Frequently Asked Questions
Questions Answered
Everything you need to know about Chiropractic care, your first visit and what to expect from treatment.
Chiropractic Consultation Questions
Before You Book Questions
Chiropractic is a regulated, drug-free healthcare profession focused on diagnosing and treating disorders of the musculoskeletal system — the nerves, bones, joints, muscles and surrounding soft tissues. Chiropractors use a range of manual techniques. The most well-known is a fast firm manipulation (also called an adjustment) to help restore/improve joint movement, reduce pain and improve function. Our Derby Chiropractic clinic also uses PBM Therapy to reduce pain, swelling, inflammation and speed up tissue healing. Along with self-help advice, exercises and Chiropractic ergonomic advice we offer a ‘package of care’ aimed to get you better in the fastest period of time. The Chiropractic treatment we offer is much more than just a ‘quick crack of a joint’ as our vast experience tells us that this is just not enough to get you better and help you stay better. Chiropractic care is evidence-based and is widely recognised by world-wide studies as an effective treatment for a broad range of musculoskeletal conditions.
No referral is necessary. Chiropractors are primary healthcare professionals, which means you can self-refer and book directly with us without needing to see your GP first. We do, however, work closely with GPs and other healthcare professionals and will refer you on if we feel your condition is best managed by another specialist or your GP.
Chiropractic is most commonly associated with back and neck pain, and rightly so — the evidence base for these conditions is strong. However, Chiropractors treat a wide range of musculoskeletal problems head to toe – including sciatica, headaches, shoulder pain, sports injuries, hip and knee problems, arm and leg pain, and postural problems. At your initial consultation, we will advise honestly whether Chiropractic is likely to help your particular condition or not.
The initial consultation fee is £80 for adults and £55 for children under 16. This includes a comprehensive case history, full physical and orthopaedic examination, diagnosis, a report of findings and — where clinically appropriate and time permits — your first treatment. There are no hidden charges. see our page Fees for more information
Comfortable, loose-fitting clothing is ideal. Jogging bottoms and T-shirts are good. Depending on the area being assessed and treated, we may ask you to remove outer clothing so we can examine your spine, joints and muscles properly. If we cannot get access to the region we need by just moving your clothes around a little (e.g. lifting up a T shirt to get to the lower back) we always have gowns available.
Your initial consultation typically lasts approximately 60 minutes, allowing sufficient time for a thorough assessment and discussion of your findings and options. Follow-up treatment appointments are generally 20 minutes in duration.
Chiropractic Treatment Questions
About Your Treatment
Most patients find Chiropractic treatment comfortable with very few side effects. You may experience some minor soreness in the treated area for 24 to 48 hours after your first few appointments — this is a normal response as your body adjusts, similar to post-exercise soreness. Many patients feel immediate improvement following treatment. We always work within your comfort levels and adjust our techniques accordingly.
Yes. Chiropractic treatment has an excellent safety record when carried out by qualified, General Chiropractic Council (GCC) registered practitioners. Both of our Chiropractors are registered with the General Chiropractic Council and members of the British Chiropractic Association, which means they are bound by strict professional codes of conduct and clinical guidelines. Serious adverse reactions to Chiropractic treatment are extremely rare.
This varies considerably depending on the nature and duration of your condition, your age, general health and lifestyle. Acute (short-term) conditions often respond quickly — sometimes within 3 to 6 sessions. More chronic or complex problems may require a longer course of care. After your initial assessment we will give you a realistic indication of the number of treatments likely needed and will review your progress regularly.
The sound sometimes heard during a Chiropractic adjustment of a joint is caused by a release of gas (mainly carbon dioxide and nitrogen) from within the joint capsule as the joint surfaces are briefly separated — a process known as cavitation. It is harmless and is not an indication of the severity of the adjustment or a bone ‘cracking’. Not all adjustments produce this sound, and it is not necessary for treatment to be effective. There are many sorts of treatments that we perform that involve more stretching/kneading motions which can be more suitable for older age groups or those in extreme pain. We have specialised treatment benches that also move to produce no cracking motions through joints. We will tailor make you treatment based on your condition, severity of pain, age and also personal preference – we have many patients who do not want to have firmer adjustments but prefer slower more stretching approach for their treatment
In many cases, yes. We treat a number of patients who have undergone spinal surgery, joint replacements or other orthopaedic procedures. However, it is essential that we have a full picture of your surgical history before beginning treatment. There may be certain techniques we would avoid near the surgical site. Our vast experience allows us to chose techniques that are more suitable if we need to use non forceful methods to help you. In these cases PBM Therapy can be exactly what you need with no risk of affecting any surgical sites
Yes. Even if you have low back, pelvis or leg pain then Chiropractic care for musculoskeletal pain can help and is appropriate. The type of treatment method that we would give you to get better will be depending on many factors so you and your baby will be safe. Rest assured we have treated many many ladies in pregnancy over our 34+ years of clinical practice!
Still Have Questions?
Call 01332 224820 — our team is happy to answer any questions you have
