On your first visit
During your first chiropractor appointment, you will be expected to fill out some medical forms that will enable the chiropractor to assess and decide whether chiropractic care is appropriate for you.
When you meet your chiropractor for the first time, she will start with a discussion about you, your health and your reasons for seeking chiropractic care.
It’s important for us to understand not just your pain or complaints, but also your past health history. Some of the questions may appear irrelevant, but they’re extremely important to your chiropractor. To ensure that chiropractic care is appropriate for your condition, she will need to establish your overall health picture. If chiropractic appears not to be suitable for you, you will be referred to your GP or relevant specialist.
It’s important for us to understand not just your pain or complaints, but also your past health history. Some of the questions may appear irrelevant, but they’re extremely important to your chiropractor. To ensure that chiropractic care is appropriate for your condition, she will need to establish your overall health picture. If chiropractic appears not to be suitable for you, you will be referred to your GP or relevant specialist.
Your details are confidential. No one else will be allowed to see your notes without your permission.
Our Process
Examination
Once your case history is complete, your chiropractor will examine you to confirm any early ideas about your problem. The examination will concentrate on your neuromusculoskeletal system (nerves, muscles and joints), but it may also be necessary to check other things such as your heart, lungs and abdomen to rule out other causes; this thorough check-up is a normal procedure in a chiropractor's clinic. You will normally be referred to your GP if your chiropractor feels that this is appropriate.
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Report of Findings
Before starting treatment, your chiropractor will tell you, in clear, simple language, what is wrong with you, what can be done about it and what you should expect when you receive your first treatment. You will probably be told about any exercises or changes to your lifestyle or diet that may be beneficial so that you can help yourself. A part of getting better is up to you, so please follow any instructions and advice carefully and completely.
You will also be advised of all costs that relate to your future care. It would be appropriate, at this point, for your chiropractor to tell you of any likelihood of a recurrence of your problem and the possible need for any ongoing supportive care. This is not an unusual situation for patients who have had serious injuries, as well as those who have long term problems due to wear and tear to the joints.
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Treatment
After the initial consultation and examination, your chiropractor may offer treatment almost immediately. However, it may be delayed for a day or two if she needs to order x-rays or obtain further information from your GP (blood test results, for example). Where appropriate, you may even be referred for an MRI/CT scan. Any imaging will only be requested where clinically justified, in line with current legislation and guidelines.
Chiropractic treatment mainly involves safe, often gentle, specific spinal manipulation to free joints in the spine or other related areas, that are not moving properly. Most often, this requires a short thrust to a joint that can result in an audible 'pop' and may bring relief of symptoms; some patients report an increased feeling of well-being. The 'pop' is simply the sound of bubbles of gas popping in the fluid of the joint as the pressure is released. There is, however, no instant cure and some patients may experience temporary symptoms such as pain or soreness around the areas being treated.
Rarely, some patients may experience redness of the skin due to temporary inflammation and, where the area being treated is already inflamed, symptoms may seem slightly worse to start with. Advice such as ice therapy will be advised by your chiropractor to alleviate initial discomfort. However please feel free to call the clinic on 01446 740002 for advice if unduly concerned.
Apart from manipulation, your chiropractor may use a variety of techniques including ice, heat, ultrasound, exercise and acupuncture as well as advice about posture and lifestyle.
If you have questions about any of these, just speak to your chiropractor.
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What should I wear to the chiropractor?
If you’re new to chiropractic care, you might be wondering what you should wear for your first visit. It doesn’t really matter what you wear to your consultation, as long as you are comfortable. Gowns are made available for you to wear for the examination, as well as for any following treatments.
Conditions we treat
Lower Back Pain
Neck Pain / Whiplash
Headaches
Joint Pain / Wear & Tear
Pregnancy Disorders
Aftercare
Biofreeze Pain Relieving Gel and Roll On
Biofreeze is a pain-relieving gel that is highly effective and easy to use. It contains 100% natural menthol and 100% natural herbs. The cooling gel gives a soothing effect with deep and long lasting pain relief. Biofreeze is only to be used as directed and will complement your chiropractic treatment. We stock the gel and roll-on version of this product.
TheraFlex Ice Pack
Cryotherapy is often advised alongside your treatment. TheraFlex icepacks maintains an even temperature over the entire pack and stays flexible even when frozen. Our Chiropractors can advise you on the use of these. Cryotherapy (cold -therapy) will help to reduce pain and inflammation.
Sleeprrr Orthopaedic Pillows
We stock Sleeprrr Orthopaedic Pillows that are fully adjustable so are much more versatile to use. We offer a 7 day free, no obligation trial that enables you to take the pillow home and try in the comfort of your own home. If you feel that it’s not for you, you simply return the pillow to us or alternatively purchase a new pillow.
Gift Vouchers
Gift vouchers can also be purchased at Return 2 Health Chiropractic Clinic. You can buy your friends and family a gift of health by buying one our gift certificates. Gift vouchers can be purchased for any amount and can be used as part or full payment towards treatment or even towards any products we sell. It’s a perfect solution for those difficult-to-buy-for friends or family.
