Is chiropractic safe?  
Yes, chiropractic treatment has been proven to be remarkably safe, much safer than taking painkillers or many other treatments for you problem. Chiropractic is a holistic, non-invasive approach to health. No surgery or drugs are involved. Chiropractic is the worlds third largest health care profession after medicine and dentistry and over the past 100 years millions of people have found help from chiropractic care, even after surgery. Your chiropractor will explain possible risks of treatment and discuss any concerns you may have prior to commencing with treatment.

Does it hurt?  
No, chiropractic treatment is not painful, when performed by a qualified professional. If acute muscle spasm is present over the area to be treated, you may feel some short-term discomfort. If your problem has been untreated for a long time, you may experience some post-treatment soreness. This will soon pass as your body begins to adjust. Your chiropractor will be able to tell you if this is likely to happen and how to minimise any discomfort.

How soon will I feel better?  
This will depend on the individual problem, how long you've had it, how bad it is and how many areas and tissues are affected. Whilst every patient reacts differently, your chiropractor will be able to advise you on your likely recovery time. In most cases you will feel a definite change for the better early on in your treatment plan. Most patients do express feeling 'better' or 'lighter' after just one or two treatments, but in general, the longer you've had it, the longer it will take to get it sorted. Your commitment to the recommended treatment plan, home exercises and any diet or lifestyle adjustments will also determine your treatment outcome and your long term benefits from chiropractic care.

How often do I need to go?  
The number of treatments you require depends on several factors: Your specific health problem, how long you've had it, how severe it is, how many areas and tissues are affected. Your individual treatment needs will be determined during your initial consultation. Many patients opt for maintenance care once they feel better. Again, the frequency of your maintenance visits will depend on several factors, but most patients come back once a month to once every few months. However long you decide to benefit from chiropractic care is always up to you.

Will I be given drugs or injections?  
No, with chiropractic treatment no drugs or surgery is involved. Chiropractic care employs a holistic, natural approach to health. Chiropractic works by identifying the underlying cause of the problem and correcting it, rather than just masking it with painkillers. Chiropractors use their hands to manipulate the joints of your body. Instead of putting something in or taking something out of the body, the inborn power of the body to heal itself is restored. Painkillers may make you feel less pain, but they do not address the cause of the problem, and can have serious side effects. One of the first aims of chiropractic pain management is for the patient to be able to function normally without pain and without painkillers.

Is chiropractic suitable during pregnancy?  
Yes, chiropractic treatment is suitable and safe throughout the pregnancy, during labour and after giving birth. Chiropractic care can help with common problems associated with pregnancy such as pain in the back, pelvis and rib cage, and it can make labour easier through the balancing effect it has on the joints and ligaments. 


Can babies and children be treated?  
Yes, people of all ages can benefit from chiropractic care, although treatment techniques of the newborn obviously differ dramatically from those of adults. It is a good idea to have babies checked soon after birth. Any spinal or joint problems can then be dealt with early on before they cause further health problems. Talk to your chiropractor to find out more.

Can sports performance be improved?  
Yes, chiropractic works by improving the mechanics of joints, muscles and ligaments as well as normalising the integrity of the nervous system. When the nerves are working without interference, the body's functional potential is maximised. Many patients have found significant improvement in their sports performance through chiropractic. If you've had a sports injury, your chiropractor can help you recover quicker, with less pain and with minimal resultant dysfunction. More importantly a trained chiropractor can uncover underlying dysfunction, and by correcting it, stop your problem from recurring. Many sportsmen simply wish to maintain their good health and prevent any future problems with regular chiropractic treatments.