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Chiropractic Clinic: What Do Chiropractors Do?

When you visit our clinic for a consultation your Chiropractor will take a history of your symptoms and then perform a physical examination of the relevant areas in order to assess your problem. When this is finished your Chiropractor will explain your problem and how chiropractic care can help. The treatment is likely to include manipulation/adjustment.

Chiropractors use their hands to provide specific adjustments to the joints of your spine and extremities where spinal and extremity joint stiffness has been found. This treatment is known as an "adjustment" or "manipulation".

Other treatments may include deep tissue massage, stretches and ultrasound. These treatments are designed to restore full function to the area and provide optimal nerve and joint function.

Chiropractic and palpatory Examination:

This will consist of a physical examination for which a chiropractor will primarily use his highly trained and sensitive hands and eyes to evaluate your posture, gait and any joint misalignment or dysfunction.

Orthopaedic examination:

To test the range of movements of the spine, peripheral and the affected joints and evaluation of specific muscles.

Neurological examination:

Using simple instruments visual examination your spinal and the cranial nerves are tested by careful visual observation of the body, gait, deep tendon reflexes, sensory perception etc, to identify the presence of or development of any neurological condition.

Physical examination:

Ear, eye, mouth, throat, chest, abdomen and blood pressure examination may also be carried out.

Radiological:

Includes X-rays, MRI, CAT and Ultrasound scans; these are only requested if found necessary, and similarly for laboratory tests.

It is worth noting that Chiropractors are one of the few health care practitioners who may examine their patients with minimum clothing (ladies are offered gowns that open at the back), therefore Chiropractors are likely to recognize any adverse skin condition that you may not be aware of, particularly on your back.

Treatment and patient management

Treatment consists of a wide range of manipulative techniques designed to improve the function of the joints, relieving pain and muscle spasm. Such skilled manipulation is very specific, hands-on, and directed at individual joints in order to reduce strains and improve mobility in one area without disturbing another.

In addition, various physical techniques and treatments such as Kinesiology Taping, Trigger Points Therapy, Heat/Cold, Ultrasound and Electrical Stimulation (TENS / Interferential) could be applied depending upon the condition.

Chiropractors support the treatment they offer with individual guidance and advice about the patient's lifestyle, work and exercise, in order to help in managing the condition and preventing a recurrence of the problem.

Chiropractic treatment does not include the use of drugs or surgery. However, where the need for surgery is indicated we will communicate with your GP and consultant and continue to provide chiropractic care before and after surgery.