Like most things in life that are worthwhile the journey from pain to feeling well again takes time. It is a process that doesn’t happen overnight. Having decided to contact me for an appointment is perhaps the first step in the process. Once you have arrived and given me your contact details there is a short presentation about chiropractic. Then you will see the chiropractor who will take you through the steps outlined below.
Medical History
A full medical history is taken. This is where we go through all those accidents and illnesses that make up a persons health journey. Initially I talk about the condition the patient comes with. How long it’s being going on, what may be the cause and what affects the problem. This part is key to making a diagnosis. I also cover any illnesses both past and present to eliminate any possible complications to treatment and progress. It’s a good idea to bring along a list of any medication being taken.
Examination
I like to give each client a thorough examination. Not just the area the problem seems to be. It’s important to do this to see what compensations there may be, how older injuries affect the present structure (alignment and function) and general condition of the musculoskeletal system.
The examination includes neurological, orthopaedic and structural tests. I like to examine the client standing, sitting, lying supine (face up) and prone (face down). Where appropriate I test blood pressure and other general health indicators.
Report of Findings
Once the information from the examination is collected I sit down and discuss what I think is causing the problem. There is an opportunity to ask questions. Once we have discussed the problem in full I will then advise what needs to be done. How many treatments and at what frequency.
Treatment
This is always dependant on the cause of the patient’s condition. I have a large number of techniques at my disposal. Choosing the techniques I will use is dependant upon many factors. The patient’s age, general health, the underlying problem and whether the condition is acute or chronic. With elderly and the very young the approach is gentle. If the patient is fit and strong then a more physical technique may be more appropriate. This can be negotiated prior to treatment.
Programme of Care
When a client first comes the initial course of treatment can be intensive to get them feeling comfortable again as quickly as possible. The more severe the pain the more intense the course. Then at the end of the course I look at the progress the patient has made and together we make a decision for the next step. We may decide to stop there especially if the client is feeling fine again and the problem has gone away completely or if they are feeling better but there is more to do then we may need to continue treatment perhaps on a less intense basis.
If the client’s problem is chronic (been going on for a long time) and although improved, it needs looking after, then we may negotiate a maintenance programme. This is where the treatment intervals are spread out gradually until we find the right length of interval for that client, their lifestyle and their condition. Some clients like to have regular treatments to keep their spine and nervous system functioning at their best. They find they feel more comfortable, have more energy and enjoy a real sense of wellness. After all your health is your most important asset. Why not nurture it?
I like to use the analogy. “It’s better to tend the garden than to fight the fires.” It’s usually fire fighting when clients first enter my clinic. Once we put the fire out then the real work begins. Planting the seeds of health and tending the garden, enjoying wellness.
Most problems arise from miscommunication
In the unlikely event that a patient is unhappy with the service or treatment provided our clinic please contact as soon as possible so that a suitable resolution can be found.
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