What’s Up Doc? The Chiropractic Report of Findings

As soon as possible after your initial consultation we will book you a 30 minute appointment for your Report of Findings. In your Report of Findings visit at Back-in-Action, we will discuss our findings with you in more depth and answer any questions you may have. We explain – in very clear and simple language – what the problem is and what can be done about it, often using models and other illustrations to help. We discuss the options of styles of treatment available for you and also take time to explain how any underlying problems can be dealt with.

We will also advise you on how many treatment sessions you would typically need for your type of condition and the likely cost of your treatment. The number of treatments required will also be affected by the severity of you condition, how long you have had it for and the number of underlying causes that appear to be aggravating it. Usually when people are in pain we recommend a treatment every 2-3 days (2-3 times a week) for 1-4 weeks depending on the problem. As you improve and come back having been pain free for 3-4 days, we would extend the length of time between treatments to a week. People often find afterr 2-6 weeks of weekly care, they are ready to start on fortnightly visits and so forth. If you want to read more about the number of visits you may need and the different phases of care please refer to our subsequents visit page.

It’s then up to you to decide for yourself what you want to do – is your goal just to get out of pain or deal with any problems that could make it reoccur. Obviously your availability and finances also influence what you do. The number of visits you actually need may vary depending on your response to treatment and is influenced by your ability comply with your chiropractors advice. Your chiropractor will always aim to do their best to help you return to recovery as effectively and efficiently as possible.

At this point we talk about the importance of your role in the treatment plan – such as any lifestyle and dietary changes that would be beneficial. Exercises and postural improvements are a key part of your rehabilitation and are introduced as you improve. Sometimes we find advice about nutrition or recommendations to alter your sitting or sleeping position can be beneficial. Your chiropractor will also mention other practitioners who might be able to have a role in supporting your recovery. A large part of “getting better” is up to you, so please follow any instructions and advice as carefully and completely as you can.

Usually at this stage we can do some treatment. You will be asked for your informed consent to be completed before proceeding with treatment.

What Can I Expect During My Chiropractic Treatment Visits?

The aims of treatment include reducing pain and inflammation, balancing nervous system activity, releasing and realigning tight joints, relieve muscle spasms, improving muscle strength and flexibility, optimising blood flow and organ function, refining posture and body movement, helping you with ergonomics, enhancing balance and coordination, supporting good cranial function, assisting a healthier emotional life, correcting breathing patterns and increasing tissue healing.

Everyone responds differently – depending on their condition. You may be one of our ‘miracle’ clients who have one treatment and feel terrific for a long time. Mainly you can expect some relief, but it may initially last only a few minutes, hours or if you’re lucky days. We usually recommend you pop back in for a follow up visit 2-3 days after your first treatment. Most people appreciate by then, that they are ready for another treatment.

Different types of treatment will be used depending on the nature of your complaint, your age, your response to previous treatments and stage of care. Techniques can be applied to the joints, muscles, ligaments, nerves and organs.

Joint Techniques:

The particular skill of the chiropractor is to adjust the movement and position of a joint by hand. The choice of techniques vary widely in strength, speed and style depending on the individual case. The stronger techniques known as the ‘Adjustment’, a form of manipulation specific to chiropractic involves a very precise thrust onto the problem joint in a specific direction and performed very rapidly. The skill takes many years of training to perfect. Various ‘lighter’ but nonetheless effective techniques may also be applied. They tend to be similar in there speed and intention to restore joint and nervous system function. For more information about the kinds of chiropractic treatments available at Back-in-Action, please click here. If you’d like to know more about how chiropractic adjustments work please follow the link.

Muscle Therapy:

Many muscles return to normal as joint and nerve function is restored. A wide variety of techniques such as muscle release, stretching and massage may be applied to the muscles to help reduce pain. You may also be referred to a qualified masseur or physiotherapist who works in conjunction with the chiropractor.

Cranial Work:

Techniques drawn from Sacro-Occipital Techniques (SOT), CranioSacral, Chiro-Dontics, Applied Kinesiology (AK) and other gentle and effective whole body approaches may be applied to optimise head position and to maximise body symmetry and function. We also have a CranioSacral therapust who we can refer you to.

Visceral Work:

Gentle release techniques applied to affect various glands and organs are frequently used. This may release tension around an organ, help with organ function, reduce stress on the nervous system or help improve posture.

Nerve & Ligament Techniques:

A variety of ways to release trapped nerves and normalise the ligaments may be applied.

What Other Advice May I Be Given?

Often the treatment programme alone is not sufficient to solve the problem. Under-lying stresses need to be eliminated to maximise your chance of recovery.

What Other Advice May I be Given?
Often the treatment programme alone is not sufficient to solve the problem. Under-lying stresses need to be eliminated to maximise your chance of recovery.

Exercises. Generally each patient is given a specific set of exercises to help normalise problem areas and improve overall posture and function. They generally include exercises to improve muscle activity, balance and breathing.

Posture. Depending on your problem advice may be given to help improve your sitting, standing or lying posture. This advice may include recommendations on ergonomics, arch supports and exercises. Exercise classes can be useful. We may also suggest a consultation with an Alexander Technique teacher.

Nutrition. Supplements may be suggested to help your body repair or diet changes may be recommended to improve chronic underlying problems or optimise health.

We have to offer a diverse range of advice because everybody has different patterns of underlying causes contributing to their problem. In simple terms the treatment and self help advice we offer is to help reduce the stress on your system, which when removed, allows your bodies natural healing processes to do their work.

Any imbalance in the physical, chemical or nervous systems, caused by deficiency or toxicity, increases stress, upsetting the natural balance of health and can result in ill health.

• Physical Stress: poor joint movement, bad posture, foot problems, muscle imbalance, accidents and injuries, repetitive strains, ergonomic issues and sedentary lifestyle.
• Neurological Stress: too much or too little neural stimulation, sensory imbalance, fatigue, negative emotions, negative thinking and modern life stresses.
• Chemical Stress: poor diet, nutritional deficiency, toxic foods, poor absorption and elimination, drugs, environmental pollution, breathing problems and poor blood flow.

Reducing this stress stimulates the natural healing capabilities, helping to improve your health and continue with the activities you enjoy.

Follow the link to read more about your subsequent visits.