FAQ

Frequently asked questions

How do I start?

To begin your care with us please call 01970 611190 and speak to one of the team, who will be happy to help get you set up. Prior to your first appointment at the clinic you are required to complete some easy on-line forms. We use the 'Care Response' system. Here you register some basic details about yourself and fill in a short questionnaire regarding the problem you are looking for help with. We are then able to assess this information so that we are able to contact you and offer the most appropriate first appointment for the problem you have. This is an efficient way to allow you to access the correct care in the shortest time possible. If you do not have access to email you are welcome to call in at the clinic to complete a paper version of Care Response. Care Response is a validated health outcomes tracker and does not gather any information for marketing purposes. Care Response does not make your information available to any business.



How many sessions do I need?

This is a difficult question to answer, but some clinical guidelines may help: Research (and years of experience) tells us that some response to your visit should be seen following the first session and that a total of 2 to 4 appointments is probably necessary for the level of pain you are in to decrease satisfactorily. Once the level of pain or discomfort has reduced, the best use of our time will be to go through some advice, exercises and recommendations so that your improvement can be self driven. This may require a few follow-ups over a few weeks to monitor your improvement and to cover a few things that you will need to know. In cases of persistent, recurrent pain it is reasonable to expect up to 8 sessions of pain coaching before you are placed on either open ended appointments, or given occasional ‘booster’ sessions’. In either instance a lot depends on how well you can manage the problem and follow the advice and recommendations you will be given.



Will it definitely work?

We make no grand claims and offer no quick fixes. No treatment can ever claim to definitely work and all we can do at this clinic is do our best to help you as much as possible.



Do I need an X-ray or scan to find out what’s wrong with me?

Use of X-rays and scans are considered only in certain cases where it may be decided that the problem you have indicates an underlying problem which needs medical attention. Cases like this are very rare, making up only perhaps 5% of types of back and neck pain.

If you are not recommended for an X-ray or scan then it is because Hedd (using his status as a non-medical radiographer and radiologist thorugh his chiropractic training) doesn’t feel it is necessary in order to proceed.

Please feel free to discuss this with him if you have any issues about this.



I've seen chiropractors before and know what I want. Can't I just get adjusted on the first visit?

We appreciate that your priority is to get better and we share this priority, but there are procedures in place that we must follow as set out by the General Chiropractic Council.

These procedures include undertaking a thorough assessment and physical examination and coming up with as accurate a diagnosis as possible. Following this we must report to you what has been found during the examination and ask you to provide consent to continue.

No chiropractor can by-pass these rules as they are in place to protect you.

Your treatment options will be made clear to you during your follow up appointment so that you can feel confident that you are given the correct and most effective recommendations to overcome the problem as efficiently as possible.

Please feel free to discuss anything about your treatment plan with Hedd.



I’ve seen YouTube clips where someone in pain is manipulated in a way that makes me scared – you wouldn’t do that to me would you?

Absolutely not. Hedd is especially interested in helping you overcome pain by taking control of the problem and learning how to cope with it so well on your own that you can be free from pain without the need for pills, surgery or any type of treatment. This means if you are being put off visiting the clinic because of these distressing clips then don’t be – that is definitely not the type of thing you will be offered.

Evidence shows that using manipulation in cases of short term back problems may be useful as what is known as ‘second line’ therapy - meaning it shouldn’t be the only thing you get, but it could help if used alongside advice and exercise. Recent evidence also suggests manipulating the back can be helpful with ongoing back pain, but again as part of a wider treatment package. It is still unclear who will respond to spinal manipulation and equally unclear as to who may experience an aggravation of their pain because of manipulation. Because of this it is probably better to leave manipulation out of the equation altogether, especially if you are nervous of receiving it in the first place.



How do I change an appointment?

Please call us or let us know via email with as much notice as possible. By not letting us know ASAP or by not showing up you may be depriving someone else who could have done with that time.



Can I just book for a massage?

Yes of course. Please have a look at the list of options you have for a great massage here. If you are experiencing ongoing pain it may be worth you considering Pain Recovery Coaching as well as satisfying massage to really get to the bottom of things.



What happens on my first appointment?

Once you have completed your Care Response intake forms we can arrange the correct first visit for you. This usually consists of an in-depth discussion about your problem, followed by a thorough examination. It is at this stage that Hedd will consider the need to refer you for further tests (such as blood tests, X-Ray, MRI or a chat with your GP). Based on the findings of your examination it is usualu that this visit includes an explanation of your problem followed by advice and exercises to help you on the road to recovery.