What to Expect at the Chiropractor
Chiropractic is a hands on treatment that traditionally focuses on the spine. However, it has evolved over the years to now focus on the body as a whole, with emphasis on the spine. Due to this approach, chiropractors are regarded as neuro-musculo-skeletal therapists whose primary goal is to alleviate patients’ pain and discomfort, as well as check the patient’s overall lifestyle in terms of posture, work ergonomics, exercises, diet, sleep patterns, etc. These all impact the human body, and especially the neuro-musculo-skeletal system.
Initial Consultation
The main emphasis of the first consultation is to make a diagnosis of the condition. There will be a case history, assessment (which is curtailed to the condition, diagnosis), then discussion of the condition and treatment if the condition can be treated.
If not, you will be given a referral note to the appropriate health professional (doctor, consultant, physiotherapist etc).
In some cases there may be a need for X-rays/MRI/CT Scan/ultrasound and in this instance you will be given a referral either directly for these procedures or you will be referred via your GP.
Treatment
All treatments are tailored to the condition that you have. No two treatments are the same.
Some patients may required myofascial therapy, others mobilisation, some manipulation, some a combination of these. Most patients are given an exercise program to compliment the treatment.
Each condition requires different approaches in order to ensure that patients make the fastest possible recovery.
Curative Versus Maintenance
Each patient presents with conditions at various stages, some worse than others. Some patients have pre-existing problems that will obviously have an impact on the progress of a condition (for example a patient with a back problem may have osteo-arthritis of the hip joints which affects the mechanics of the lower back).
For many patients a couple of treatments may be adequate to alleviate the condition. For some, they may require more treatments and in some cases patients may need maintenance treatment because the condition is advanced and there is no curative option for them.
Each patient requires different approaches, so what works for one may not work for another.
Effectiveness
Chiropractic care is highly effective in treating a range of conditions, particularly those involving the back (e.g. facet syndromes, sacroiliac syndromes, certain disc herniations, myofascial trigger points), mid-back, neck, and associated headaches.
Conditions where pain radiates from the spine to the extremities, such as sciatica, may also be treated effectively. In these cases, an MRI is often necessary to assess the severity and nature of any disc herniations.
I collaborate closely with orthopaedic consultants and neurosurgeons in managing complex cases like these.
Sports Physician
As a qualified sports physician, I also specialise in treating sports-related injuries, including those affecting the shoulder, elbow, wrist, hip, knee, and ankle.
Accurate diagnosis is crucial to the successful management of these injuries, and once achieved, treatment becomes more straightforward.
My goal is always to get people back to their activities and exercise as swiftly as possible, whether they are weekend warriors or Olympic athletes.
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About Dr Penter
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