) and the chiropractic profession was born.
​
Obviously the chiropractic profession has advanced vastly since the times of D.D Palmer but the basic understanding and principles remain, by correcting spinal misalignments, removing nerve interference and allowing the nervous system to function to its optimum capacity.
CHIROPRACTIC RESEARCH
Over 100 years ago, chiropractic health care was founded by Dr. D.D. Palmer. He had a simple theory: that good health can be sustained naturally, without the use of drugs or surgery, by removing vertebral subluxations and allowing the nervous system to function properly.
His theory has stood the test of time. This section will briefly explain how the theory was proven by taking you “behind the scenes”, into the field of chiropractoc research.
1895-Present: Scientifically proven
Since the first Chiropractic adjustment in 1895, the chiropractic profession has rapidly grown to be the third largest field of health care behind medicine and dentistry. The reason for the growth of chiropractic is simple: chiropractic is based on sound, scientific principles that have been proven with thorough research. Investigations and injuries have been conducted worldwide by government agencies, universities, health-care facilities, private and public sector research organizations. The following paragraphs summarize some landmark research studies that have resulted in widespread recognition of chiropractic as a sound health-care choice.
Government of New Zealand
The New Zealand commission report was published in 1979 and was the culmination of two years of interviews from health care experts on the efficacy and safety of chiropractic. The government of New Zealand funded the study, which concluded that modern chiropractic is a “soundly-based and valuable branch of health care in a specialised area”. Wilk, et al, vs. American Medical Association (AMA) lawsuit. Another inquiry that further validated chiropractic came about in 1987 through an antitrust suit filed by four doctors for chiropractic against the AMA. A federal appellate court judge ruled that the AMA had engaged in a “lengthy, systematic, successful and unlawful boycott” of chiropractic. During the legal proceedings, studies comparing chiropractic care to medical care were presented that showed how chiropractors were twice as effective as medical physicians, for comparable injuries, in returning injured workers to work at every level of injury severity.”
Since the court findings and conclusions were released, a growing number of medical practices, hospitals and health care organisations in the United States now include the services of chiropractors.
Ontario Ministry of Health
In 1993, the Ontario Ministry of Health published the Manga report, which was a review of literature on the most effective and cost-effective treatments for low back pain. After reviewing all available international evidence, the researchers concluded that chiropractic is “greatly superior to medical treatment in terms of scientific validity, safety, cost-effectiveness and patient satisfaction.”
The Agency For Health Care Policy and Research (AHCPR)
In 1994, the AHCPR of the United States Department of Health and Human Services released guidelines, which were intended to assist primary-care physicians, were developed by a panel of 23 professionals, including medical doctors, chiropractic doctors, nurses, experts in spinal research, and physical therapists. The panel concluded, among other things, that chiropractic treatment (specifically, spinal manipulation) is recommended for acute low back problems in adults and should be pursued (in most cases) before pharmaceutical or surgical treatments.
WHAT IS CHIROPRACTIC?
Chiropractic is a branch of the health care sciences and is the third largest primary health care profession in the western world after conventional medicine and dentistry. At present, there are some 60,000 Doctors of Chiropractic in the world and 1,500 in the United Kingdom.
​
SCA Definition of Chiropractic (Adapted by the SCA from the Association of Chiropractic Colleges) Chiropractic is a primary health care discipline, which emphasizes the inherent recuperative power of the body to heal itself without the use of drugs or surgery.
​
The practice of chiropractic focuses on the relationship between the structure (primarily the spine) and function (as coordinated by the nervous system) and how that relationship affects the preservation and restoration of health. In addition, Doctors of Chiropractic recognise the value and responsibility of working in cooperation with other health care practitioners when in the best interest of the patient.
​
The basic concept of chiropractic relates to the fact that the nervous system controls all organs, tissues and cells of the body. When vital nerve communication pathways are interfered with, as can occur with a variety of structural and / or functional problems in the spine, pain and ill health can be the result. Research both within and outside the chiropractic profession now provides support for this concept.
​
The Chiropractic profession is often poorly misunderstood. Chiropractic is founded on the scientific premise that the brain and nervous system can deliver its impulses and messages for the proper function of the body’s tissues, organs and systems.
Everyday occurrences, slips and falls can cause the spinal bones to lose their usual motion or position. This misalignment of the vertebrae is called VERTEBRAL SUBLUXTION. The misalignment of the vertebrae can result in nerve interference (decreased nerve function) to the areas of the body that the nerves supply. Symptoms often include but are not limited to, tingling, pain, numbness, or no symptoms at all. This can set off a chain reaction affecting the vertebrae, nerves, muscles, soft tissues and results in degenerative changes throughout the body.
​
Over 2 million chiropractic adjustments are delivered to patients every day. Adjustments are far safer than muscle relaxers, back surgery or even a single aspirin. People under chiropractic care are among the healthiest in the world, enjoying less medication, hospitalisations and medical doctor visits.
HISTORY OF CHIROPRACTIC
The Chiropractic profession is still relatively young. It dates back to 1895 when it was discovered by Daniel David Palmer (D.D.Palmer). D.D Palmer was born in 1945 in Ontario, Canada and moved to the United States when he was 20. He soon became friendly with a magnetic healer, a popular choice of therapy around that time. A few years later he moved Davenport Iowa and set up his first clinic, 'Palmer cure and Infirmary'.
​
Palmer was working late one night when a fire engine went by his office. He realized that the janitor who was working did not flinch at the loud noise of the siren. He approached the janitor and soon realized that he was deaf. Palmer proceeded to communicate with the gentleman and it became clear that the janitor had normal hearing all his life until he bent forward one day and felt a pop in his back from a misaligned vertebrae. Palmer stated "I reasoned that if that vertebra was replaced the man's hearing should be restored," he wrote in his notes afterwards. "With this object in view, a half hour's talk persuaded Mr. Lillard to allow me to replace it. I racked it into position by using the spinous process as a lever, and soon the man could hear as before."
​
From there, Palmer went on to see many patients with many different problems by repositioning misaligned vertebrae. He gave it the name chiro (hand), practc (practice or operation) and the chiropractic profession was born.
​
Obviously the chiropractic profession has advanced vastly since the times of D.D Palmer but the basic understanding and principles remain, by correcting spinal misalignments, removing nerve interference and allowing the nervous system to function to its optimum capacity.
CHIROPRACTIC RESEARCH
Over 100 years ago, chiropractic health care was founded by Dr. D.D. Palmer. He had a simple theory: that good health can be sustained naturally, without the use of drugs or surgery, by removing vertebral subluxations and allowing the nervous system to function properly.
His theory has stood the test of time. This section will briefly explain how the theory was proven by taking you “behind the scenes”, into the field of chiropractoc research.
1895-Present: Scientifically proven
Since the first Chiropractic adjustment in 1895, the chiropractic profession has rapidly grown to be the third largest field of health care behind medicine and dentistry. The reason for the growth of chiropractic is simple: chiropractic is based on sound, scientific principles that have been proven with thorough research. Investigations and injuries have been conducted worldwide by government agencies, universities, health-care facilities, private and public sector research organizations. The following paragraphs summarize some landmark research studies that have resulted in widespread recognition of chiropractic as a sound health-care choice.
Government of New Zealand
The New Zealand commission report was published in 1979 and was the culmination of two years of interviews from health care experts on the efficacy and safety of chiropractic. The government of New Zealand funded the study, which concluded that modern chiropractic is a “soundly-based and valuable branch of health care in a specialised area”. Wilk, et al, vs. American Medical Association (AMA) lawsuit. Another inquiry that further validated chiropractic came about in 1987 through an antitrust suit filed by four doctors for chiropractic against the AMA. A federal appellate court judge ruled that the AMA had engaged in a “lengthy, systematic, successful and unlawful boycott” of chiropractic. During the legal proceedings, studies comparing chiropractic care to medical care were presented that showed how chiropractors were twice as effective as medical physicians, for comparable injuries, in returning injured workers to work at every level of injury severity.”
Since the court findings and conclusions were released, a growing number of medical practices, hospitals and health care organisations in the United States now include the services of chiropractors.
Ontario Ministry of Health
In 1993, the Ontario Ministry of Health published the Manga report, which was a review of literature on the most effective and cost-effective treatments for low back pain. After reviewing all available international evidence, the researchers concluded that chiropractic is “greatly superior to medical treatment in terms of scientific validity, safety, cost-effectiveness and patient satisfaction.”
The Agency For Health Care Policy and Research (AHCPR)
In 1994, the AHCPR of the United States Department of Health and Human Services released guidelines, which were intended to assist primary-care physicians, were developed by a panel of 23 professionals, including medical doctors, chiropractic doctors, nurses, experts in spinal research, and physical therapists. The panel concluded, among other things, that chiropractic treatment (specifically, spinal manipulation) is recommended for acute low back problems in adults and should be pursued (in most cases) before pharmaceutical or surgical treatments.
CHIROPRACTIC TRAINING
All Chiropractors must complete a rigorous and detailed education. After completing the necessary pre-med coursework, they begin a four-year program at an accredited college of chiropractic. The chiropractic curriculum includes detailed studies of: anatomy, physiology, X-ray, clinical sciences, spinal biomechanics and adjusting, preventative health care, and many other related topics. By the time of graduation, the average doctor of chiropractic has completed 4,485 classroom hours.
SPORTS CHIROPRACTIC?
Have you ever wondered what makes Tiger Woods, Lance Armstrong, Kaka and Michael Jordon the elite athletes they are? As well as being extremely talented individuals these group of athletes are all under specific chiropractic care on a regular basis and rarely ever injured. Maybe a coincidence maybe not!
Ever since chiropractic began sports players from all abilities have used chiropractic to help with sporting injuries and to aid recovery. Many sports stars from around the world of sport are now taking advantage of the benefits of chiropractic. The majority of sporting injuries seen are extremity injuries such as ankle, knee, wrist, elbow and shoulder as well as spinal pain.
Many sports injuries are treated with physiotherapy that tend to work on soft tissues and treat patient's symptoms, using a variety of soft tissue techniques. Research has shown that tight musculature, weakness and trigger points (muscle knots) arise due to pressure on the nerve that works a particular muscle. If a nerve supplying a particular muscle or joint is irritated or has pressure on it from misaligned vertebrae then the vital messages that the brain sends out will not be relayed to the muscle/s as it should do and the muscle will constantly fail resulting in injury.
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Chiropractic care assesses not only soft tissue symptoms but also the underlying cause by taking the pressure of the nerves responsible with specific spinal and extremity adjustments.
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Sports Chiropractic care also accesses the biomechanics of the human skeleton and posture analysis. For example many lower extremity injuries such as knee and ankle pain can arise from misaligned pelvic joints. A misaligned pelvis changes the whole biomechanics of the joints in the knees and ankles causing pain to arise in these areas. Chiropractic care specifically realigns the misaligned joints and restores the normal biomechanics.
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Dr Gonstead pioneered extremity analysis and adjusting. He not only recognized the importance of addressing the biomechanics of the spine and pelvis, but also to make sure that the joints in the rest of the body had correct alignment. For example if a patient has shoulder pain after injuring the shoulder in a sporting event it is highly likely that the joint has become misaligned. And so chiropractors will specifically and gently with care reposition the misaligned joint as well as well as assessing soft tissue injury giving the body the best chance to heal.
Top Sports Stars Who Use Chiropractic
No matter what level of sport you play chiropractic will help you improve performance. With your nervous system functioning optimally and your skeletal system correctly aligned your performance will improve, you will have a reduced chance of injury and you will heal faster from existing injuries.
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"I would estimate that in excess of 90% of all world-class athletes use Chiropractic care to prevent injuries and to increase their performance potential."
- Sean Atkings, Ph D Exercise Physiologist (casschiro.com/testimonials.cfm)
AC Milan Football Team
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Ac Milan are the current world and European club champions. In 1998 Dr. J.P. Meeserman (a chiropractor) was brought in to A.C Milan football club to take control of the clubs health set up. Dr. Meeserman immediately implemented a non medical, chiropractic approach. The results he has been able to achieve have been nothing short of amazing. In his first year he reduced pharmaceutical use by 94% and in the same year reduced the injury rate at the club by 90%. Because of the reduced injury rate the club was able to cut down to a playing squad of 23 players from 35. The benefits of chiropractic care have been able to extend many players careers and the average age of the squad is currently 29, the oldest in European professional football.
Ruud Van Nistelrooy
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Top Footballer Ruud Van Nistelrooy of C.F Real Madrid and Holland has been under chiropractic care all of his career.
Tiger Woods and Chiropractic
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Arguably the greatest golfer the world of golf has ever seen has this to say on chiropractic.
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'Being a chiropractor patient has really helped me immensely'.
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'Lifting weights and seeing a chiropractor on a regular basis has made me a better golfer. I've been going to Chiropractors for as long as I can remember. It's as important to my training as practising my swing.'
Evander Holyfield
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The only ever four time heavy weight champion of the world Evander never failed to see his chiropractor before a fight.
'I found that going to a chiropractor helps my performance. Once I drove 20 miles to see a chiropractor before a fight. I must have my adjustment before I go into the ring'.
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Lennox Lewis
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Former undisputed world heavy champion of the world, along with Muhammad Ali and Evander Holyfield has won the world heavy weight title on three separate occasions, with the help of chiropractic care.
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Lance Armstrong and Chiropractic
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Probably one of the most recognized and famous sports star in the world today. Lance won the Tour de France on seven consecutive occasions from 1999-2005. All this after recovering from testicular cancer that had spread to his lungs and brain.
He needed brain and testicular surgery as well as extensive chemotherapy.
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He says…"The Chiropractor is the most important person on the team staff" (every second counts). After his seventh and final victory he also said he could not have won without his chiropractor's help.