What is an adjustment/a manipulation

This is a treatment method in which we apply a small and very quick impulse from our hand or finger to a joint which is not moving to the best of its capability. This is aimed at helping the joint to move more easily with less pain.  Often a ‘pop’ or ‘click’ is heard but not every time.  This sound is simply related to gas bubbles within the fluid that lubricates your joints.  If you don’t hear that noise it doesn’t mean that it hasn’t worked, it is actually the movement and not the sound that it is important.  Some chiropractors use a tool called an ‘activator’ or an ‘adjustment tool’ to perform this manipulation/adjustment if they feel it would be more ideal for you.  This tool applies a small impulse instead of the chiropractor’s hand performing the action.  This might be used for patients who are in too much discomfort for a manipulation/adjustment by hand, or in some conditions which give your chiropractor reason to believe this will be a better option for you.

Does treatment hurt?

When treating parts of your body that are in pain it would be untrue to say that no aspect of the treatment will be painful, however we aim to keep your treatment as comfortable as possible for you.  Some treatment methods are intended to be pain free or as close to painless as possible and some need to be a bit uncomfortable to create the desired result.  The main thing for you to be aware of is that you are involved in your treatment and therefore if something is too sore for you or indeed if you believe we can use a stronger pressure e.g. during sort tissue massage techniques then you can tell us.

Will I be sore after treatment?

It is very normal to feel a bit sore after treatment in a similar way as you would feel sore if you did a new type of exercise such as going for a run for the first time.  Soreness following treatment usually comes and goes within a 48 hour period.

Is chiropractic treatment safe?

Yes.  Your chiropractor will decide which treatment methods are suitable for you taking your health and well-being, your medical history and the results of your chiropractic examination into consideration.  As mentioned above some treatment methods can create some soreness and your chiropractor will give advice on how to manage any after treatment soreness at home.  Serious side effects related to chiropractic treatment are very rare and the risk of serious complications of spinal manipulations/adjustments are very low.  Your chiropractor will explain and answer any questions you have about any risks and side effects of the treatment methods they suggest for you.

Will I be given exercises?

For some patients, exercises are an essential part of chiropractic care and can be necessary to re-strengthen an area that has been injured or an area that has been painful and not functioning properly for some time.  This is the part of chiropractic care that we can’t do for you and your commitment to these exercises can enhance your outcome and overall improvement.

How much treatment is enough treatment?

This is a difficult question to answer until we have met you, learned more about your condition and assessed/examined you.  Some people need 3 or 4 sessions, some need 10 – 12 and some people continue to have treatment once in a while even when they feel better because they enjoy being treated and feel benefit from a regular check up.  Two people with exactly the same symptoms can recover at different rates.  Everybody’s body is different.  Imagine trying to help an 18 year old and an 80 year old who have both sprained their ankle or twisted awkwardly and hurt their back.  There are various factors that influence how much treatment somebody receives.  Some people want to feel 100% better and some just want to feel comfortable enough to be able to play with their grandchildren.  Some people have suffered a severe injury and some a minor incident.  We need to determine the severity of your condition.  We need to understand your overall health to give you an idea of how quickly or slowly your body is likely to heal, recover and respond to treatment and very importantly we need to establish your end goals – what would you like to achieve from chiropractic care?  We then work on a plan of management for your condition which works towards gaining the best result for you.