In the UK, an estimated 17.8 million people live with a musculoskeletal (MSK) condition, equivalent to approximately 28.9% of the total population. Whether you’re seeking relief from chronic pain, recovering from an injury, or aiming to enhance your overall well-being, this article will guide you through what to expect during your visit to our clinics.
What will happen on my first visit?
1. Appointment:
When you reach out to Chiropractic Care Clinics, our welcoming reception staff will gather your information to set up your personal patient account. This account ensures secure access to your appointment details and personal health information. Our reception team is also available to address any preliminary questions you may have.
2. Consultation:
On your first visit, you’ll have a consultation with one of our chiropractors. They will take a detailed history of your condition and enquire about your medical background, including your family’s health history. This thorough consultation is vital for making an accurate diagnosis and developing a customised treatment plan.
3. Diagnosis:
After discussing your medical history, our chiropractor will conduct a thorough orthopaedic and neurological examination. While this is often sufficient for diagnosis, additional tests may be necessary in some cases. Our Yeovil clinic features a digital x-ray suite, and we can expedite referrals for MRI scans and blood tests if required.
4. Treatment:
Based on your diagnosis, we will recommend a tailored treatment plan to help you recover and maintain your health. Treatment often begins during your initial visit. Our practitioners can treat a wide range of problems, however in some cases chiropractic may not be suitable. If this is the case, we will refer you to the appropriate healthcare professional to ensure you receive the best care possible.
What should I wear?
We provide medical gowns for patients to wear during their appointment. This allows for ease of movement during the examination and treatment.
Private changing facilities are available at our clinics so you can get ready for your appointment after you check in with our reception team.
We recommend avoiding wearing restrictive or tight garments, such as jewellery, that could interfere with the evaluation. If specific attire is needed for a particular treatment, our team will inform you in advance.
How long does the treatment take?
Your first visit to Chiropractic Care Clinics typically takes about 30-45 minutes. This includes the consultation, examination, and any initial treatment. Subsequent visits generally last 10-15 minutes, although our chiropractors will always spend as much time as necessary with each patient to ensure effective care.
How many sessions will I need?
The duration and frequency of your chiropractic treatment will depend on various factors, including the severity of your condition, how long the problem has been present, your age, general health, occupation, and ability to heal. Your chiropractor will create a personalised treatment plan designed specifically for you, which typically involves three phases:
1. Symptomatic Relief:
The initial phase aims to alleviate pain as quickly as possible, usually requiring between five and eight treatments. Most patients notice significant improvement by the third or fourth session. If expected progress is not made, your chiropractor will reassess your condition and adjust the treatment plan accordingly.
2. Rehabilitation:
Once pain is managed, the focus shifts to maximising healing and restoring normal function. This phase may include stretching exercises, strengthening and stabilisation routines, posture and ergonomic assessments, and nutritional support. Much of this work is home-based, with fewer visits to the chiropractor.
3. Prevention:
For some patients, ongoing care is necessary to prevent recurrence of the problem. This might involve occasional visits every 3-12 months. If you achieve a full recovery, we will retain your records for at least eight years for future reference if needed.
Can I cancel my appointment?
Yes, you can reschedule or cancel your appointment at any time. We recommend providing 24 hours notice for cancellations to allow us to accommodate other patients in need of care. Even short notice can sometimes enable us to offer the appointment to another patient, and in such cases, we may waive our late cancellation fee. Missed appointments may be charged in full.
Will it hurt?
While treating inflamed and tender areas may occasionally cause mild discomfort, our chiropractors will always work within your individual pain threshold. We employ a wide range of techniques tailored for all patients, whatever your age or physique. We don’t believe in the “no pain, no gain” philosophy, nor do we think that things need to “get worse before they get better.” If you have preferences or aversions to certain methods, your chiropractor will gladly discuss and adjust their approach to ensure your comfort.
Benefits of visiting a chiropractor
Visiting a chiropractor offers numerous benefits that go beyond pain relief. Chiropractic care takes a holistic approach to health, addressing not only the symptoms but also the underlying causes of your discomfort. By focusing on the relationship between the spine and the nervous system, chiropractic treatments can improve overall body function and enhance your quality of life.
Regular chiropractic care can help manage stress, improve posture, enhance athletic performance, and may boost your immune system. Additionally, by incorporating treatments such as aromatherapy massage and sports massage, our clinics provide a comprehensive approach to your health and well-being. We strive to empower you with knowledge and practices that support long-term wellness and prevent future health issues.
Why choose Chiropractic Care Clinics?
We provide a range of services across our Yeovil, Crewkerne, and Beaminster clinics. Our goal is to provide effective, compassionate care tailored to your individual needs. If you have any questions or concerns about your treatment, please do not hesitate to speak with our team.