What is Chiropractic?

Treatment

The main treatments of chiropractic manipulation have been shown consistently in research to be more effective than the treatments to which they have been compared. 3, 4, 5 Chiropractic intervention, including manipulation, is intended to reduce pain and improve function. Chiropractors mainly treat:

• Back, neck and shoulder pain
• Joint, posture and muscle problems
• Leg pain and sciatica
• Sports injuries

The main aims of treatment are:

• Alleviation of distress and control of pain
• Restoration of normal functioning and activity

Regulation

• Chiropractic is a fully recognised and legislated profession in the UK, regulated by the General Chiropractic Council (GCC).
• To register, chiropractors are required to complete an honours degree or undergraduate masters. Pre-registration training includes differential diagnosis and triage.
• Chiropractic is a protected title in the UK.
• To retain their GCC registration, chiropractors must submit evidence of their annual Continuing Professional Development activities.

Referral

As statutorily regulated health professionals in the UK, General Medical Council guidance allows referrals by GPs to chiropractors. 7 The British Medical Association has also published referral guidance for GPs. 8

Clinic Ethos

Our aim is to reduce pain and increase function with the return to activities of daily living, including work, exercise and hobbies, as soon as appropriate. Patient education helps people understand why and how their symptoms occurred and how they can take part in their recovery.

• At The English Chiropractor, we use evidence-informed techniques and review whether they are suitable for each patient.
• In addition to a tailored programme of manual therapy, we include home advice and pain management techniques where appropriate. This can progress to postural and ergonomic advice and strengthening and conditioning exercises.
• Every patient undergoes diagnostic triage to check for serious pathology, nerve root pain or functional musculoskeletal disorders.

Capacity

• At The English Chiropractor, we have multiple chiropractors within our practice and can offer a range of appointment dates and times.
• We aim to offer new patient appointments promptly, subject to availability.

Continuing Professional Development (CPD)

Being part of a multi-practitioner clinic gives us an in-house system for CPD. This helps us review current research, guidelines and recommendations in manual therapy and discuss how to apply them appropriately for patients.

Conclusion

• Chiropractic is a regulated form of treatment in the UK that may help some musculoskeletal conditions after an appropriate assessment.
• Our clinic offers a range of availability and flexibility to patients.
• The clinic ethos is effective patient recovery using evidence-informed practice, patient education and support for self-management.

Thank you for taking the time to read this information. Please do not hesitate to contact us with regards to any additional information.