We’ve created a list of the most common questions we get asked at our clinic, if you can’t find the answer to your query please do not hesitate to contact us via email or telephone.
Do you only treat backs?
While low back pain is the most common reason to see us, Chiropractors and Osteopaths can treat a variety of other conditions such as neck pain, shoulder pain (including frozen shoulder), tennis elbow, headaches (including migraines) and other general joint aches and pains.
Do I need to be referred by my GP?
Chiropractors and Osteopaths in the UK are regulated primary healthcare practitioners. This means that no referral is needed from a GP or any other healthcare professional to start treatment.
I have private health insurance, can I book an appointment with your practitioners?
We have practitioners in the clinic who are covered by BUPA, AXA PPP, AVIVA and Vitality. To book an appointment, please call the clinic on 01721 720694 and mention what insurance you are with and we will do our best to find an appointment time that suits you. Please ensure you bring your membership number and pre-authorisation code/claim code to your appointment.
We can also give receipts for any appointments booked if you need to claim back for any reason, just ask at reception while paying.
Will I be given treatment on my first visit?
If your practitioner does not require any additional testing (X-ray, MRI, blood tests etc.) then, with your permission, you will start treatment at the first visit.
Why do I need a reassessment appointment?
In line with best practice, if we have not seen you in over one year, your practitioner will want to check if there has been any changes to your health and lifestyle in order to make sure you are getting the most appropriate type of treatment at your appointment. Treatment is normally included in a reassessment appointment
Will treatment hurt?
Not usually, chiropractic and osteopathic treatments are a gentle and effective method of treating a multitude of musculoskeletal aches and pains. Some patients may experience temporary symptoms such as aches or soreness around the area being treated but this usually subsides in 24-48 hours.
What should I wear to my appointment?
We often ask patients to get changed into a rear-fastening hospital style gown, however if you prefer to wear your own clothes, please wear thin fabric with a loose fit. T-shirts and athletic wear are usually good choices. These options provide the necessary flexibility for your practitioner to perform manual adjustments effectively.
What is the ‘popping noise’ when I get adjusted/manipulated?
The ‘pop’ is simply the sound of bubbles of gas popping in the fluid of the joint as the pressure is released. It isn’t the bones cracking and is painless.
How many treatments will I need?
This depends on a number of factors, such as how long you have had the problem, how old you are, how serious your problem is, your lifestyle/work regime. Generally a more chronic problem will take longer to get better. At Borders Chiropractic we assess your progress at every visit and advise on further treatment on a visit to visit basis, but we usually recommend 4-6 treatments initially.
Is there anything I can do to help myself?
Yes, your practitioner will give you advice which may consist of stretches and rehabilitative exercises, postural advice, lifestyle advice etc. Following this advice will help speed up your recovery and also often minimises the number of treatment visits you need.
Why do I need to give so much medical history?
Your chiropractor needs to establish an overall picture of your health to ensure that chiropractic care is appropriate for your condition. Therefore you will be asked a great deal of information, not just about the pain or complaint that brought you to the clinic but also about your past health history. It is not unusual to see a patient with back pain and find that there may be other issues that could benefit from chiropractic care.
Will I have to have chiropractic care for the rest of my life?
No. How long you wish to attend is entirely up to you. However your chiropractor will recommend a schedule of care based on your condition. Often, patients respond best to more frequent visits at the start of treatment and then the frequency reduces as you improve. Some patients find a regular visit, every 2 or 3 months for example, beneficial, especially for long standing problems or problems related to ongoing work or sporting activities. These visits are often thought of as similar to seeing your dentist for a check up, to try and deal with a problem before it becomes a major issue.
What happens if I don’t like being ‘clicked’? Can you still help me?
Yes. Adjustments – the movement that can cause a ‘click’ in the joints are just one of the many tools used by our chiropractors and osteopaths. All our practitioners at Borders Chiropractic also utilise modalities such as ultrasound, interferential (electrical muscle stimulation), soft tissue techniques, acupuncture/dry needling and massage.
Am I too old for treatment?
People of all ages and from all walks of life may benefit from chiropractic/osteopathic treatment. Treatment is tailored to the individual so that things like your age, overall health and your preference and treatment goals will be taken into account when formulating a treatment plan.
I’ve been told I have arthritis, can you still help?
Yes, in fact a recent study by Bronfort et al (2009) confirmed that chiropractic and osteopathy can be effective for a variety of general joint pains, including hip and knee pain from osteoarthritis.
I am worried about my posture, can chiropractic or osteopathic treatment help?
As chiropractors and osteopaths, we have been trained to assess posture and can give advice and exercise protocols to help improve posture to minimise any damage caused by poor posture.
Can I pay by cash or card?
We can accept both cash and card as forms of payment.