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McTIMONEY-CORLEY CHIROPRACTIC
What is Chiropractic?Chiropractic is a field of health care that specialises in detecting and correcting mechanical dysfunctions of the body structure. It focuses on the joints, particularly the spine, and their effect on the functioning of the nervous system. It is a profession with its feet firmlyplanted both in science and in art. At the heart of chiropractic is the premise that the body has the ability to heal itself. Chiropractic is particularly successful in the relief of the following conditions:
Some other conditions that may also benefit from chiropractic:
What to expect from a visit to a Chiropractor?Your first visit will include a chiropractic analysis in order to diagnose the source of your problem. That includes:
X-ray radiographs are rarely requested by a McTimoney-Corley chiropractor. If there is a clinical indication for these, your chiropractor will liaise with your doctor. The reason for that is to protect you from being exposed to the risks of unnecessary radiation. It is important to bear in mind that the radiation dose used in the lumbar spine may be 40 times the dose received during a chest x-ray. A study published in the British Medical Journal* showed a statistical probability of 19 deaths a year as a result of radiation absorbed during lumbar spinal x-ray in the UK. topWhat causes pain and stiffness of joints?This is a hotly debated question. Injury to our bodies can often result in pain and stiffness, due to the assault on our body tissues, including our bones and how they are linked into chains by joints. A whiplash injury is a good example. After this injury, head-neck movement can become very painful. The sting in the tail is that when we respond by 'guarding' or 'protecting' these painful areas, we are signing up for more troubles. This is because inactivity and immobilization are notorious in causing more joint stiffness and muscle damage. A vicious circle! More and more, experts agree that the trigger for the majority of these dysfunctions is the consequence of muscles imbalances, tensions and strains that we accumulate during our daily lives. Our modern living prevents us from reflecting our true bilateral nature. We tend to overdevelop one-sideness and this bias, much like 'repetitive injuries' creates imbalances. These muscular distortions or 'patterns' become hardwired in our system. Some of their effects are clearly seen in certain people's postures. At the extreme we see that stamped in the classical posture of 'old age' - forward carriage of the head, rounded shoulders, sunken chest and a warped body. Last but not least, and often not appreciated, is the silent damage of stress. Responses to stress will eventually burst out, often betraying the increased muscular tension, tiredness and acheness felt in vulnerable areas of our bodies. topWhat is the treatment like?Joints are moved by muscles. When these are in good working order, your movements are easy and comfortable. When dysfunctions ofa muscle-joint unit disrupt this free play, stiffness sets in and you feel as if you are 'stuck' in certain positions. Chiropractors help restore this free play. There are many techniques that a skilled chiropractor can use, mostly directed to joints. Central to the chiropractic approach is the delivery of a manipulation designed to restore the function that is missing from your joints. This lack of function is what creates the restriction of movement, the stiffness and soreness associated with joint pain. The McTimoney-Corley technique is remarkable for its gentleness as it is not a forceful technique. The adjustments (or corrections) are performed using a gentle thrust, delivered in a specific direction. Your body will not be twisted, pulled or torqued and there are no cracking or popping sounds during the adjustment, although these may occur spontaneously. The result is pain relief and the return to greater mobility. How long will the treatments last?Because McTimoney-Corley chiropractors treat the whole body, expect to spend 1 hour on your first visit and 30-40 minutes at follow-ups. The rationale for the whole body treatment is centred in the fact that our bodies are a whole unit. Every area of your body is connected to another. Strains in one area are likely to create compensatory pulls elsewhere. Once a neat 'built-in economy', it sometimes can backfire. What may have started as a peripheral disturbance of your body is likely to affect more central areas, if they are left unchecked. topHow many treatments will I need?The number of treatments will depend on the severity and the duration of your complaint and how soon your body responds to this approach. On average, most conditions respond well in 4 treatments (sometimes even earlier). Only rarely are more than 8 treatments needed. How much will it cost?Your first appointment will cost £40, and follow-ups cost £32. Is there anything I can do to prevent persistent pain?YES! Chiropractic intervention is an excellent investment you can make to return you to normal functioning. Recent research, however, backs up other modalities for the prevention of chronic pain, in particular for back pain. If your condition is chronic, in addition to chiropractic, you will need to take part in a rehabilitation programme. Rehabilitation is not conservative care. Passive, conservative care may be ideal for acute treatment, but in cases of recurrence it will encourage dependency. Rehabilitative care is more proactive andclient centred. Once your responses have become chronic and 'programmed' into your brain, you need to unlearn those habits that keep recreating the original cause. This involves the re-education of the whole body (or soma) so that you are able to break free from this chain and in the process regain comfortable, natural balance. There are only a few truly somatic exercises (involving the whole body) available. Among those modalities, Hanna Somatic Education is one of the finest. It outshines others because it is safe and easy and it works fast. |
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