Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What happens at my first visit?

Before your appointment you will be asked to complete an intake form either via email or on paper when you attend the clinic. This will include questions about your previous and current health, as well as agreeing to our clinic and privacy policies.

During your appointment, your clinician will ask about your medical history, current symptoms, lifestyle factors and any specific concerns you have. They will also perform a physical examination, which could include assessing your range of motion, strength, and specific areas of discomfort.

Based on this assessment, your clinician will explain their findings and recommend a tailored treatment plan. This could involve hands-on joint manipulation (Chiropractic only), soft tissue techniques, or advice on exercises and lifestyle changes to support your recovery.

You’ll have the opportunity to ask questions and decide if you’d like to proceed with the recommended treatment. No treatment will be given without your consent.

What are common treatments that I can get?

The type of treatment you receive will depend on your individual circumstances, preferences and the clinician you see.

Chiropractors often use spinal mobilisations and manipulations, but can also offer various techniques and advice (depending on qualifications), including: shockwave therapy; soft tissue therapy; myofascial dry needling; therapeutic ultrasound; nutritional advice; lifestyle advice and exercise prescription.

Our massage therapists also offer various soft tissues techniques, exercise prescription and lifestyle advice. For more information about each therapy, please visit our What We Do page.

Can you help my condition, I’m unsure?

If you are unsure if we can help, then please feel free to contact us before you book and we will help as much as we can. We also have a blog post about this very subject.

Before any treatment is given, your clinician will complete a detailed assessment of your condition, and based on this they will explain the recommended treatment options. We have helped thousands of patients over the years and have an excellent reputation for honest and ethical care. If we don’t feel that we can help you, we will be honest about it and recommend other options, including referral.

Will I have to get undressed?

In some cases, you may be asked you to remove items of clothing to better assess and treat certain parts of your body. This will always explain why this is necessary and take steps to ensure your privacy and comfort, such as wearing a gown. In most situations, wearing loose or stretchy clothing is recommended to ensure easy movement and access to areas being treated.

Do I need a doctors referral?

No, you don’t need a doctor’s referral to see us. Chiropractors are primary healthcare professionals, meaning you can book an appointment directly without seeing your GP first. You can also book with our massage therapists without consulting your doctor.

However, if you prefer, you can consult a GP to discuss whether chiropractic or massage therapy is a good option for your care.

Can I bring someone with me?

Yes, you are welcome to bring someone with you to your appointment if it makes you feel more comfortable. Many patients bring a friend, family member, or caregiver for support. By regulation, all patients under the age of 16 must have a responsible adult present.

If you have any specific concerns about the treatment or would like someone to be present during your assessment or treatment, just let your practitioner know in advance. They will ensure your privacy and comfort while accommodating your needs.

How much will treatment cost?

We are always open and honest about our charges, and you can see our prices for treatments on our Fees page.

We accept card, cash, cheque or BACS payments. If an insurance company is funding your treatment, please ensure that you are eligible for reimbursement prior to commencing care, and make us aware so that we can provide receipts to support your claim. We no longer claim directly from insurers.

Gift vouchers are normally accepted up to 12 months from date of purchase unless there are exceptional circumstances e.g. severe illness or Covid restrictions, in which case we may extend the expiry date.

Will my treatment hurt?

Treatment is generally not painful, though some patients may experience mild discomfort during or after certain types of treatment (e.g. spinal manipulation), especially if a sensitive area is being treated. Any discomfort is usually temporary and should subside quickly.

Your practitioner will communicate with you throughout the treatment to ensure you’re comfortable, and they can adjust the technique if needed. If you ever feel uneasy or experience pain, let your practitioner know immediately so they can modify the treatment accordingly.

Can I receive treatment if I am pregnant?

Yes, chiropractic and massage care can be safe and beneficial during pregnancy but we would recommend seeing a pre and post natal qualified practitioner. At present, our practitioners do not hold specialised qualifications in these areas.

Can I get treatment if I’ve had surgery?

Yes, you can receive care after surgery, but it’s important to wait until you’ve healed sufficiently. Our Scar Therapy practitioner can help you with improvement in scar tissue function from 8 weeks post surgery. Massage therapy and Chiropractic care can help to improve your overall function and recovery, improve mobility and manage pain during the rehabilitation process, using techniques appropriate for your healing stage.

It is important to discuss the details of your surgery with your practitioner. They will assess your condition and tailor the treatment to your recovery needs.

What causes the popping sound?

The popping or cracking sound you hear during a chiropractic adjustment (or sometimes during stretching) is typically caused by a release of gas from the joints. Inside your joints, there is synovial fluid that helps with lubrication. When a chiropractor applies pressure during a manipulation, it creates a vacuum effect that pulls gas bubbles out of the fluid. This release of gas creates a popping sound. This sound is perfectly harmless and is not the result of bones or joints cracking together.

How many treatments do I need to get better?

The number of treatments you may need depends on several factors, including the condition being treated, its severity, and how your body responds to treatment. For acute issues, many patients experience some improvement after just one visit, but typically, more frequent visits are needed in the first few weeks to achieve significant relief. You may be advised to visit 2-3 times for the first week or so, initially, and the number of visits usually decreases as you start to feel better.

If you’re addressing a chronic condition, you may require longer-term care, potentially with periodic maintenance visits to prevent symptoms from returning. Your clinician will tailor a treatment plan based on your specific needs, and they will assess your progress over time to determine whether treatment should continue or be adjusted. It’s important to discuss your goals and progress with your clinician to ensure you’re on the right path.

What is sciatica?

Sciatica refers to pain that radiates along the sciatic nerve, which runs from the lower back, through the hips and down each leg. The condition is typically caused by irritation or compression of the sciatic nerve, often due to issues like herniated discs, spinal stenosis, or degenerative changes in the spine. Symptoms can include sharp pain, tingling, numbness, or weakness in the affected leg, and the pain is usually more severe on one side of the body. To learn more, please read our article about sciatica.

Other risk factors include age, obesity, certain occupations, and a history of lower back pain. While sciatica may resolve on its own, it takes time to do so, treatments such as physical therapy, pain medication, dry needling and chiropractic care can help manage symptoms.

If you’re dealing with sciatica, it’s a good idea to consult with a healthcare provider to determine the best approach for your situation.

What conditions can you help with?

We help patients with a wide range of musculoskeletal conditions. Some of the most common conditions that benefit from chiropractic care, massage therapy or shockwave include:

  • Lower Back Pain: Chiropractors and massage therapists are well-known for addressing chronic or acute lower back pain, often improving pain and function.
  • Neck Pain: Spinal adjustments and massage may help alleviate both short and long-term neck pain by addressing restrictions in the spine and tension in the muscles.
  • Sciatica: Chiropractors can help alleviate sciatica, or nerve pain, often targeting spinal issues that compress the sciatic nerve.
  • Headaches: Chiropractic care can reduce the intensity and frequency of cervicogenic headaches and migraines by manipulating the neck.
  • Sports Injuries: Chiropractic care and massage therapy can aid in the recovery from sports-related injuries and also helping in preventing them. Shockwave can help with chornic soft tissue problems.
  • Arthritis: For those with arthritis, chiropractic treatment and massage therapy can help improve joint mobility and reduce pain.

If you would like more information about the conditions that each type of care can help, please visit our What We Do page, or the individual Chiropractic, Massage Therapy, Scar Therapy or Shockwave pages.

Are all patients adjusted the same way?

No, not all patients are adjusted or treated the same way. Care is individualised and the approach varies depending on the patient’s specific condition, health history, age and comfort level. This is typically assessed during the initial consultation and the treatment plan is adjusted accordingly.

Chiropractors use different techniques to address various musculoskeletal issues. The manipulation method can include manual manipulation (where the chiropractor applies controlled force to the spine), instrument-assisted manipulation, or gentle mobilisation techniques, among others.

Massage therapists also various different soft tissue techniques to treat the muscles and fascia of the body.

What education and training do you have?

All of our practitioners are fully insured, hold relevant regulatory certifications and are trained to a very high standard. In the UK, chiropractors must complete a recognised qualification to practice, which typically involves a four to five-year undergraduate degree in chiropractic. These degrees combine both academic study and clinical training, with students learning about anatomy, physiology, pathology, and diagnostic techniques, alongside practical skills in patient care and chiropractic techniques.

The education is designed to prepare students for the practical aspects of chiropractic care, focusing on musculoskeletal health, pain management, and patient communication. After completing their degree, chiropractors must register with the General Chiropractic Council (GCC) to legally practice.

Can I claim on my health insurance?

Yes, you may be able to claim chiropractic care or massage through your health insurance, but it depends on your specific plan. Many private health insurance providers offer coverage for treatments, especially if your plan includes alternative therapies. It’s important to check with your insurance company to confirm if chiropractic care is included in your policy and whether there are any restrictions, such as limits on the number of sessions or the types of treatment covered.