What To Look For In A Chiropractor
No matter your profession, lifestyle, fitness level or age, everyone experiences aches and pains from time to time. Usually, these are nothing more than the result of muscular fatigue or a bad night’s sleep. However, in some instances, continuous muscle or joint pains can have a serious effect on an individual’s day-to-day life, impeding their mobility and seriously impacting their quality of life.
If left untreated, pain in areas such as the back, neck, shoulders or elbows can quickly develop into more significant issues. In these circumstances, seeking the help of a professional chiropractor can be life-changing.
It is easy to assume that all chiropractors are the same and will offer the same service, but this isn’t always the case. Before rushing to your nearest chiropractor and expecting them to perform a miracle, there are a few things to consider to ensure you’ll be in good hands and receive the best treatment possible.
Here is Forest Hill Chiropractic Clinic‘s guide to finding the right chiropractor for you.
What Do Chiropractors Do?
Let’s start with the basics; chiropractors are health practitioners specialising in the diagnosis and treatment of neuromuscular-skeletal disorders. In other words, they are professionals who use a variety of techniques to rectify problems with muscles, joints and nerves.
Usually, a chiropractor will use their hands or a small instrument to apply precise and controlled force to specific areas of the spine. The aim of this process is to increase spinal motion and improve the body’s mobility.
Chiropractors are often known for focussing on the manipulation of the spine and can be incredibly helpful for the relief of back-related pain. Individuals suffering from issues such as scoliosis, disc pain, osteoarthritis and fibromyalgia often turn to a chiropractor as a means of easing and treating the pain.
Chiropractic therapy falls into the category of complementary medicine, meaning it is often implemented alongside other conventional medical practices. However, many individuals report chiropractic therapy as one of the most beneficial treatments they have received, working wonders for mobility and pain relief.
What To Consider
As you begin your search for a trusted and reliable local chiropractor, it is worth having a think about what you hope to gain from the treatment. Of course, relief from pain, discomfort and immobility is most people’s primary objective, but there are a number of other important elements to bear in mind.
Having a rough idea of your search criteria will make it a lot easier and less time-consuming when it comes to choosing a clinic. Not only will it save you the trouble of paying for lower-quality service, but it will also increase your chances of finding a practitioner you like.
Training
First and foremost, it is crucial that you look for a chiropractor with the correct training and professional background. To become a chiropractor in the United Kingdom, an individual will need to have completed a chiropractic degree and be fully registered with the General Chiropractic Council (GCC).
Without these qualifications and certifications, an individual cannot operate as a chiropractor. This ensures that all chiropractic work is performed to the utmost standards, with a sharp focus on the safety of patients and within the requirements of the code of conduct.
Specialism
Moreover, it is likely that if you are searching for a chiropractor, you will have a pre-existing issue that you are seeking help for. In this instance, it can be helpful to search for a chiropractor that specialises in the specific area of your problem. For example, if you are suffering from curvature of the spine, a chiropractor specialising in scoliosis treatment would be ideal. Likewise, if you are an athlete suffering from a sports-related injury, a sports chiropractor can help you get back to full fitness.
Techniques
As well as areas of specialism, it is worth researching the techniques used by different chiropractic clinics. A good chiropractor will be well versed in a number of effective adjusting methods, allowing them to use professional judgement to best treat your issue. Such techniques may include:
- Sacro Occipital Technique – Focussing on gently adjusting the relationship between the base of the spine and the base of the skull.
- Diversified Technique – This involved using a hands-on approach to adjust spinal bones into the proper position.
- Activator Methods – Using a handheld adjusting instrument, a thrust of pressure is applied to the patient. This method is comfortable and effective.
Testimonials And Reviews
In addition to the services offered by the chiropractors themselves, it is crucial to gather honest feedback and opinions about different clinics in order to determine if they will be a good fit for you. Look for a chiropractor with great reviews and a lot of happy customer testimonials. The chances are if many others are satisfied with the service, you will be too.
Moreover, if you are seeking treatment for a specific injury, look for somewhere with proven experience in this field. Here at Forest Hill Chiropractic Clinic, we have experience treating a wide variety of ages and injuries, from children to professional bowling champions and horse riders!
Are They Local?
Another important aspect to consider is where the chiropractor is based. If you are suffering from mobility issues or chronic pain that makes travelling long distances quite difficult, it is important to find a chiropractor that is local to you. This will enable you to regularly attend sessions if needed without the added stress of travel.
Here at Forest Hall Chiropractic Clinic, we are proud to have been providing care to the North-East for more than 12 years. What’s more, our customers based in Newcastle upon Tyne have been loyally visiting us for wellness sessions and maintenance for years.
Private Or NHS
One consideration that may have crossed your mind is whether to look for a private chiropractor or find one through the NHS. It is worth noting that chiropractic treatments are not widely available through the NHS and are only offered in specific circumstances.
Most chiropractors operate privately and charge patients a fee per session, so it is worth researching the cost of different chiropractors so you know what to expect. Children’s sessions are usually cheaper and a good chiropractor may also offer reduced rates for students.
Customer Service
Finally, in addition to the standard of practice, location and specialism of the clinic, you should always choose somewhere with great customer service. As with any form of physical therapy, it involved an element of trust in the professional involved.
Feeling comfortable and welcome when visiting the chiropractor is an important part of the process. After all, you’re there to relieve tension and feel better, not the other way around!
A rough idea of the quality of customer service can be gained by reading reviews and testimonials, but the only way to gain real insight into a clinic’s customer service is to speak to them yourself. Why not call them or drop by to speak to a friendly member of staff or receptionist?
Trusted Local Chiropractors: Forest Hill Chiropractic Clinic
When it comes to your physical health, it is worth doing all you can to preserve and maintain it. This means investing in its longevity and treating it with the care and respect it deserves. If you are experiencing any form of joint or back pain, finding a reliable and experienced Chiropractor could be the right decision for you.
Here at Forest Hill Chiropractic Clinic, we conduct thorough examinations in order to identify and treat the route of your pain or discomfort. From sports injuries to arthritis, our expert chiropractors take immense pride in helping patients return to full health and mobility.
What’s more, we do everything we can to ensure our patients’ visits are as comfortable and welcoming as possible, so you can be sure you’re in safe hands.
To speak to a member of our friendly team and arrange an initial consultation, get in touch with us today. Call us on 0191 216 1100 or book an appointment through our website.