FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Is the treatment painful?

Treatments are generally not painful and patients often experience an instant relief from pain and improved function after treatment. Sometimes patients may experience some discomfort for a short period after treatment. This is especially the case when there is already inflammation and significant muscle spasm. Generally this discomfort is minor and it settles down within a day or two.

Can I go to Chiropractic and physiotherapy at the same time?

Chiropractors would suggest that they are quite different from a physiotherapist. Chiropractors are much more hands on and will rely less on exercise prescription and/or various electro-therapy modalities (ultrasound, interferential).

Although soft tissue techniques for the treatment of muscles, ligaments and tendon problems are also used by chiropractors, and most chiropractors also prescribe exercises and rehabilitation procedures, the main difference is that chiropractors have been trained on how to free spinal vertebrae and other joints in the body through manipulation.

Generally Chiropractors are very aware of what other professionals do and are very happy for others to compliment their own treatment in order to get the patient better quickly if considered benefitial to resolve a particular problem.

What is the difference between a chiropractor and an osteopath?

Chiropractors and osteopaths treat similar conditions and use similar methods of diagnosis. Our advice is to find someone you trust and follow their advice.

Chiropractic treatments are designed to:

• Release muscle tension.

• Release abnormal nerve function that causes pain or tension.

• Restore movement lost by inappropriate function in the spine and other joints.

Chiropractors focus on the correct and proper movement and alignment of the spine and other joints in the body to free the nerves and reduce tension and pain.

Chiropractors also work with soft tissues such as muscles and ligaments to reduce spasms and tension and promote body healing. Pain is reduced and normal body function restored.

Is Chiropractic safe?

Yes. Chiropractic has an excellent safety record. Visit the British Chiropractic Association website to find out about chiropractic safety and research on this issue.

Chiropractic is the result of a conservative and natural approach to health that avoids invasive procedures such as surgery or addictive pain killing drugs.

Can a person who had back surgery see a Chiropractor?

Yes. It's an unfortunate fact that up to half of those who had spinal surgery discover a return of their original symptoms months or years later. They then face the prospect of additional surgery. This too common occurrence is know as "Failed Back Surgery Syndrome." Chiropractic may help prevent repeated back surgeries. In fact, if chiropractic care is used initially, back surgery can often be avoided.

Does Chiropractic work for all types of health problems?

No, however chiropractic care is successful with a very wide variety of health problems not necessarily considered "back" problems because of improved nerve system function. With a normal nerve supply the body's natural healing capacity can improve a variety of health problems. 

Is it OK to see a Chiropractor if I'm pregnant?

Vanessa, Holly & Sarah are confident in the safe and gentle techniques that help pregnant women. Pregnant mothers find that chiropractic adjustments relieve their low back pain symptoms and often improve their pregnancy and make delivery easier for themselves and their baby. Adjusting methods are always adapted to a patients size, weight, age, and condition of health. Kate is also qualified in pregnancy massage which is also beneficial. Just make sure you wait until after 12 weeks before booking a massage.

What should I wear to an appointment?

Wear clothes that are easy to move in, shorts or leggings & a t-shirt or strap top are ideal. We do have gowns that can be worn but this isn’t normally necessary as examinations can be carried out without undressing. If you would prefer to see a female Practitioner just mention this to us when you book.

Am I too old?

Age really is no barrier! Treatments are safe for people of any age. Our treatment procedures differ for the very young, those with bone disease such as osteoporosis and the elderly. Gentler techniques are used as and when required. Shaftesbury Chiropractic has patients in their 90's who get great relief and enjoyment from their treatment.

How many sessions will I need? 

This will depend on your particular condition, its severity and your response to treatment.

Some general examples are:

• 3-6 treatments for a simple case of low back or neck pain that you have had for only a short period of time.

• 6-12 treatments for a long-standing (Chronic) condition. Follow-up sessions at regular intervals may be necessary to maintain improvement and prevent relapse.

Periodic visits help maintain what has been achieved through treatment and prevent new problems arising. The decision to continue with Check-Ups and Maintenance Care is very much a personal one and is not obligatory. Whatever you decide we are here to help you.

Can I help myself as well? 

Absolutely! Recent research has indicated that patients who perform Rehabilitative exercises in conjunction with their Chiropractic treatment improve more quickly than those who do not. Ask for exercises specific to your problem.

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