Chiropractic is considered a form of Complementary Alternative Medicine (CAM) which means it is not a conventional medical treatment yet the profession is being increasingly recognised and incorporated within the NHS. It was established in 1895 by Daniel David Palmer. Much like all of medicine, it has come a long way since then and has strong leadership from groups like the British Chiropractic Association (BCA) and the Royal College of Chiropractors (RCC) who work hard to promote the evidence based practice of chiropractic and fund further research into how and where it is most effective.
Chiropractic is considered a form of Complementary Alternative Medicine (CAM) which means it is not a conventional medical treatment yet the profession is being increasingly recognised and incorporated within the NHS. It was established in 1895 by Daniel David Palmer. Much like all of medicine, it has come a long way since then and has strong leadership from groups like the British Chiropractic Association (BCA) and the Royal College of Chiropractors (RCC) who work hard to promote the evidence based practice of chiropractic and fund further research into how and where it is most effective.
Chiropractic regulation
The Chiropractors Act of 1994 made it a legal requirement to be registered with the General Chiropractic Council (GCC) to use the title “chiropractor”. To be registered you must pass the GCC’s requirements for qualification which usually takes the form of a Masters Degree in Chiropractic and abide by the GCC’s Code of Practice & Standards of Proficiency (CoPSoP).
The GCC is a body there to protect the public by ensuring your chiropractor is held to a high standard compared to an unregulated profession. If you find yourself concerned with a chiropractor’s behaviour or care then you can complain to the GCC. In almost all cases it is worth bringing your concern to the chiropractor first to see if there has been a misunderstanding or reach a resolution.
Scope of practice
Chiropractic concerns itself with focussing on musculoskeletal complaints. Some chiropractors do practice based on outdated philosophical models with little empirical evidence to support them. Often these chiropractors claim to treat conditions that would not be supported by their professional associations or governing bodies. Whilst our patients experience an impact on all sorts of aspects of their healthcare we may not understand, we cannot make direct claims on these as healthcare is incredibly complicated and there are often factors outside of our treatment that may change when someone decides to take on chiropractic care.
Treatments used by chiropractors
Chiropractors will mostly use their hands to perform all treatments. The most typical treatment used is a “manipulation” or “adjustment”. A very quick, precise push is applied to a joint to improve it’s function or movement. When applied correctly and in the right circumstance, these often provide an almost immediate response in symptoms.
Other treatments used are typically directed at soft tissues, usually muscles. These may include massage, trigger point therapy or Instrument Assisted Soft Tissue Manipulation (IASTM). Some chiropractors may use machines to do massage work or use acupuncture/dry needling. At Weyhill Road Chiropractic & Counselling, we do not use any machines for massage nor any acupuncture.
Risks & Side effects
Chiropractic is generally very safe when performed correctly by a trained and registered chiropractor.
The most common side effects are increased achiness, stiffness and tiredness.
These are usually very mild and short lived. To minimise the impact of any side effects chiropractors will often prescribe exercises and stretches for home use.
These also provide you with some control over your symptoms so that you are less reliant on treatment
as a sole resolution.
Risks & Side effects
Chiropractic is generally very safe when performed correctly by a trained and registered chiropractor. The most common side effects are increased achiness, stiffness and tiredness.
These are usually very mild and short lived. To minimise the impact of any side effects chiropractors will often prescribe exercises and stretches for home use. These also provide you with some control over your symptoms so that you are less reliant on treatment as a sole resolution.
Contact us today or visit our online booking system to book your first consultation
Contact us today or visit our online booking system to book your first consultation