CHIROPRACTIC TREATMENT FAQs
HOW LONG DOES A TREATMENT SESSION NORMALLY LAST?
At the first visit, the duration of treatment is longer, usually half an hour or more. This is because the chiropractor would have to take a full history and conduct an examination of hte patient before deciding on a management plan.
At this visit, the necessity of an X-ray would be discussed. The patient would be treated on the same day.
Subsequent treatments will usually be shorter in duration.
WHAT SHOULD I WEAR TO THE CLINIC?
It would be best to be attired in clothing that is easily removed, as patient gowns are provided. If the lower half of the body needs to be treated, trousers that could be easily rolled up should be worn. If not, a gown would be provided.
HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE THE TREATMENT GIVEN BY A CHIROPRACTOR?
A chiropractor uses his / her bare hands to administer treatment, usually by way of high velocity short amplitude thrusts, on specific segments of the body. This is done to restore normal motion and function to a joint that is not moving as it should.
The adjustment should not cause any pain at all.
However, a chiropractor does not merely adjust. Chiropractors are also trained to move a joint by mobilising it, loosen fascia and connective tissue using deep massage and myofascial techniques. This might sometimes be accompanied by mild soreness over the next 48 hours.
After motion is restored, chiroprcators can prescribe specific exercises and stretches to the patient. These can either be done at home or under the supervision of the chiropractor in the clinic.
Chiropractors are also trained to use the ultrasound, interferential, heat and cold modalities commonly used by phisiotherapists.
HOW ARE YOU DIFFERENT FROM TRADITIONAL CHINESE SINSEHS?
Some practitioners of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) – or sinsehs – perform body adjustments and they loosely use the term "chiropractic" to describe what they do.
However, this is not the same as chiropractic, which is a healthcare system developed by D D Palmer, an American, in 1895 and further developed by his students and future generations of chiropractors.
The philosophy of TCM is different and the adjustment techniques employed also vary.
Among TCM practitioners, the standard of training might vary greatly from one practitioner to the next.
FOR HOW LONG WOULD I EXPECT TO BE UNDER THE CARE OF A CHIROPRACTOR?
This depends on the individual patient's condition.
Most chiropractors would not discharge a patient from care unless the patient is not suited for chiropractic care, or the patient is not expected to receive any further benefit from treatment.
Should they not be suitable for chiropractic care, patients would be referred for treatment by other healthcare professionals, including medical doctors, nutritionists or podiatrists / chiropodists.
Some patients who suffer from chronic pain may be dependent on their chiropractor for long-term maintenance care, to reduce the aches and pains that commonly accompany their complaints. These would include, for example, patients who suffer from fibromyalgia or chronic fatigue.
Geriatric patients who suffer from degenerative conditions, such as degenerative joint disease of the hip, find that they benefit from regular chiropractic care.
WHAT CONDITIONS CAN CHIROPRACTORS MANAGE EFFECTIVELY?
Chiropractors are well-known for treating musculo-skeletal disorders. However, they are not limited to the treatment of conditions arising from a muscolu-skeletal cause.
Some patients have found chiropractic to be helpful in conditions such as infantile colic, asthma, headaches, menstrual pains and abdominal discomfort.
DO CHIROPRACTORS PRESCRIBE MEDICATION?
No. Chiropractors do not prescribe medications. However, they may recommend that certain nutritional supplements or natural remedies be taken.
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