Chiropractic is a straight-forward method of adjusting the bones of your body to maintain the correct alignment of the spine.
A gentle, precise, whole body approach to Chiropractic care
What’s it for ?
Chiropractic is simply a method of adjusting the bones of your body to improve skeletal alignment. In doing so, it helps your nervous system work more efficiently, relieves pain and discomfort and increases mobility.
How is the McTimoney method different?
Developed by John Mctimoney over 30 years ago, the McTimoney method is recognised as being a gentle, precise, whole body approach to chiropractic care. McTimoney chiropractors strive for optimal health by treating the entire person and not just the area that pains you. It is taught only at the McTimoney College of Chiropractic in Abingdon, near Oxford.
Can the McTimoney method help me ?
The gentle nature of the McTimoney method makes it suitable for people of all ages. Its proven to be effective in treating the following conditions:
- Back, neck and shoulder pain
- Pain, discomfort and stiffness in joints
- Migraine
- Muscular aches
- Sports injuries
- Arthritic pain
FAQ
What can I expect from my first session ?
Your McTimoney chiropractor will first asses your general health, previous conditions and existing symptoms
He or she will then conduct a physical examination to locate the problem, during which time your chiropractor will make adjustments using the light, dextrous techniques associated with the McTimoney technique.
If at any point your chiropractor discovers or suspects a condition that requires medical intervention, they will refer you to your GP for further tests.
Normally your first visit can last anything between 30 minutes and an hour. During this time the chiropractor will:
Take a full case history, assessing your general health, previous conditions and existing symptoms.
Ask your permission to conduct a thorough physical examination
In some instances, your chiropractor may need to ask you to remove some clothing. Privacy and a gown are always provided but do tell your chiropractor if you feel uncomfortable about undressing
How many sessions will I need?
Most people find between two and six sessions sufficient to address straightforward problems.
The anticipated number of sessions will be discussed with you prior to treatment. Once your health improves you can choose to schedule regular check-ups a few times a year to keep chronic conditions under control
How will I feel after the treatment?
During a course of chiropractic care you can expect to feel physical changes as your body realigns. These may include stiffness or tiredness, particularly after your first session.
Are there different styles of Chiropractic ?
The two main styles are classical chiropractic which is strongly rooted in the practice of Daniel Palmer, the founder of chiropractic in 1874, and a later version, founded by John McTimoney in 1972. The two are very similar, but McTimoney chiropractic involves a gentler approach and greater reliance on using swift, light hand movements.
What’s the difference between a chiropractor and an osteopath ?
It’s a question of how they handle your bones….
There are more similarities than differences between osteopathy and chiropractic. The differences can be subtle and many practitioners use the same techniques.
The main difference is that chiropractors tend to work mainly on the spine, using manipulation and massage, while osteopaths work across the whole body, tending to place more emphasis on soft tissues and stretching joints. But each osteopath and chiropractor has his or her own unique style.
Confused ?
It is easier to understand if you realised how these kissing cousins complementary therapy grew up. In the late 1800’s. Dr Andrew Taylor Still, the founder of osteopathy, and Daniel David Palmer, the founder of chiropractic established their therapies in Kirksville and Davenport respectively. The birth of osteopathy in 1871 and chiropractic in 1874 were separated by only three years and 100 miles.
Both found their inspiration in the practice of bone-setting, which had flourished in Europe for centuries. Although bonesetters were either self-taught or learned by apprenticeship, their value was acknowledged by physicians and surgeons. Bonesetters advocated the swift manipulative treatment and rapid rehabilitation. Both Still and Palmer developed these ideas.
The theory of joint displacements, mainly emanating from the spine, became known as osteopathic lesion and chiropractic subluxation respectively.
In Britain, osteopathy and chiropractic developed alongside each other, but while chiropractic stayed close to its American parent organisation, osteopathy drifted away from its roots. But that does not mean that the two disciplines have travelled far apart in the U.K. Infact, over the years, osteopaths and chiropractors have pinched one another’s techniques.
Ask an osteopath or chiropractor about which one to see, and many will say the best thing to do is find a practitioner who works well with you. If you are happy with a particular person then stick with them, as long as they are registered with either the GOsC or GCC – a legal requirement.
