Treatments

The treatment offered by your chiropractor will be specific to you and your condition. The chiropractor will undertake the responsibility of improving the condition. However, once the initial treatments have been undertaken and the pain levels have been reduced, the patient may be required to under go an exercise regime to assist in reducing the symptoms. This will be discussed at the first appointment along with type and length of treatment. For commonly asked questions take a look at the FAQ page.

Massage/ Trigger Point Therapy

Trigger points, also known as myofascial trigger points, are areas of hyperirritability in the soft tissue structure. These can be acute sources of pain or latent, unnoticed by the client until pressure is applied by the practitioner. Trigger points are manifested as small contraction knots in the muscles, that control the state of contraction and active ones may cause muscle spasm and referred pain. Treatment consists of physical therapy, manipulation and stretching. A firm digital pressure is applied by the practitioner, who is able to locate the specific points causing pain and restricted movement and these may often be located in places different to where the client actually feels the pain.

Dry Needling/ Acupuncture

Dry needling is the use of solid filiform needles for therapy of muscle pain, sometimes also known as intramuscular stimulation. Acupuncture and dry needling techniques are similar. The use of a solid needles has been found to be as effective as an injection of substances in such cases as relief of pain in muscles and connective tissue. Analgesia produced by needling a pain spot has been called the needle effect. Dry needling for the treatment of myofascial (muscular) trigger points is based on theories similar, but not exclusive, to traditional acupuncture; however, dry needling targets the trigger points, which is the direct and palpable source of patient pain, rather than the traditional “meridians”, accessed via acupuncture. The distinction between trigger points and acupuncture points for the relief of pain is blurred. As reported by Melzack, et al., there is a high degree of correspondence (71% based on their analysis) between published locations of trigger points and classical acupuncture points for the relief of pain.

Myofascial Release

The myofascial release approach is a form of soft tissue therapy used to treat somatic dysfunction and resulting pain and restriction of motion. practitioners use continual palpatory feedback to achieve release of myofascial tissues. This is said to be accomplished by relaxing contracted muscles, increasing circulation and lymphatic drainage, and stimulating the stretch reflex of muscles and overlying fascia.

Manipulation (SMT)

At Axis Chiropractic Clinic, we use an adjusting style commonly referred to as ‘Diversified’. With the malposition of one or more spinal bones identified, a specific manual thrust is administered. The direction, speed, depth and angle that are used is the result of years of experience, practice and a thorough understanding of spinal mechanics. The energy delivered during the thrust may produce a slight “popping” sound from the shifting of gas and fluids in the joint. This sound may be interesting, but is not a guide as to the value or effectiveness of the adjustment. While improving spinal biomechanics manipulation can reduce nervous system interferences, virtually all joints of the body can be adjusted to help restore proper range of motion.

Exercise

A fundamental part of chiropractic care is the use of appropriate exercise. In the course of treatment, you will be given the responsibility of improving your condition by undertaking specific exercises. Reconditioning injured soft tissues such as ligaments and muscles is paramount in effecting improved range of motion of the joints. Exercises that facilitate the optimal length of the muscles and then strengthen them are key towards providing improvement from injury and maintaining health muscles and joints.

Ultra Sound

Therapeutic ultrasound in physical therapy is alternating compression and rarefaction of sound waves with a frequency of >20,000 cycles/second. Therapeutic ultrasound frequency used is 0.7 to 3.3.MHz.Maximum energy absorption in soft tissue is 2 to 5 cm. Intensity decreases as the waves penetrate deeper. They are absorbed primarily by connective tissue: ligaments, tendons, and fascia (and also by scar tissue). Therapeutic ultrasound may have two types of benefit: Thermal effects and non thermal effects. Thermal effects are due to the absorption of the sound waves. Non thermal effects are from cavitation, microstreaming and acoustic streaming. Cavitational effects result from the vibration of the tissue causing microscopic air bubbles to form, which transmit the vibrations in a way that directly stimulates cell membranes. This physical stimulation appears to enhance the cell-repair effects of the inflammatory response. Therapeutic ultrasound is sometimes recommended for muscle as well as joint pain.

What to Expect

Beginning with a consultation lasting up to one hour, patients can discuss their current state of posture, as well as any other health concerns and specific complaints. Customers can opt to have their first treatment immediately after their consultation or at a later date. Sessions will focus on any issues discussed in the report of findings and last approximately 20 minutes each. The chiropractor will tailor sessions to individual requirements, with treatments consisting of any of the following:

  • Massage / Trigger Point Therapy
  • Myofascial Release
  • Manipulation (SMT)
  • Dry Needling / Acupuncture
  • Exercise
  • Ultrasound

The video opposite is provided by the British Chiropractic Association,

FAQ

Below are a list of our Frequently Asked Questions. Click on the title to view our answer.

Chiropractic Fees

Initial Consultation- case history and examination (30-40 mins). Includes 1st treatment session: £60 (Concessions – Student and Under 16s: £55)

Follow Up Treatment (20 mins): £38

Concessions – Student and Under 16s: £34

Ongoing Treatment Package (5 sessions at £34 each): £170

Covered by most major insurance companies including, WHA, axaPPP, Norwich Union.

(If you require only the consultation and examination then please state this while making your appointment)

How long will it take before I am better?

Most problems will need a course of treatment. Very occasionally for minor problems, only a couple of treatments may be needed. The vast majority though will need a course designed for their particular problem. The majority of treatments will take place in the first couple of weeks. As your problem improves you will be put on to a longer period between sessions until you are able to stay clear and have no relapses.

For those with more chronic cases maintenance treatment may be suggested for the long-term to maintain improvement.

What can I expect from my first visit?

Diagnosing the cause of musculo-skeletal symptoms is notoriously difficult and requires an in depth examination following a detailed patient history. Making the right diagnosis at the outset, ensures that the correct treatment is undertaken immediately.

Often, by the time that new patients arrive at the clinic, they have been seen by a number of clinicians and therapists without any positive results. In addition, many of the clinicians they have visited do not have the depth of knowledge of a chiropractor and have been given incorrect or misleading diagnoses.

For the reasons cited above, we understand the importance of giving our new patients time to explain the history of their condition. Therefore, we allow an hour for the initial consultation.

Once the history has been taken we will have a good indication of the cause of the problem. This directs us to specific chiropractic, orthopedic, and neurological examinations verify our first impressions. Following these examinations, you will be given a clear report of findings and diagnosis.

If we feel that there is a need for further investigations like X-ray, MRI or blood tests, we will notify you at this stage. Assuming that the condition is one that will respond to chiropractic care, we will commence treatment at the first appointment.

At the end of the first appointment you will be given a clear indication of the number of treatments required to improve your symptoms and also the frequency by which treatments are required.

Will I need X-rays?

Not necessarily, but if your problem needs further investigation or is slow to respond, these can arranged through the clinic by your chiropractor or even through your own General Practitioner.

Can the problem be cleared?

The news is good. The vast majority of back pain is due to simple joint straining which should respond within a month. More chronic long-lasting problems may take longer. This will be explained to you as you go through your treatment sessions with your Chiropractor.

Do I need to contact my General Practitioner?

Not unless you wish to. Your Chiropractor will send a report to your General Practitioner (with your permission) informing your GP of your problem and the treatment that has been given, a copy will also be given to you. Obviously you do not have to visit your GP for an ‘Off Work Certificate’ as your Chiropractor can give you one.

GPs are recommended by their Royal College that manipulation is the best form of treatment for the vast majority of mechanical back problems.

Are Chiropractic Treatments safe and do they hurt?

Chiropractic treatments are extremely safe for individuals of all ages – from infants to 100 year olds. Our treatments are safe because we only use natural and non-invasive methods of care. Research consistently shows that care from chiropractors is among the safest care available and is often safer than traditional medical care.
The treatments themselves are generally not painful. In fact, most patients look forward to their treatments as many experience instantaneous relief immediately afterwards. Individuals who present with moderate to severe pain may experience some minor discomfort for obvious reasons, however, care is always gentle, safe and non-invasive.

How often do I need Chiropractic Treatment?

An average course of treatment may entail five or six treatments over two or three weeks, but every case is assessed individually, and it is important to keep your appointments, and make regular visits. In chronic or recurrent conditions, check ups or maintenance treatment may be considered. Discuss this with your Chiropractor, who will explain your treatment programme to you.