About Chiropractic

A Chiropractor is a regulated primary healthcare professional, specialising in the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of biomechanical disorders of the musculoskeletal systems. Chiropractic treatment is non-invasive encouraging the body’s natural ability to heal itself.

Chiropractic was developed in 1895 in the United States by Daniel Palmer, around the same time Osteopathy was developed. It is not so well known in the UK, largely because more Osteopaths came to England, developing the first school here in 1917. Although chiropractic flourishes in the USA, it was not taught in the UK until 1965 when the Anglo-European College (AEC) of Chiropractic was formed. There are now four training centres, the AEC, McTimoney Chiropractic College Abingdon Oxfordshire,  McTimoney Chiropractic College Manchester and the University of Glamorgan.

McTimoney Chiropractic

McTimoney Chiropractors use a holistic, whole body form of chiropractic developed by the late John McTimoney in the 1940’s, founder of the McTimoney College of Chiropractic Abingdon in 1972. This form of Chiropractic now makes up around a quarter of the profession in the UK and all practitioners are registered with the General Chiropractic Council, the governing body for chiropractors in the UK.

McTimoney Chiropractic’s use of specific local adjustments, delivered swiftly with low force and immediate release, make them comfortable to receive and suitable for people of all ages, including during pregnancy, babies and the elderly. People who are anxious about high-force manipulation may find this treatment a suitable option.

Because it is concerned with the welfare of the whole body, McTimoney chiropractic treatments tend to take a little longer than other methods but recovery may be seen sooner. However, recovery depends on many factors, the nature and duration of the problem, age, general fitness, the commitment to the treatment plan and advice although typically we would hope to see improvement after 1 – 3 treatments.

EVIDENCE FOR CHIROPRACTIC CARE

Despite many anecdotal claims that may be made, in the UK chiropractors have to work within strict evidence based guidelines which are constantly reviewed. To establish an evidence base the Bronfort Report was commissioned in 2010 to enable a concise and comprehensive summary of the scientific evidence. In November 2017 The Committee of Advertising Practice further reviewed this. The following are some common conditions that may be successfully treated in conjunction with mobilisation and rehabilitation exercise routines, key components of chiropractic care:

Back pain (long and short term)

Some forms of radiating Leg Pain/ Sciatica

Mechanical Neck pain (long & short term)

Neck and shoulder stiffness and soreness

Lumbago

Generalised aches, pains and cramps

Headaches arising from the neck

Migraine headache prevention

Soft tissue disorders of the shoulder

Shoulder pain and rotator cuff injuries/ disorders

Elbow pain and tennis elbow

Minor sports injuries and tension

Muscle spasms

Hip, knee, ankle and foot pain

Arthritic Pain, Joint Stiffness

Coccydynia (coccyx pain)

Muscle aches and pains

Inability to relax

General muscle & joint problems related to pregnancy & childcare