Chiropractic treatment – what is it?

What is chiropractic?

Chiropractic is a natural and conservative form of health care, offering an alternative to many conditions to medication and surgery.

It is the third largest primary health care profession in the world after medicine and dentistry. The term primary health care professional means that we carry out both diagnosis and treatment, so you do not need to be referred by your doctor. A chiropractor is trained to diagnose your problem and will refer you to another healthcare practitioner if necessary.

The main focus of our treatment is the relationship between the function of joints, muscles and the nervous system (neuro-musculo-skeletal disorders) and the effects of these disorders on health. Working on all the joints of the body, concentrating particularly on the spine, we use our hands to make gentle, specific adjustments (manipulation) to improve the efficiency of the nervous system to allow the body's natural healing ability to function at its best.

The spine is of central importance due to its influence on the nervous system. We are also trained to assess and treat other joint and health problems.

The treatment

The principal treatment is joint adjustment or manipulation and we are trained in many different techniques, which enables us to select a treatment method that is suitable for you, making the treatment safe and effective for all ages.

But chiropractic treatment does not only involve spinal manipulation, far from it. Management also includes:

• rehabilitative exercises,
• patient education and lifestyle modification,
• diet and nutrition,
• the use of physical therapies,
• soft tissue techniques and massage,
• the use of orthotics and other supports,
• and the use of electrical modalities such as ultrasound, interferential and laser.

There is also an emphasis on health promotion and early return to normal activities.

Apart from high levels of general diagnostic skills, we are also trained how to take and analyse X-rays, when necessary for use in establishing a diagnosis.

The spine is of central importance but we are also trained to assess and treat other joint problems.

The focus on education and patient empowerment is an important factor in the success of the treatment and the high levels of patient satisfaction.

Apart from high levels of general diagnostic skills, we are also trained in how to take and analyse X-rays, when necessary for use in establishing a diagnosis.

The strengths of chiropractic treatment is its effectiveness, strong research base and high patient satisfaction.

Chiropractic brings relief to thousands of people around the world who would otherwise suffer prolonged pain or illness.

Please read here to find out what our patients think of our services.

Find out how chiropractic started here.

How do I fund the treatment?

The effectiveness of the treatment is supported by world-wide research as well as by various UK government and medical organisations. The treatment may be available to patients under the NHS, but this will depend on the situation within a specific NHS Primary Care Trust.

Most patients see us in a private capacity either through self-referral or as a result of a referral from their GP, other doctor or health professional. The treatment is also available through private health insurance.

If you would like our treatment to be available through the NHS in your area, please contact us. We can put you in contact with the right person.

For enquiries please call:

Milton Keynes: 01908 307075
Northampton: 01604 460200
Aylesbury: 01296 489231

Go to How did Chiropractic start?