Frequently Asked Questions
Chiropractic
What happens during my first visit to a Chiropractor?
Our friendly reception team will greet you and ask you to fill out the relevant paperwork required for your consultation, please allow 15 minutes prior to your appointment to complete these.
Your Chiropractor will then take you into a private one to one consulting room and go through a thorough history and examination with you.
A report of findings is given on the day, which will explain your injury and plan of how your Chiropractor can help you.
If appropriate, treatment is given on the day of your appointment. A variety of techniques may be used to help your complaint.
Your Chiropractor will provide you with an information sheet at the end of your first visit detailing your injury and plan of management.
How long do Chiropractic appointments last?
Your first appointment is scheduled for up to 60 mins, this includes consultation, examination, report of findings and treatment. Follow up appointments are scheduled for 20 mins.
Treatment time length is determined by your Chiropractor and is completely at their discretion. Treatments may be slightly shorter or longer than the allocated treatment time length.
Please note that treatment fees are for the Chiropractor's expertise and not the length of time spent with them.
How many Chiropractic treatments will I need?
Follow up treatments are always recommended to complete a plan of management. The number of treatments will vary from injury to injury and your Chiropractor will explain this during your visit, follow up appointments are used to maintain treatment progress and progress treatment plans.
We recommend making follow up appointments in advance so that you get the days and time slots that you want.
Tip: The 4-7pm slots get booked fairly quickly, along with Saturday mornings.
Should I be nervous about my first Chiropractic treatment?
It is natural to feel apprehensive about your first Chiropractic appointment, especially if you haven't received Chiropractic care before. We have a welcoming team of receptionists that will happily answer any questions you may have to help re-assure you. Chiropractic has been proven to be a very safe and effective treatment for a wide variety of muscle, joint and nerve issues. A thorough medical history is taken at the start of your treatment plan with us to minimise any potential risks.
Will I see the same Chiropractor at each visit?
We try to re-book you in with the same Chiropractor for each visit to ensure consistency and continuity of care, though you are welcome to switch Chiropractor if it suits your availability.
How long will my first visit take?
Your Consultation and first treatment will take up to 60 minutes, this consists of 30 mins history and examination and 20 mins of treatment. 5 mins are given either side for getting changed, analgesic advice and home exercises.
Will I be seen in a private room, on a 'one to one' basis?
Yes, we are a clinic that only provides treatment on a one to one, face to face basis. this ensures you get the best possible care.
What should I wear to my first Chiropractic appointment?
On the first appointment, we will need to see the area that needs to be assessed and treated. For this reason we ask all patients to wear comfortable loose fitting clothing, your clinician will guide you as to what to wear for future appointments after the assessment is complete.
Your clinician may ask you to wear a clinic gown so they can better assess your area of concern.
Can I use my private healthcare insurance?
Yes, you can use your private healthcare with our Chiropractors, we are able to accept all private health insurance companies. Our reception team will be able to give you more information about how to claim. We ask you to bring your authorisation number from your provider with you to your initial appointment.
How do Chiropractors differ to Osteopaths and Physiotherapists
There are many cross overs with Osteopaths and Physiotherapists, though you will certainly see a difference in approach during your consultation and treatment. This approach is based on the educational differences between professions at a university level.
For example, all Chiropractors have the ability to take and read X-rays (when needed). They also all have extensive training in spinal manipulative therapy. These are just two examples of areas of focus which differentiate Chiropractors from other similar professions.
Are Chiropractors Doctors?
Chiropractors are 'Doctors of Chiropractic' (DCs), they are not Medical Doctors (MDs). Chiropractors may or may not choose to use their title of Doctor in their clinic. Our clinicians prefer to be addressed by their forename.
Massage
What happens during my first visit to have a Massage?
At your first visit to the clinic you will be greeted by our reception team who will ask you to complete a form to help your clinician understand more about your requirements and rule out any contraindications to the type of massage you have visited for.
Your Massage therapist will then collect you from reception area and take you to the massage suite.
After your massage, your masseuse will explain how best to maintain the benefits of the session.
How long do Massage appointments last?
The time length of the massages available can be seen on our Fees page as well as when booking online.
What should I wear to my massage appointment?
If you are having a relaxing massage, then please wear underwear which is functional as you will be asked to remove your top layers so the masseuse can massage effectively.
Sports massage - please wear comfortable clothing where you can expose the area or areas you would like to have worked on.
Towels are used to maintain modesty throughout.
What kind of massage pressure should I ask for? Will it hurt?
This is a very personal question, we grader pressure from 1-10 on a pain scale. relaxing massage should be at the lower end of this scale 1-4 and sports massage should be higher 5-8. Everyone will experience pressure and pain in different ways so please communicate and work with your therapist to find the pressure that suites you.
Do I have to play sports to have a sports massage?
Not at all, Sports massage can suit all walks of life. The main difference with a Sports massage is that you'll be given home exercises to help improve and maintain the effects of the session.
What is the difference between a Sports massage and a Deep Tissue massage?
Sports massage will always give you home exercises and guidance as to how to maintain and improve the tightness you are experiencing. Deep tissue massage is very similar but it is less likely home exercises will be given.
How do I know which type of Massage I Should have?
It is best to ask one of our Massage Therapists this question. They will be happy to email you or call you back, if you get in touch, to discuss your needs in more detail.
Should I have Chiropractic or Sports Massage?
If you are not sure which treatment to have, please call us or give us an email and one of our Chiropractors will be able to inform you as to which of our treatment options would suit you best.
Reflexology
What should I wear for a Reflexology appointment?
Most clothing is suitable but I would recommend wearing trousers, which can be rolled up at the bottom, leggings or a dress/skirt. Ideally, wear clothing you feel comfortable in.
Where do I have the Reflexology treatment?
The Reflexology takes place on a specially designed couch for Reflexology/Massage treatments. The client can lie flat on their back or with their head elevated; it is entirely up to the client how they position themselves. The most important factor is that the client feels comfortable. Pregnant clients tend to sit more upright due to their ‘bump’.
Do I remain fully clothed during a Reflexology appointment?
Almost. Only socks, shoes and tights need to be removed.
Will the Reflexology treatment hurt?
The treatment should feel relaxing and therapeutic but there may be areas on the feet which feel sore or a bit gritty, but this is nothing to worry about. The sensation is similar to how you may feel when having a massage and the masseuse doing the massage comes across a ‘knot’ in your shoulder area and then works on it/massages it to help release it. A reflexologist works in a similar way.
What information will you need from me for a Reflexology appointment?
Your Reflexologist will ask all new clients to fill in a medical history/consultation form. This is to find out if a client has any medical conditions and to understand more about their lifestyle.
If I am pregnant, can I still have Reflexology?
First of all, congratulations! Your Reflexologist will normally suggest a client waits until they are 12 weeks pregnant before having reflexology; Your Reflexologist will then offer treatments from 12 weeks right up until labour starts. Reflexology is very beneficial throughout pregnancy and will help a pregnant client feel mentally and physically relaxed which in turn will help them prepare for labour and ‘charge up batteries’ for after the birth. The exception to the 12 week rule is if the client has been regularly having reflexology prior to getting pregnant e.g. If they have come in for help getting pregnant previously or, if the client is fit and healthy and is used to having reflexology treatments.
Does Reflexology feel ticklish?
No, it shouldn’t. This is because the touch used during the treatment is firm, not light. A light touch is usually associated with tickling. If the reflexology does feel ticklish, it usually only lasts for the first few minutes. Claire has been working as a reflexologist for 16 years and has only once not been able to complete a treatment due to the client finding the treatment ticklish.
How long is the Reflexology treatment?
The session lasts for 1 hour, which usually involves approximately 40-45 minutes of hands on treatment.
How will I feel after the Reflexology treatment?
Overall, you should feel mentally relaxed, as if have ‘gone down a gear’. People quite often comment that their thinking is clearer and things that may have bothered them are not so trouble some and that they feel calmer. Physically, it’s common for your arms and legs to feel heavy; this is a good sign. People often sleep better after a treatment.
Can you diagnose what is wrong with me with Reflexology?
No, Reflexologists do not diagnose or cure people. If you have pressing, urgent health issues, we suggest you discuss them with your GP.
Do you belong to a registered Reflexology body?
Our Reflexologist is a member of the Association of Reflexologists (MAR)