Bath Chiropractic - FAQs
How Long does my appointment last?
Normally your first visit will last approximately 30-45 minutes. During this time, our Chiropractor:
- will take a full case history
- will ask for your permission to give you a thorough physical examination (this will include neurological and orthopaedic tests, if necessary)
- may send you for x-rays or other imaging if needed.
What Chiropractic treatment is offered by your Bath Chiroprators?
Chiropractors are concerned with the framework of bones and muscles that support the body (the ‘musculoskeletal system’). Some problems of the musculoskeletal system can be caused by accidents, stress, lack of exercise, poor posture, illness and everyday wear and tear. These problems may cause pressure on the nerves in the body. Depending on your condition, the chiropractor may manipulate parts of your spine or joints and give you advice on exercise, selfhelp, diet and lifestyle. Our chiropractors also offer rehabilitation programmes. Manipulation involves precisely handling or moving joints, or parts of the spine, sometimes moving them further than they would normally move.
Will the treatment hurt?
Chiropractic treatment is usually painless unless an area is inflamed (swollen). If this is the case your chiropractor will alter the treatment. Don’t worry if you hear a clicking or popping noise when one of your joints is being manipulated – this is perfectly normal with this form of treatment. Some patients have mild reactions such as temporary aches and pains after their spine or joints have been manipulated or after exercising. It is important that you talk to your chiropractor if you feel worried about anything either during or after treatment.
What do I need to know before my treatment with Bath Chiropractic starts?
Treatment is very much a partnership between you and your chiropractor. Before your treatment starts, your chiropractor should explain to you clearly:
- what they found in the examination
- the treatment plan they propose
- the benefits and any significant risks associated with your condition and proposed treatment.
How many visits will I need?
This will depend on:
After your first examination and diagnosis, how long any further visits last will depend on your condition and the treatment you need. Our chiropractor will review your progress regularly and you will be asked to give your consent to any changes to your treatment plan. We will discuss carrying out further investigations or referring you to your GP if your condition does not improve.
Do I need to tell my GP?
You do not need to let your GP know unless you want to. With your permission, we may send a report to your GP, with details of your condition and the treatment you are receiving. This is because your GP holds all your medical records, and it is in your interests for them to be complete and up to date
Do I have to pay for my treatment?
You will need to pay for your treatment unless you are covered by Private Medical Insurance (PMI) or a health cash plan, or live in an area where there is NHS-funded chiropractic care. Treatment through the NHS is not widely available at the moment, so it is a good idea to talk to your GP or chiropractor to find out the situation in your area. If you have PMI, confirm with your provider that chiropractic treatment is covered and tell the chiropractor that this is how you will be paying for treatment.
Can anyone call themselves a chiropractor?
No. It is illegal for anyone in the UK to use the title ‘chiropractor’ or to imply that they are a chiropractor unless they are registered with us (the General Chiropractic Council). All chiropractors must have insurance cover for claims made against them.
By law, we must:
This will depend on:
- your condition
- how severe it is
- how long you have had the condition
- how you respond to treatment
- how much of your chiropractor’s advice you follow.
After your first examination and diagnosis, how long any further visits last will depend on your condition and the treatment you need. Our chiropractor will review your progress regularly and you will be asked to give your consent to any changes to your treatment plan. We will discuss carrying out further investigations or referring you to your GP if your condition does not improve.
Do I need to tell my GP?
You do not need to let your GP know unless you want to. With your permission, we may send a report to your GP, with details of your condition and the treatment you are receiving. This is because your GP holds all your medical records, and it is in your interests for them to be complete and up to date
Do I have to pay for my treatment?
You will need to pay for your treatment unless you are covered by Private Medical Insurance (PMI) or a health cash plan, or live in an area where there is NHS-funded chiropractic care. Treatment through the NHS is not widely available at the moment, so it is a good idea to talk to your GP or chiropractor to find out the situation in your area. If you have PMI, confirm with your provider that chiropractic treatment is covered and tell the chiropractor that this is how you will be paying for treatment.
Can anyone call themselves a chiropractor?
No. It is illegal for anyone in the UK to use the title ‘chiropractor’ or to imply that they are a chiropractor unless they are registered with us (the General Chiropractic Council). All chiropractors must have insurance cover for claims made against them.
By law, we must:
- check people who apply for registration to make sure that they have a chiropractic qualification, are of good character and are physically and mentally fit
- set and monitor standards of education and training
- set standards of practice and conduct
- deal with any complaints about the conduct or practice of chiropractors.
