What is chiropractic?
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Chiropractic is a straightforward
method of adjusting the bones in your body to maintain the correct alignment
of your spine and to ensure that your body's nerve supply works efficiently.
Through subtle adjustments, chiropractic treatment can relieve pain and
discomfort, increase mobility and provide a route to better health. Across
the world there are many differing traditions employing varying techniques.
McTimoney chiropractic is one branch of the profession in the UK.
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The Profession in the UK
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There are nearly 2,000 chiropractors
in the UK today and in order to use the title 'chiropractor' they have
to be registered with the General Chiropractic Council. In addition to
this, most McTimoney Chiropractors belong to a professional organisation.
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The McTimoney Method
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The McTimoney method of chiropractic
comprises a variety of low-force techniques and uses no instruments other
than the hands of the practitioner. To the observer and patient the McTimoney
method seems extremely light. However, the key to the success of the adjustments
is the speed, dexterity and accuracy with which they are performed. There
is rarely any cavitation or "gapping" of the joints.
The skeletal system of the body is assessed as a whole at each treatment,
particularly the atlas and the sacro-iliac joints. The pelvic bones are
accurately realigned before the spine is adjusted on individual vertebrae.
If the sacro-iliac joints are imbalanced and the pelvis misaligned, there
is little chance that the articulations of the lumbar spine will function
correctly and this will have a compensatory effect throughout the spinal
column. An untreated low back or pelvic problem can result in compensatory
problems in the neck or upper back.
Attention is given to the knees and feet, since
making changes to the pelvis will inevitably change the transmission
and distribution of load to the lower limbs. The arms, wrists and hands
are also adjusted, as are the cranial sutures. The bones of the cervical
spine are adjusted individually.
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What can chiropractic help?
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- Pain, discomfort and stiffness relating to the joints and bones,
including the back, neck and shoulders
- Muscular aches and pains
- Sports injuries
- Cervicogenic headache and migraine
- Whiplash injury
- Sciatica
- Gentle chiropractic adjustment of the whole musculoskeletal system
may also help relieve more 'visceral' problems such as indigestion,
menstrual irregularities and stress related problems.
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Who can McTimoney chiropractic help?
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Everyone from the very old to the
very young, including pregnant women who can receive treatment after their
first trimester.
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What to expect from the first treatment
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Your chiropractor will take a full
medical case history regarding your general health background as well
as details of your symptoms. This will help in assessing and analysing
your particular problem. They will then thoroughly examine all the joints
in your body, literally from head to toe, using only their hands, and
make the appropriate adjustments where necessary. The finely developed
skill of palpation is developed in four years of training, which enables
the chiropractor to detect any misalignments in the skeletal system.
If the chiropractor discovers or suspects a problem, which requires further
investigation, they will refer you to your GP. Wherever possible a McTimoney
chiropractor will work in cooperation with your GP and other health professionals.
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What should I wear?
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In order to be assessed by your chiropractor
it is preferable to undress to underwear. Many men prefer to wear running
shorts. Thongs are not ideal but gowns are always available.
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How many sessions will you need?
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The number of sessions needed varies considerably depending on:
- Age, generally healing is slower as you get older
- The nature of the problem
- How long you have had the problem
Most patients need between two and ten sessions,
initially at weekly intervals, then gradually more widely spaced out,
by which time a noticeable change should have occurred.
Regular check ups are recommended to keep your spine and joints functioning
well.
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How will you feel after treatment?
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There is a whole range of sensations
that you can experience after treatment. The most important thing to remember
is that change is a sign that your body is beginning to adapt to the adjustments
it has received.
Feeling better:
relief from pain as your body becomes better aligned can make you feel
straighter, taller and altogether more balanced.
Feeling worse before feeling better:
while your body is adjusting to its new alignment,
the shape and size of the painful area may change, or new aches and pains
may emerge due to positional changes in your body. You may experience
stiffness and soreness as the muscle tensions change and you may find
previous aches and pains recur. These effects settle down after treatment.
Tiredness: you
may feel tired after treatment, and may sleep well following the relaxation
of deep tensions in your body.
Headaches: the
release of waste products as your body heals can cause headaches. Drink
plenty of water to help flush them out.
Emotional changes: these
are quite normal.
Menstrual cycle: periods
may become heavier or lighter, less painful or shorter.
Dizziness: you
may feel light headed or dizzy due to the release of tension and increased
blood flow to the brain.
Medication: anyone
taking medication e.g. diabetics, will need to monitor their medication
before and after treatment.
Good health is not just absence of pain or disease, but also a positive
sense of physical, emotional and mental well-being.
The more balanced the body is, the better it will cope with the stresses
of daily living, as well as unexpected trauma.
Remember, your body will respond well to consideration, kindness and care.
Given the chance, it also has wonderful self-healing abilities. You can
help the healing process by observing the advice of your McTimoney chiropractor. |
