What is Chiropractic?

The word chiropractic is derived from Greek and means 'to perform with the hands'. This is because the most important component in a chiropractor's treatment is the manual treatment of the joints and muscles of the body.

We know from paintings from ancient Egypt and Greece that the treatment we call chiropractic was used thousands of years ago. However, modern chiropractic was not founded until 1895 by Daniel David Palmer in the United States.

Today, chiropractors are specially educated in treating the joints and muscles of the body with their hands. As of June 2001 the term 'chiropractor' is protected by law - anyone referring to themselves as a chiropractor has to be registered with the General Chiropractic Council, who can also provide details of registered chiropractors.

What happens when you come to us?

All patients are provided with a modesty gown. Before the course of treatment, the patient will always be examined thoroughly, both general health and your specific injury(s) are assessed. This examination involves specific orthopaedic and neurological testing and also may involve x-rays, blood pressure check, fundoscopy (checking back of eye), or urinalysis (kidney infections commonly present as back pain). Occasionally when a conclusive diagnosis is not reached we may refer you back to your GP for other specific tests (blood tests, scans) which are not available at this clinic prior to being able to commence treatment. The purpose of the examination is to decide whether the problem qualifies for chiropractic treatment and also to make as precise a diagnosis as possible. In most cases treatment is usually possible on the day you first present to the clinic.

What does a chiropractor treat?

Most people will consult a chiropractor because of pains in their back and neck. But poor function of the muscles, joints and nervous system can affect people in many ways. Common conditions that respond well to chiropractic treatment include:

• Neck or Upper Back Pain and Headaches
• Migraine
• Neck Shoulder and Arm Pain 
• Lower Back & Leg Pain
• Tennis & Golfers Elbow
• Wrist Sprains and Tendonitis
• Shoulder Pain and Stiffness 
• Hip, Knee or Ankle Pain