About Chiropractic
Chiropractic is concerned with the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of neuromusculoskeletal disorders. Chiropractors assess the range of motion of all spinal and limb joints and how this affects the ligaments, muscles and nerves around these joints. The chiropractic profession also recognises that the health of the body is largely dependent on an efficient nervous system (ie. Brain, spinal cord and peripheral nerves) that controls that body's physiological functions.
When chiropractors assess specific complaints, our aim is not only to diagnose which tissues are causing the symptoms but also why it appeared in the first place. If it had no obvious cause, are there any underlying factors that could predispose the body to weakness in that area? If it was a sporting injury or an accident, are there any biomechanical factors that could leave the body vulnerable to injury?
My First Visit
At your first visit, your chiropractor will take a detailed history of your complaint and any previous back or neck problems. Your chiropractor will also ask you about your medical history and lifestyle.
You will then undergo a thorough neurological and orthopaedic assessment relating to your complaint. Often you will be asked to undress to your underwear to allow a full examination to take place. Gowns will be provided. You may bring shorts with you if you are more comfortable with this.
Will I need x-rays?
After a full history and examination, your chiropractor will advise you if they think that x-rays are necessary. They will discuss the reasons for this with you.
Godalming Chiropractic Clinic benefits from on-site x-ray facilities and any x-rays taken will be developed while you are at your appointment.
Chiropractic Treatment
If it is appropriate and you agree, you may be able to receive treatment at your first visit. Otherwise a follow-up appointment will be made for you.
Before treatment starts, your chiropractor will give you a diagnosis, explain what is causing your symptoms, and explain how treatment can help. They will discuss the risks and benefits of treatment with you.
How much treatment will I need?
The number of treatments you will need varies greatly between individuals and depends on your diagnosis, what tissues are causing your symptoms and how long you have had the complaint. Before any treatment begins, your chiropractor will discuss with you how many treatments you will need and how often you should have treatment. Everybody is different and responds to treatment in a different way and you will be re-assessed regularly so that your progress can be monitored.
Chiropractic Treatment
Chiropractic treatment will vary according to your complaint and this will be discussed with you. Our chiropractors are all proficient in a wide range of techniques that allow us to tailor each treatment plan to the individual.
Chiropractic manipulation involves gentle specific adjustments given to the spinal and limb joints to help improve and restore the normal range of motion of your joints. The adjustments are small, quick stretches that may be associated with small clicks. These clicks are produced by tiny bubbles of gas popping as the joints stretch. There are a variety of techniques that can be used to give an adjustment, with the aim of each being the same, that is to improve the motion of the joints. This range of techniques allows the chiropractors at Godalming Chiropractic Clinic to form an appropriate individual treatment plan for patients of all ages, from children to the elderly. Chiropractic treatment for children is very gentle and extremely effective. The pressure used for these treatments is the same pressure you could stand if you touched your eyeball.
Muscles, ligaments and tendons are also commonly involved in the conditions treated at Godalming Chiropractic Clinic and addressing these areas can be critical. Our chiropractors use a variety of techniques including deep tissue massage, cross-friction massage, muscular releases, stretching and trigger point therapy. We will also give you home exercises and stretches to compliment the treatment you have received.
Other treatment techniques that may also be used include: joint mobilisations, ultrasound, interferential and dry needling.
Your chiropractor may also advise you on your ergonomics at home and work.
Rehabilitation and Injury Prevention
After any significant injury there is clearly a need to ensure that as well as the symptoms being resolved that as near as full function as possible is returned to the joints and muscles involved. Correct strengthening and rehabilitation is vital to ensure that further weakness does not develop in that area and the injury does not recur. We have a good sized rehabilitation & gym area on site at Godalming Chiropractic Clinic where we offer spinal rehabilitation classes, personal training sessions and pilates, which are often part of the chiropractic treatment program but are also available separately to form part of your general well-being routine.
Kinesiotaping
With over 25 years of research, development and clinical use, the KinesioTaping Method is recognised as an innovative and highly effective modality for treating sport injuries and aiding lymphoedema reduction. The Kinesio Taping Method was developed by the chiropractor Dr Kenzo Kase during his search for a sports taping method to assist in the healing of traumatised tissue. He found that although standard taping techniques, such as athletic taping and strapping, provided muscle and joint support, they also reduced range of motion, did not support the fascia and, in many cases, inhibited the actual healing process of traumatised tissue. In 1973 Dr Kase developed Kinesio® Tex, and the Kinesio Taping® method. Kinesio Taping's key differentiator is its ability to aid the lymphatic and muscle systems, while supporting joints and muscles. For many, the Kinesio Taping® applications are a major breakthrough which substantially reduce recovery times and improve fitness levels. Kinesio Taping® saw worldwide exposure during the 1988 Seoul Olympics. Since then, Kinesio® has become one of the fastest growing sport treatment modalities in the world. Kinesio treats a wide variety of conditions due to its ability to alleviate pain, reduce inflammation, relax the muscles, enhance performance and facilitate rehabilitation while supporting muscles in movement. Both Suzi Boys and Angela Winter have undertaken training in the therapeutic application of Kinesio Tape.