What can be helped by chiropractic care?
Patients seek treatment for a wide variety of conditions and the following are some common complaints that may be successfully treated, alongside mobilisation, massage therapy and rehabilitative exercise – all key components of Shelagh’s chiropractic care:
Back pain (long and short term)- Neck pain (long and short term)
- Some migraine, cervicogenic and tension headaches
- Some types of Shoulder pain
- some types of Elbow and wrist pain
- some types of Hip pain
- some types of Knee, ankle and foot pain
- Arthritic Pain
- Joint Stiffness
- Muscular aches and pain
What can I expect during a session?
Your first consultation will take up to an hour and a half and includes a detailed discussion of your medical history as well as an appropriate physical, neurological and orthopaedic assessment to discover the cause of your problem. You will receive chiropractic treatment at your first session providing an accurate diagnosis can be made and your chiropractor is happy that chiropractic care is an appropriate option for your needs.
As it is concerned with welfare of the whole body, once diagnosis is achieved a standard session takes up to 45 minutes and may include use of massage techniques, exercise and lifestyle advice to complement chiropractic where appropriate.
How many sessions will I need?
Recovery depends upon many factors including the nature and duration of the problem, age, general fitness levels, commitment to a treatment plan and lifestyle advice. Shelagh will discuss your case individually to provide realistic expectations for recovery but it is usual that patients will notice a sustainable improvement in 2-6 sessions.
How will I feel after treatment?
During a course of chiropractic care, you can expect to feel physical changes as things begin to stabilise and muscles regain balance. By following simple, consistent self-care advise you will help yourself to recover more quickly and maximise the benefits of your chiropractic treatment.
You may feel better straight away or you might experience stiffness or tiredness, particularly after your first session. These effects should last no more than 48 hours and are signs that your body is responding to treatment.
Common side effects include:
- Muscle stiffness or soreness
- Tiredness
- Headaches
- Emotional sensitivity, including feeling tearful
- Dizziness and lightheadedness
- Changes to your menstrual cycle
After each session, try to take a gentle walk, drink plenty of water and rest as much as possible for 24-48 hours as well as following any specific self-care advice. Feel free to contact Shelagh if you feel concerned about anything either during or following your treatment.
How can I help myself?
Your body needs 48 hours or so to adjust to the changes following treatment so it is sensible to adhere to the following during that time: 
- Avoid strenuous exercise, housework, gym visits, gardening and long-distance journeys
- Keep hydrated by drinking plenty of water and avoiding alcohol and caffeine
- Avoid hot baths or showers, opting instead for lukewarm to help muscles and ligaments to relax
- Stay balanced by avoiding carrying heavy bags or sitting cross-legged
- Follow any other specific advice your chiropractor has given you
Will chiropractic treatment benefit my general health?
Good health is as much about enjoying a positive sense of physical and emotional well-being as it is about being free of pain and disease.
Chiropractic care can certainly help improve posture and mobility and so may assist your body in being better equipped to deal with physical stresses.
How much will chiropractic treatment cost?
Your first consultation is 90 minutes and £65. Any follow up appointments are 45 minutes and £40.
What if I have a concern or complaint?
If you have any concerns regarding any aspect of your care, you can contact Shelagh directly and she will be very happy to discuss these. Alternatively, you can contact either clinic directly to be referred to the clinic manager who will be very happy to discuss any concerns and attempt to resolve them to your satisfaction. If concerns are unresolved, the McTimoney Chiropractic Association can be contacted and will be happy to offer advice.
