Frequently Asked Questions

Click on a question below to be directed to the answer or scroll down.

Making an appointment

 

Treatment

 

Pregnancy and paediatric chiropractic care


 

Can I simply make an appointment or do I need a referral from a GP?

Chiropractors in the UK are considered primary health practitioners. This means there is direct contact between patient and practitioner, no referral is needed from any other profession to begin an initial consultation.  The reason for this is chiropractors are highly skilled in diagnostic techniques which can, in the case of Dundee and Fife Chiropractic Clinic, include the taking and diagnosis of radiographs (x-ray films). In the best interest of patients, it is also the discretion of the chiropractic practitioner to refer to other healthcare professionals if necessary.

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How do I know if it is chiropractic care I need?

Globally, chiropractic has served the health needs of thousands upon thousands of children, adults and the elderly. Many people seek out chiropractors to help them restore health with great success. The University trained and UK registered chiropractor will determine what care may and in fact may not be needed for the individual patient. The initial visit is the time where the chiropractor will do all medical and chiropractic tests necessary to help determine the cause of the presenting problem. Your current presentation, past medical history and lifestyle will be taken into consideration in combination with specific diagnostic testing. All types of signs and symptoms are considered before recommending care. Careful investigation is paramount for the best outcome measures for our patients.

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Are you recognised by insurance companies?

We are recognised by most major insurance companies; however always ask prior to care.

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How many visits will I need?

Again this depends on a number of factors. These factors include how long you’ve had your problem, how severe it is, your lifestyle, whether you listen to the advice your chiropractor gives you, and many more. Your chiropractor will explain to you how many visits will be required in your report of findings, depending on examination and x-ray findings and come up with the appropriate management plan. Generally speaking the sooner you have a problem assessed and treated the quicker you will recover.

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What is your fee structure? Do you have discounts for concessions or prepayment options?

We provide discount rates for students and concessions. We offer significant discounts for bulk prepayment of 12 to 36 visits.

Visit our Fees page for our full payment information.

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What type of problems do people see chiropractors for?

Typical everyday problems that we see on a daily basis include…

  • Lower back / Pelvic pain and stiffness
  • Neck pain and stiffness
  • Sporting injuries
  • Mid back pain and stiffness
  • Wrist pain
  • Slipped or Herniated discs
  • Tennis / Golfers elbow
  • Headaches / Migraines
  • Joint pain and stiffness
  • Shoulder / Elbow pain
  • Pain between shoulder blades
  • Pins and needles / numbness / weakness
  • Hip / Groin pain
  • Knee / Ankle pain

If your symptom(s) do not appear on the list please call (01592 755 400) or email us and the chiropractors will be more than willing to discuss this with you.

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How long will it take to get better?

The time scale of healing is different for everyone. The factors that need to be addressed are:

  • Your age
  • The presenting complaint and complications.
  • Lifestyle
  • Compliance to treatment and advise
  • Previous history and prognosis of injuries/accidents

However, the sooner a problem is presented, the sooner the problem can be dealt with accordingly.

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What treatment do chiropractors give?

There are over 100 different types of treatments that chiropractors can deliver. The objective is to find the right type of treatment for each individual patient, depending on their needs.  A chiropractor, in order to be registered in the UK, must have ongoing education on best outcome measurements and treatments. This is approved every year.  Also, it is chiropractors very high level of training in the areas of neurology and orthopaedics as well as nutrition and exercise that allows each treatment to be specific for that patient.  Techniques practiced at Dundee Chiropractic Clinic are gentle, highly skilled and safe. We choose to use a range of Activator Technique, Applied Kinesiology, Diversified, Sacro-Occipital Technique and Webster Technique – just to name a few!

Adjustment is what makes chiropractic different from all other health care professions around the world. An adjustment is extremely different from a manipulation which is practiced by physical therapists and osteopaths. The adjustment is a very gentle very specific placement by hand of the vertebrae into its correct position. Adjusting the vertebrae to restore normal function removes the irritation and helps the nervous system return to normal. As a result of the adjustment the nervous system is free to work to its maximum and allows the vital messages that the brain sends out to the body to flow freely allowing the body to be healthy. Chiropractors undergo hours of extensive training during chiropractic college to perform this art and are the only profession in the world able to deliver a specific spinal adjustment. 

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Will I need x-rays?

Each individual case is different. A decision will be made on your initial consultation after the case history and examination is taken. It is important to remember that we will only ever take an x-ray if it absolutely necessary for your individual case. For some patients x-rays are a necessity to rule out certain conditions that chiropractic cannot help. Other times, if initial examination findings are unclear, an x-ray is taken to help lead to a diagnosis. The main reasons chiropractors take x-rays are for your safety, to assess the condition of the spine, to check for congenital anomalies and to assess for any degeneration within the spine.

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What’s the difference between Chiropractic and Osteopathy?

Chiropractic and osteopathy differ in their training and principles to health. Osteopaths tend to generally manipulate large areas of the spine whereas chiropractors are trained extensively in the nervous system and nerve function. Chiropractors focus on specificity and will only adjust the vertebra that needs to be corrected. They are also highly trained to take and interpret x-rays which osteopaths are not.

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Can I get chiropractic care if I’ve had back surgery?

Yes. Your chiropractor will avoid areas of your spine surgically modified. However surgery may produce compensation reactions either above or below the involved level. If necessary, these other areas will be the focus of your chiropractic care.

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Can patients with osteoporosis get chiropractic care?

Of course. Regardless of your age, size, or condition, chiropractic care can be helpful. The specific needs of each patient are considered. If yours is not a chiropractic case, we’ll refer you to the appropriate specialist.

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Is chiropractic safe for babies?

Absolutely 100% yes! At all our clinics we treat people from just a few weeks old to over 90 years old. The birth process can be such a traumatic event, having your baby’s spine and nervous system assessed as soon as you can is one of the most important things you can do for a new born. Research shows that babies can react to treatment better than any age group.

Our practice lead Jayne L Brassington is specially trained in a wide variety of chiropractic techniques to help manage the stresses of pregnancy on the body. She uses safe, gentle techniques that are suitable for mothers-to-be. Jayne has a Diplomate in Clinical Chiropractic Paediatrics and Pregnancy (DICCP), Palmer College, USA.

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Is chiropractic safe for children?

Again, yes absolutely! The human body is constantly changing during the first 20 years of life. Often these pains are described by some people as growing pains. Chiropractic is very safe and effective for children and adolescents.

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Why do newborns get chiropractic adjustments?

Even today’s “natural” childbirth methods can affect an infant’s spine. Preliminary studies suggest that colic, unusual crying, poor appetite, ear infections or erratic sleeping can be signs of spinal distress. Newborns adjustments are gentle. As a rule, no more pressure than you’d use to test the ripeness of a tomato is involved.

The birth process may be the cause of our first subluxation. Then, learning to walk, ride a bike or play sports can produce so-called growing pains. Ignored, these problems may worsen until they can become more difficult to correct as an adult.

Our practice lead Jayne L Brassington is specially trained in a wide variety of chiropractic techniques to help manage the stresses of pregnancy on the body. She uses safe, gentle techniques that are suitable for mothers-to-be. Jayne has a Diplomate in Clinical Chiropractic Paediatrics and Pregnancy (DICCP), Palmer College, USA.

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Why is chiropractic care suggested during pregnancy?

A woman might change during pregnancy, putting more or different strains on the ligaments and joints especially in the pelvis. Those changes include the softening of the ligaments, weight increase and changes to posture. This can lead to additional pressure on joints in various parts of the body, including spine or pelvis.

Our practice lead Jayne L Brassington is specially trained in a wide variety of chiropractic techniques to help manage the stresses of pregnancy on the body. She uses safe, gentle techniques that are suitable for mothers-to-be. Jayne has a Diplomate in Clinical Chiropractic Paediatrics and Pregnancy (DICCP), Palmer College, USA.

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