Chiropractic

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Chiropractic is all about movement. It is establishing the optimal balance of flexibility and stability. We strive to be as free and supple as possible without compromising strength and stability. 

This comes down to management of the musculoskeletal system and the interaction with the nervous system, which ultimately controls every function within our body.

Chiropractic analyses the movement patterns of the body, addressing any faulty mechanics to achieve pain relief and better function. A keystone in the approach here at the Charfield Chiropractic Centre is appreciating the bigger picture; acknowledging how the body is a mechanical unit very much dependant on the proper function of each component to allow full function.

Chiropractic is suitable for all ages, there is no upper age limit or lower age limit to have chiropractic treatment! We enjoy the variety of patients, representing all walks of life from all different backgrounds.

Chiropractic is  regulated by the General Chiropractic Council (GCC). No person can claim to be a chiropractor without registration with the GCC. The education to become a chiropractor is an undergraduate Masters of Chiropractic degree which is a minimum of four years to complete. 

Should you have any other questions about chiropractic or whether it is suitable for you, please do contact the Centre. Alternatively, you can find further information on the websites of the General Chiropractic Council or British Chiropractic Association.

At the initial consultation you will be asked to complete a medical questionnaire which provides details of your general medical history. Following this, an in depth history of the complaint will be taken before a thorough physical examination. This looks at various aspects of your complaint including posture, movement patterns and joint and muscle mechanics,all through a series of orthopaedic and neurological tests. We will then discuss the findings with you and explain the best path forward. If chiropractic care is suitable, treatment can take place immediately. If not, We will advise as to the best action to be taken. 

At the Charfield Chiropractic Centre, a range of different treatment techniques are utilised-

⁃ Spinal and extremity (limbs) joint manipulation and mobilisation

⁃ Fascial release techniques

⁃ Different stretching techniques

⁃ Active release therapy

⁃ Dry needling (see below for more information)

⁃ Massage

⁃ Rehabilitative exercise prescription

⁃ Kinesiology taping

⁃ Orthotics prescription

It is important the patient takes on an active role in getting better. Advice on what is good and bad, and also the prescription of exercises, will empower you to take on the recovery.

Chiropractic can help a wide range of disorders, some of which are listed below:

-Headache arising from the neck (cervicogenic)

-Migraine prevention

-Mechanical neck pain (as opposed to neck pain following injury i.e. whiplash)

-Shoulder pain, including rotator cuff injuries.

-Elbow pain and tennis elbow

-Back pain

-Sciatica

-Hip and knee osteoarthritis

-Plantar fasciitis

-Ankle sprains

-Joint pains

-Muscle spasms and cramps

-Generalised Aches and pains

At the Charfield Chiropractic Centre we provide safe and gentle relief of discomfort during pregnancy, promoting good movement and minimising back pain, helping you deal with the stresses of pregnancy. Chiropractic is also a treatment suitable for children and babies, offering gentle chiropractic techniques to help sooth and relax your baby. 

Acupuncture has been utilised as part of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) since around 1000 BC. Using various methods including acupuncture, the focus of TCM is to maintain a balance of Yin (negative) and Yang (positive) energies within the body and the flow of the innate energy Qi. Acupuncture is becoming increasingly recognised and utilised within Western medicine and as such there is a growing body of evidence in support of its use.

Dry Needling is the adaptation of Chinese acupuncture within the principles of evidence based medicine, so doesn’t adhere to the traditional TCM philosophy and is instead often utilised as part of a medical approach rather than a stand alone alternative medical system. Dry Needling takes roots from acupuncture in the use of the needles but the similarities stop there. 

How does Dry Needling work and what can it help?

Dry Needling uses a fine filament needle which has no hole through the middle, unlike ‘wet needling’ or an injection which carries a fluid into the tissue. The needle is inserted into a trigger point which is a focal area of increased contraction and hypersensitivity within a tight muscle. These can cause localised and referred pain and can also cause stiffness by restricting the normal movement of the muscle and surrounding fascia. Needles may also be inserted into tendons where there may be a chronic injury to the tendon and surrounding tissues. The insertion of a needle stimulates multiple neurological pathways and elicits a reaction from the body to increase blood flow to the target area which delivers certain healing substances and ultimately allows for relaxation the muscle fibres and relief of pain and tension. This response is usually rapid making Dry Needling a fantastic treatment option amongst healthcare professionals as an adjunct to other treatments. As a postgraduate qualification, it is often recruited by chiropractors, osteopaths, GP’s and physiotherapists. 

Dry Needling can help with muscle pains and soft tissue injuries affecting many areas of the body including the neck, shoulders, lower back, heels and feet. There are many modalities for treating soft tissue injuries, each with their own benefits, but none like Dry Needling which takes a completely different approach, though with similar goals, to remedy the issue, alleviating pain and restoring function.

Possible Side Effects

Dry Needling is considered a very safe and effective treatment option. However like all invasive techniques, as it involves penetration of the skin, Dry Needling does have the potential for adverse effects. The vast majority of these are mild and short lived, such as bruising, though more serious complications can occur but are very rare. There are some contraindications to the use of Dry Needling so a health screen is completed to assess the suitability for an individual, which helps to reduce any risks.