London Chiropractor Clinic
What is Chiropractic
The stresses of daily life can take their toll on our bodies. Poor posture, lack of exercise, stress and everyday wear and tear can lead to discomfort and pain. Chiropractors are health professionals who look at the effects that these stresses have on our bones and joints, and the resulting impact on the function of our nervous system. Using their hands, they will gently manipulate the joints and muscles of your body to achieve improved physical and emotional wellbeing.
What happens during my first visit
You may be quite nervous about visiting a chiropractor, but there really is no need to worry. Your chiropractor will take time to ask questions about your condition, to get to the bottom of why you are in discomfort and to ensure you both know exactly what needs to be done to alleviate your pain. Following this, your chiropractor will want to examine you to see how much movement you have, the situation with your joints and muscles, and to perform some further tests to look at the function of your nervous system and general health. If you need an x-ray, your chiropractor will know this and decide how best to proceed.
Following the examination, you will be given a report of findings to let you know exactly what has been found, how best to treat it, how long it will take and how this will be done. You will also be able to ask questions to ensure that you fully understand; please don’t be afraid to ask!
What is chiropractic treatment?
Chiropractic treatments vary greatly depending on what is wrong, the size and shape of the patient, the level of pain and the area being treated. No two people are treated the same way as we are all individuals. Your chiropractor may wish to manipulate a joint, which involves the use of precise and skilled gentle thrusts to the joints to improve their mobility; sometimes you can hear a small pop, this is harmless and completely normal. Other techniques include massage, stretching muscles and other methods to improve the function of your tissues. You will also be offered lifestyle advice and exercises which are recommended to further improve your condition.
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 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
The receptionist or the chiropractor will tell you how much you will have to pay.
Ask your chiropractor as many questions as you need to, to be sure that you understand what they have told you. Your chiropractor will then ask you to give your permission for treatment (they call this ‘consent’).
To help you feel more at ease during a consultation, you or your chiropractor may want another person to be there. This might be, for example, a clinic assistant or you could choose to bring a relative or friend. These arrangements should be made before your appointment, so please let your chiropractor know in good time.
If you would prefer to have only the chiropractor there, please let your chiropractor know. They will not do anything without your consent, and will respect your privacy and dignity at all times.
How many visits will I need?
This will depend on:
- your condition
- how severe it is
- how long you have had the condition
- how you respond to treatment l 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.
The chiropractor will review your progress regularly and you will be asked to give your consent to any changes to your treatment plan. They 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, your chiropractor 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 the General Chiropractic Council. All chiropractors must have insurance cover for claims made against them.
Dr Owain Gwynfryn Evans MChiro, DC
Doctor of Chiropractic
Member of the British Chiropractic Association
Registered with the General Chiropractic Council
Owain graduated with a Masters degree in Chiropractic from the University of Glamorgan in south Wales in 2009. Prior to that he studied Anatomy at Cardiff univeristy. From a young age, Owain decided he wanted to work in healthcare, following biology lessons in primary school back in his home town of Cardiff. His older brother, also a doctor, provided further inspiration to enter the world of healthcare.
Chiropractic appealed to Owain from the start, being an extremely hands-on person, with many hobbies such as playing the piano to a high level and art, which he studied at A-level, achieving an A grade in the subject. The reward in treating people with his hands makes the job worthwhile, and the huge diversity of people that he treats, from children to the elderly makes the job both interesting and rewarding.
His treatment aims not only to make his patients feel physically and emotionally better by relieving their pain and discomfort, he takes a holisitc approach by addressing the cause of the problem, and working together with the patient to lead a less stressful, pain-free life.
Owain has conducted large-scale research with the British Olympic Association and the University of Turin into the acute effects of spinal manipulation on the neuromuscular system to better understand the benefits of spinal manipulation on those who receive treatment. He has also presented research at international conferences and has a strong research focus. He has received additional training in exercise rehabilitation, as well as in treating Jaw and limb problems.
