Chiropractic
Chiropractic is a regulated primary healthcare profession. Chiropractors are trained to diagnose, treat, manage and prevent disorders of the musculoskeletal system (bones, joints, and muscles), as well as the effects these disorders can have on the nervous system and general health. They have a specialist interest in neck and back pain, but when they assess patients, they take their entire physical, emotional and social wellbeing into account.
Chiropractors use a range of techniques to reduce pain, improve function and increase mobility, including hands-on manipulation of the spine. As well as manual treatment, chiropractors are able to offer a package of care which includes advice on self-help, therapeutic exercises and lifestyle changes.
Chiropractic treatment involves safe, often gentle, specific spinal manipulation to free joints in the spine or other areas of the body that are not moving properly. Apart from manipulation, chiropractors may use a variety of techniques including ice, heat, ultrasound, exercise and acupuncture as well as advice about posture and lifestyle.
Although chiropractors are best known for treating back and neck pain, which they do very well, patients also consult chiropractors regarding a range of other, related conditions.
The McTimoney technique is named after John McTimoney, who developed a whole-body approach. The adjustments are fast and accurately delivered and therefore relatively gentle; and also safe to receive. You can find out more about the technique by visiting the McTimoney Chiropractic Association website.
At your first consultation, as many details as possible will be taken regarding your current symptoms as well as details of your medical history. Your blood pressure may be taken as well as various other tests to determine a diagnosis for the presenting problem. These tests will help to determine how well your system and your joints are functioning. None of these tests are invasive.
A treatment plan will be agreed upon before any treatment is given determining when you will be reassessed. Once you are ready for your treatment you will usually need to change into a gown so that your bones and joints can be checked for misalignment and any appropriate adjustments can be made.
The treatment involves a whole body assessment and a series of light adjustments. Throughout the treatment your chiropractor will explain what is happening and happily answer any questions you may have.
Chiropractic is a drug-free, natural approach to health care.
Massage / Sports Massage
Massage is a system of strokes, kneads and pressures applied to the muscles and other soft tissue to release tension, promote relaxation and improve circulation.
Massage has a long history and is well documented in many ancient civilisations, including Chinese, Indian, Persian, Egyptian, Greek and Roman. Modern (Swedish) massage dates from Per Henrik Ling (1776-1839) who used it as part of his gymnastic training regime and who wrote the first treatise on the subject.
Sports Massage is a relatively recent development and uses more advanced techniques to assess and treat sports injuries and other soft tissue dysfunction.
As with Chiropractic, we take a detailed medical history to make sure that massage will be an appropriate and safe therapy for you to receive. We then work with you to develop a treatment plan which will best meet your needs. Massage is carried out in a comfortable, welcoming environment, using quality oils and waxes to achieve the best results. You will normally need to remove some items of clothing to allow access to the areas to be treated, with the rest of the body being covered by warm towels.
After treatment, your therapist will offer guidance on how you might feel, and the steps you can take to help yourself and maximise the benefits of the therapy.