Doctors of Chiropractic 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. Chiropractic care mainly involves safe, often gentle, specific spinal manipulation to free joints in the spine or other areas of the body that are not moving properly. These are known as 'adjustments'. 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.

Chiropractic is a regulated primary healthcare profession. The title of 'chiropractor' is protected by law and it is a criminal offence for anyone to describe themselves as a chiropractor without being registered with the GCC. All of our chiropractors are properly qualified and registered to practice.

Chiropractic places its emphasis on the examination, diagnosis and management of problems and/or conditions that can affect the spine, nervous system, muscles or extremity joints of the body (the neuro-musculoskeletal system).

The musculoskeletal system is the largest system in the human body. It is constructed of muscles, bones, tendons, ligaments, cartilage, and numerous neurological components that coordinate it. Chiropractors specialise in maintaining this system, allowing it to function more effectively and with minimum wear and tear. Where there is a problem, chiropractic offers an established method of diagnosis and treatment, providing effective relief from any pain or discomfort.

Most people associate chiropractic care with the treatment of back pain, neck pain and headaches. We go further than that and our chiropractors take into consideration your overall health status before embarking on a treatment programme, in co-operation with you, the patient.

People from all walks of life and of all ages can benefit from chiropractic care. Using a variety of manipulative techniques designed to improve the function of joints and reduce muscle spasm, our qualified chiropractors help to relieve the particular stresses that are causing a condition to occur in the first place, which ultimately leads to pain reduction and improved functional capacity.

You just need to be prepared to move and stretch in what you're wearing. You may be asked to remove items of clothing so that the chiropractor can see the area of the body that needs to be treated. Please wear appropriate underwear or bring some shorts if possible. Otherwise we do provide gowns and towels for modesty.

This will depend on:

• your condition

• how severe it is

• how long you have had the condition

• how you respond to treatment

• how much of your chiropractor's advice you follow.

Your chiropractor will most likely give you advice on self-help, diet and lifestyle changes. They will review your progress regularly and discuss referral options and further investigation if your condition does not improve.

Chiropractic treatment is usually painless unless an area is inflamed. If this is the case your chiropractor may alter the treatment to make it as comfortable as possible. Our chiropractors’ are trained in not only chiropractic manipulation but dry needling, soft tissue work, and taping and it maybe that a combination of these will work best.

It is also not uncommon to feel uncomfortable or stiff for a short time after treatment but this usually lasts only a day or so. It is important you talk to your chiropractor if you feel worried about anything either during or after treatment.

When you first arrive at The Medical you will be asked to complete a New Patient Form. This is so we can register you as a patient at and so the chiropractor knows a bit more about you. You will need to provide a full medical history, so please aim to arrive 15 minutes before your appointment begins (we want to make the most of your time with the chiropractor).

You just need to be prepared to move and stretch in what you're wearing. You may be asked to remove items of clothing so that the chiropractor can see the area of the body that needs to be treated. Please wear appropriate underwear or bring some shorts if possible. Otherwise we do provide gowns and towels for modesty.

Your first visit can last up to 45 minutes. During this time one of our chiropractors:

• will take a full case history

• may ask you to remove some of your clothes

• will ask your permission to perform a thorough physical examination

• may send you for x-rays or an MRI scan if needed

• your chiropractor will also check for signs of any serious conditions for which they will refer you to your GP or hospital if necessary.