What is Chiropractic and what do Chiropractors do?
Chiropractors are highly trained specialists in musculoskeletal conditions, particularly of the spine. The World Health Organisation defines Chiropractic as
‘A health profession concerned with the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of mechanical disorders of the musculoskeletal system, and the effects of these disorders on the function of the nervous system and general health. There is an emphasis on manual treatments including spinal adjustment and other joint and soft-tissue manipulation.”
Why might someone see a Chiropractor
Most people visiting a chiropractor for a consultation do so for some type of pain, typically lower back pain, neck pain or sciatica. Other conditions respond well to chiropractic care; things like shoulder pain, hip pain, knee pain, muscle conditions, recovering from concussion and headaches.
Why people visit Innate Health Chiropractic
We see a wide range of patients from Exeter and Topsham and further afield, including some clients from Exmouth, Sidmouth, Crediton and Tiverton. I even have clients from Totnes and Ivybridge!
I opened Innate Health Chiropractic in September 2021, having moved down to Exeter a few months prior. Since then I have worked hard to establish a fantastic practice that offers first class care for all the people in Exeter and Devon.
Many people come to us after a referral or word of mouth from friends and family members that have had chiropractic treatment with us. When they find a chiropractor that is very good, they are happy to tell their friends and relatives because we all know at least one person who suffers from pain. It is not necessary to have a GP referral to visit a chiropractor.
What does a chiropractic consult look like?
After taking a thorough history of your pain and medical background, we will have a good idea of what is going on, what structures are likely involved and how to approach your particular case. We do a thorough assessment of your posture, spinal and joint movement, muscle function, and some neurological tests like reflexes and muscle strength.
At Innate Health Chiropractic we have very precise assessment protocols that pinpoint where the issue is coming from. We combine the joint movement assessment with muscle tests and posture to identify the primary structures involved.
These protocols I have learnt over the years from top class exceptional chiropractors in the UK, the Netherlands and Australia. I am driven to provide the best care possible, so this involves learning from and studying with the best in the chiropractic profession.
Chiropractic Treatment
Once we have identified the primary area’s of concern, we will explain our findings and get consent to start treatment. At Innate Health we have several treatment methods, including deep structural adjustments and very gentle low-force approaches that involve minimal force. We often use the traditional chiropractic adjustment, also sometimes called spinal manipulation, to free up restricted joints and improve the alignment. We often use a handheld instrument that has a spring-loaded impulse mechanism, called an Activator, that mimics a chiropractic adjustment. Our chiropractor also uses SOT chiropractic, using wedge shaped blocks to realign the pelvis, as well as specific cranial work that adjusts the skull and jaw.
Where can I Find a chiropractor
First things first, always try to get a word of mouth recommendation from someone you know. If you don’t know anyone, do a web search on Google to find a ‘chiropractor near me’ or ‘Chiropractor in Exeter’. Be sure to have a look at a few different practices to get a feel of how they work.
Choosing a good Chiropractor
You want to know that you are in good hands (pun intended!). A good chiropractor will have a great reputation with excellent Google Reviews. They should have a vision of health that aligns well with you. A good chiropractor will be enthusiastic to discover what your health goals are and how they can help you in the best way possible.
All chiropractors have studied at university for at least 4 years, graduating with a Masters degree in Chiropractic. However the level of education after graduation can vary widely. It largely depends on how dedicated that chiropractor is. Some chiropractors go on to study with leaders and mentors of our profession, honing their skills and technique. Our chiropractor Dr Jake Neil has studied with some of the best mentors in the chiropractic profession, to become the most competent he can at being a fantastic chiropractor, looking after his practice members so that they can have exceptional health.
Conclusions
Chiropractors are highly trained experts of the spine and nervous system. Be sure to feel in alignment with your chosen chiropractor and that they are truly the one to get you back to full health. If you’d like to find out more about Dr Jake Neil (Chiropractor) or Innate Health Chiropractic, call us on 01392 982442, or visit our booking page here.