Here are some of our Frequently Asked Questions. If you didn’t find what you were looking for, get in touch by calling us on 01772 696 611 or visit our Contact Us page.
Is Chiropractic Safe?
Chiropractic is a regulated profession meaning that all practicing chiropractors have to adhere to a strict Code of Practice set out by our regulatory body - the General Chiropractic Council (GCC). Just like doctors and dentists, chiropractors in the UK must meet and maintain high standards of education and practice. This ensures that we provide the best patient care at all times.
In other words, all our chiropractors here at Chiropractic Associates put you - the patient - first in every aspect. This includes your preferences, desires and goals related to your treatment and ongoing care. Our clinic also endeavours to go the extra mile by applying the EPIC principles outlined by the European Chiropractor’s Union and the World Federation of Chiropractic:
- Evidence-based
- Patient-centred
- Interprofessional
- Collaborative[1].
Will it hurt?
Our chiropractors will always treat you with the utmost respect and care and with a gentle approach. Treatment is often non-painful and can be relieving and relaxing. In some cases, patients can present with very tight muscles and or restricted joints. When treating these areas, your chiropractor will always proceed according to your tolerance. With this in mind, they want to get you functioning and moving again as soon as possible so working on these areas is sometimes a necessity.
Some patients can experience some soreness after treatment, like after having ‘a good workout.’ Your chiropractor will provide you with advice to help alleviate and regulate this during your course of care.
Is Chiropractic Care Effective?
Low back pain, neck pain and headaches are only a few of the musculoskeletal complaints that many people suffer with on a daily basis. Relief from these conditions can be elusive as some patients find certain medical routes ineffective. Chiropractic care, including manual therapy, can often provide the solution.
There is a constant flow of high quality research into the effectiveness of forms of manual therapy in the treatment of MSK conditions. The general consensus is that manual therapy is an effective, low-risk, good-value intervention for many MSK conditions. The famous UK Evidence Report by Bronfort et al. is a large-scale report that has collected and evaluated systematic reviews of randomised controlled trials that investigate the evidence of effectiveness of manual therapies for different MSK conditions. The findings summarise that manipulation and mobilisation is effective in the treatment of a variety of different MSK conditions including low back pain, cervicogenic headaches, migraines, dizziness, thoracic back pain, neck pain and upper and lower extremity joint pain[2].
In addition to scientific studies, certain Clinical Bodies have recommended chiropractic care. The National Institute of Clinical Excellence recommends manual therapy with exercise for the effective management of low back pain with or without sciatica[3].
Do I need to be referred by my GP?
You do not need a referral from your GP as we are a private healthcare clinic. We do enjoy a very good working relationship with the GPs in our local area and are thankful for recommending us to their patients.
Some private health insurers require a GP referral letter or letter from a medical doctor in order to claim the cost of treatment. We recommend checking this with your provider if you are unsure.
Will my private health insurance cover my care?
We work with private health insurers such as BUPA, AXA, WPA, SimplyHealth etc. Except for BUPA referrals you will need to pay at the time of your treatment and we provide you with the invoice to submit to your provider.
Some private health insurers require a GP referral letter or letter from a medical doctor in order to claim the cost of treatment. We recommend checking this with your provider if you are unsure.
Do you have parking?
Yes! We have ample off-road parking at the clinic and are conveniently located in the South Ribble area of Preston, Lancashire on Chorley Road between Bamber Bridge and Walton-le-Dale. We’re easy to reach if travelling via the motorway - just off both the M6 and M61. We look forward to seeing you!
Will I be Pain Free?
Many of our patients visit our clinic with pain. Sometimes the pain is a result of a recent injury. In these cases, it can be a matter of facilitating healing of this injury, reducing pain and disability and therefore restoring function.
Some patients we see have been experiencing pain and disability for a long time - months sometimes years. Therefore, we must take every case on an individual basis with a personalised approach in order to best address each person’s needs. For many, the goal is ultimately living a life free of pain, where pain no longer inhibits their daily life or has control. To achieve this, we work with each individual person and get to the core of their needs and address this with a person-centred approach. This is why we have been able to help over 30,000 patients over the years with great results.
How Many Sessions Will it Take?
This depends on each individual patient as it depends on: the condition being treated, the severity, how long you’ve had the condition, the response to treatment and following the chiropractors advice in regards to lifestyle.
Here is some information which may be helpful that we often use as a guide when approaching the length of course of care. We adhere to best practice evidence and international guidelines and expert opinion:
- For acute pain (less than six weeks) education and self care forms the focus of care and perhaps a few treatments as needed.
- For subacute pain (six to twelve weeks) we may recommend a package of six sessions of care to facilitate recovery.
- For chronic pain a second package of six sessions may be recommended to address restoration of function and return to normal activities.
Our care is consistent with best care guidelines, which you can see below in ‘Resources’. We will never suggest long term, onerous treatment schedules.
Resources
www.spineuniverse.com/treatments/chiropractic/how-often-chiropractic-needed-low-back-pain
www.gcc-uk.org/chiropractic-standards/seeing-a-chiropractor-for-the-first-time
Will You ‘Crack’ my Back/Neck?
Chiropractors often utilise a form of manual therapy called manipulation. Manipulation is a specific, safe and often gentle technique that can be performed on the spine (and sometimes extremities). Manipulation is often accompanied by a ‘crack’ or audible release from the restricted joint treated. The purpose of manipulation is to improve the function of the joint. While it may be satisfying for both the chiropractor and the patient, an audible release from the joint is not necessary for improved function.
Our chiropractors always take your preferences and concerns into account. If you therefore prefer not to have manipulation, our chiropractors will often be able to utilise other forms of appropriate manual therapy in treatment.
Resources:
How much does it cost?
Please see our Fees page for more info.
How long does each session take?
New patients are scheduled with the chiropractor for 45 minutes to facilitate history taking, examination, report of findings and treatment. It is best if the history form is filled out at the patients leisure before consultation.
Follow up visits with the chiropractor are normally scheduled for 15 minutes, this offers ample time for reassessment, review of self care, treatment and advice. Occasionally a double appointment of 30 minutes may be scheduled for formal review or in cases where more time is needed.
All visits with the Sports Therapists for massage, rehabilitation or medical acupuncture are scheduled for 30 minutes.
You can find out more on our Fees page.
If you’re not already a patient, give us a call on 01772 696 611 today - we’re here to help.
[1] EPIC 2019. World Federation of Chiropractic and European Chiropractor’s Union 15th Biennial Congress. www.epic2019.net
[2] Bronfort, G., Haas, M., Evans, R., Leininger, B. and Triano, J., 2010. Effectiveness of manual therapies: the UK evidence report. Chiropractic & osteopathy, 18(1), p.3.
[3] National Institute of Clinical Excellence. Low back pain and sciatica in over 16s: assessment and management (NICE guideline NG59).
