Chiropractic is the art, science and philosophy of all things natural
Chiropractic (meaning done by hand) is a primary health care profession. It addresses health issues and maintenance of health via non-invasive techniques (i.e. without the use of drugs and surgery).
Chiropractors specialise in identifying and treating conditions involving muscles, joints and nerves with a special focus on the spine. Chiropractic is one of the most widely used manual therapies and is the largest drug free health care profession.
With the underlying belief that the body is a self-healing and self-regulating and has the ability to recover from injury and maintain health, chiropractors administer treatment to assist in the body’s natural healing process.
Chiropractic’s focus on the health of the spine originates from the understanding that the nervous system plays and essential role in the ability of the body to self heal and that the structure and function of the spine can influence nervous function.
The nervous system (which consists of the brain and spinal and peripheral nerves) controls every function in the body from muscle contraction and gland function to the activity of organs and the immune system.
With modern living, the spine is subject to many different stresses (sedentary occupations, postural habits, poor nutrition etc) these can result in problems with the alignment and flexibility of the spine and/or the strength of the muscles that support it. These alignment, flexibility and strength issues of the spine are often the direct and indirect cause of injury, illness and dis-ease. Addressing these issues helps to speed the body’s natural process of healing. Maintaining alignment, flexibility and strength of the spine can also help to maintain physical health in the future.
Our approach
Working with the ML team of personal trainers, nutritionists, massage therapists and physiotherapists our chiropractors have three main goals for their patients:
1 – Recovery – helping recovery from injury by ensuring the correct diagnosis, advising the correct treatment protocol and restoring normal alignment, flexibility and strength where required
2 – Prevention – following recovery we aim to continue to improve physical structure and function through; guidance on lifestyle modifications (to remove risk factors), home exercises programmes to build strength and endurance and continuing treatment where appropriate. This help us to ensure the body is better protected against future injuries or ailments
3 – Performance – through optimising joint, muscle and nerve function through; appropriate treatment, our in-house or at-home exercise training regimes, home advice and nutritional guidance we aim to help prepare your body to function at its best whether at home, at work or in sport
Our chiropractors are specifically interested in identifying the underlying cause(s) of your condition as well as encouraging the maintenance of your future health. This is achieved through detailed evaluation of your physical structure and assessment of how misalignment or loss of motion (especially within the spine) may be influencing your bodies health.
A strong focus is also placed on the understanding of how lifestyle habits may be effecting your ability to heal. This allows us to better advise you regarding steps you can take to further improve the health of your body.
What conditions can be helped by chiropractic
Chiropractic can help to address the causes and symptoms of many different ailments. Most commonly chiropractors are consulted by people suffering from:
– Lower back and pelvic pain
– Neck pain and whiplash disorders
– Headaches
– Knee hip and shoulder injuries
– Arthritic pain
The scope of chiropractic however goes far beyond this. Please click here for more information on the conditions we see.
What to expect
Visit 1: Initial consultation
Before you go through with your Chiropractic Doctor you will be asked to fill in a health questionnaire. During your appointment your doctor will take a detail past health and medical history and perform a series of specific tests to assess the function of your joints, muscles and your nervous system. After performing this examination your chiropractor will be able to tell you what is wrong and offer some advice or treatment if necessary.
Visit 2: Report of findings
At this visit your chiropractor will go through with you in detail any problems that have been identified and importantly what needs to be done in order to help restore normal function. You will be given information about the recommended length of your treatment programme, information regarding the cost of the recommended treatment and advice regarding supplementation and lifestyle changes if needed. Your full treatment will start at this appointment.
