Frequently Asked Questions - Chiropractic/Sports Therapy

Chiropractic is a healthcare approach that focuses on diagnosing and treating musculoskeletal issues, particularly those related to the spine. Chiropractors use hands-on techniques, such as spinal adjustments, to help improve alignment, reduce pain, and enhance mobility. The goal is to restore proper function to the nervous system and the body’s musculoskeletal structure.

Chiropractic care is commonly used to treat back pain, neck pain, headaches, and joint issues. It can also help with improving posture and movement, and some people seek chiropractic care for overall wellness and injury prevention. Treatment is tailored to each individual and often involves a combination of adjustments, lifestyle advice, and exercises to support long-term health.

In the UK, to become a chiropractor, individuals must complete an approved degree programme, typically lasting around 4-5 years, which includes both theoretical learning and practical training. After graduation, chiropractors must be registered with the General Chiropractic Council (GCC), the regulatory body that ensures chiropractors meet professional and ethical standards. Only those who are registered with the GCC can legally call themselves a chiropractor.

In addition to being registered with the GCC, I am also a member of the British Chiropractic Association (BCA), a professional body that supports chiropractors in maintaining high standards of care and professional development. This helps ensure I provide the best care possible to my patients.

Ideally, it’s best to wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing that allows for easy movement. Clothing that gives access to the areas being treated, such as the back, neck, or limbs, is especially helpful. For example, a T-shirt or vest top with comfortable shorts or leggings are perfect choices. Avoid tight or restrictive clothing, as it may limit your range of motion during physical assessments or treatments.

Depending on the area being treated and your clothing, we may ask you are comfortable to remove some of your outer layers (please rest assured, we never ask anyone to remove any underwear). If you prefer, we can provide a gown for you to wear, and we always use towels to ensure you remain warm and comfortable throughout your appointment.

Yes. It’s fine for you to bring along a relative or friend if it makes you feel more at ease. Your chiropractor may also want another person (a ‘chaperone’) to be present during your treatment. This may be a clinic assistant, for example. 

Chiropractic treatment is generally not painful, but it can sometimes cause mild discomfort or soreness, especially if you're addressing a specific issue or have muscle tension. Most people find chiropractic adjustments to be gentle and effective, with many experiencing relief and improved mobility after treatment.

In some cases, after an adjustment, you might feel a little stiffness or tenderness in the treated area. This is usually temporary and should subside within a day or two. If you feel any significant discomfort during your treatment, it’s important to let your chiropractor know so they can adjust their technique or approach to ensure your comfort.

Overall, chiropractic care aims to improve your health and well-being without causing pain, and your chiropractor will work with you to ensure the treatment is as comfortable as possible.

No, chiropractic care is not just for back pain—it can help with a wide range of musculoskeletal issues throughout the body. While chiropractors are well-known for treating spinal problems, such as lower back pain, neck pain, and headaches, they can also treat other areas, including:

• Joints: Chiropractic adjustments can help with joint pain or stiffness in areas like the shoulders, hips, knees, and elbows.
• Muscles: Chiropractors can address muscle tension, strains, or spasms that affect movement and flexibility.
• Posture and Alignment: Chiropractic care can improve posture by addressing misalignments and muscle imbalances that affect your overall body alignment.
• Sports Injuries: Chiropractors are skilled in treating sports-related injuries such as sprains, strains, and soft tissue damage.

Chiropractors take a holistic approach to care, treating the body as a whole, and work to improve mobility, reduce pain, and enhance overall function in various parts of the body. Whether you're experiencing neck pain, joint issues, or muscular discomfort, chiropractic treatment may be able to help.

No, chiropractic care is not the same for every patient. It is highly individualised and tailored to each person’s unique needs, health condition, and goals. We assess each patient through a thorough consultation and physical examination to determine the most appropriate treatment plan, which can include a variety of different treatment techniques and modalities. 

Factors that influence the approach to chiropractic care include:

• The patient's specific condition: For example, someone with lower back pain may receive different treatment than someone with neck pain or a sports injury.
• Age and overall health: Treatment for a child or elderly person may differ due to differences in the body's ability to handle certain techniques.
• Personal goals: Whether you are seeking pain relief, injury recovery, or general wellness, we will adjust the treatment accordingly.
• Response to treatment: We continuously monitor your progress and may adjust the treatment plan as needed to ensure the most effective outcome.

We aim to create a personalised treatment plan that is safe, effective, and appropriate for each individual's situation.

For a Pilates class, it's best to wear comfortable, form-fitting clothing that allows you to move freely. Here are some recommendations:

• Top: A fitted T-shirt, tank top, or sports bra that stays in place during movement. Avoid very loose tops, as they can get in the way during exercises.
• Bottoms: Stretchy leggings, yoga pants, or fitted shorts that provide comfort and flexibility. Avoid baggy pants, as they may restrict movement or get caught in equipment.
• Footwear: Most Pilates classes are done barefoot or with grip socks for better traction on the floor or equipment. Avoid wearing shoes unless specifically instructed to do so.
• Grip socks: For reformer pilates sessions grip socks must be worn to avoid slipping whilst on the reformer, grip socks are not mandatory for mat classes/sessions.

The key is to wear clothes that offer both comfort and support, allowing you to perform a range of movements without restriction.

A Pilates Reformer is a piece of equipment used in Pilates exercises to help improve strength, flexibility, posture, and overall body alignment. It consists of a bed-like frame with a sliding carriage, adjustable springs for resistance, and a set of straps or handles.

The key components of a Reformer include:

• The Carriage: A movable platform that you lie, sit, or kneel on during exercises. It slides along tracks to create resistance.
• Springs: These can be adjusted to provide varying levels of resistance, making exercises more challenging or easier depending on the individual's strength and goals.
• Straps: Used for exercises that involve pulling, pushing, or stretching, helping to engage different muscle groups

The Reformer allows for a wide range of movements, including core strengthening, balance work, stretching, and joint mobility. It enhances traditional Pilates exercises by adding resistance, making it a versatile tool for both beginners and advanced practitioners.