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FREEQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
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What happens at my initial consultation?Prior to your first visit, we will require some information from you. You will be emailed online forms to complete. When you arrive at the practice you be welcomed by one of our friendly receptionist team. Your chiropractor will greet you and take you through to one of our treatment rooms. Your chiropractor will begin by discussing the reasons for your visit and your medical history.
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What happens if I miss an appointment or if I need to cancel?Provided we receive 24-hours’ notice, you can cancel or rearrange an appointment at no cost. Missed appointments or late cancellations will incur an fee for the full cost of the appointment. The clinic has a an email reminder service setup to help, although the responsibility of attending the appointment lies with the patient.
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What to wear?Most patients come into the clinic wearing loose clothing. We do offer gowns for patients who need or request them.
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Is there parking on site?We have private off road parking for patients of the clinic. In addition, there is plenty of free public parking directly outside of the practice.
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How do I book my ‘Gift Voucher’?If you go to our booking page, you will see an option for “Gift voucher.” Alternatively, contact clinic reception and speak to one of our receptionists, and they can arrange it for you.
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How qualified are your massage therapists?Our massage therapists are highly qualified in their respective fields, having attained degree-level qualifications. As well as having the brains for the job, they have exceptional hands on skills offering a wide range of techniques, pressure’s and styles.
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Do I have to take my clothes off?The therapist will require you to remove some clothing to access the area. You will not be required to remove your underwear, the only exception being the needed. Towels will be used for privacy, and you may be offered a gown for you to use if you wish. Please let your therapist know if you have any issues.
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I want more/less pressure during my treatment, but I don’t want to cause a fuss. What should I do?You are encouraged to openly communicate with your therapist about your preferences and comfort. If you require more or less pressure, or if the therapist isn’t quote hitting the right spot, please speak and up and let them know. It is to note that if your therapist feels that adding more pressure will be counterproductive for your complaint, which is the case some of the time, they will inform you also. Communication is key!
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Can I claim massage therapy through my insurance?Depending on individual health insurance arrangements, you should be able to claim some of the cost of your treatment back with your insurer. Please speak to reception who will provide you with the necessary details to help you with your claim.
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Do I need to be referred?No, you do not have to be referred. Your therapist will assess you to ensure there aren’t any contraindications to treatment. We do however, receive a lot of referrals for massage therapy.
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What should I expect on my first visit?Your massage therapist will require to take your history and perform a brief examination. You will then receive a treatment, if deemed safe to do so. When you book the appointment, you will receive an online form to complete. If you provide more detail on this, it will give your therapist more time for treatment rather than history taking.
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How do you treat someone who is pregnant?Alongside specific pregnancy massage techniques, we have specialised pregnancy massage cushions, which are contoured in a way to allow you to lie on your front and provide your “bump” with great support. Treatments can also be done sitting, lying on your back or side lying too.
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Can I have massage whilst having other treatment?In most cases, it is fine to have massage therapy alongside your regular Chiropractic appointments. All practitioners will have access to your notes so will be able to communicate with each other effectively when co-managing you.
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What is Chiropractic?Chiropractic is a healthcare profession that specialises in the diagnosis, management and prevention of musculoskeletal pain and the effects this has on the nervous system and general health. Chiropractors offer a package of care to patients, offering a range of hands-on techniques in addition to exercise prescription and lifestyle advice. In the UK, Chiropractic is regulated by the General Chiropractic Council.
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What qualifications does a Chiropractor have?Chiropractors typically complete a 5-year full time Master’s degree qualification. As chiropractors are musculoskeletal experts, they can use the title Doctor of Chiropractic, if they wish. They are regulated by the General Chiropractic Council which uphold strict standards of practice. Chiropractors must complete CPD training annually to ensure they are keeping up to date.
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Is Chiropractic safe?Chiropractic care is very safe when performed by a trained and regulated Chiropractor. Some people experience minor side effects for a few days after their initial treatment. These may include mild headaches, tiredness, or minor pain in the parts of the body that were treated. There are certain conditions that are not suitable for chiropractic adjustments, which your chiropractor will assess for at the initial consultation. Your chiropractor will discuss risks and any concerns you may have.
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Is Chiropractic treatment painful?Treatment is typically not painful; although certain areas that are tender may be temporarily sore following treatment. This is a normal part of the healing process. Treatment is always tailored to the patients’ needs and wishes.
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How many sessions will I need?Treatment number varies from patient to patient. This is because some conditions require more treatment than others; the age of the patient; and the desired outcome. On average, our clinic resolves complaints between 6-12 visits; although most patients feel a modest improvement after 3-4.
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What is maintenance/wellness care?Once you have completed your course of care and are feeling much better, most patients choose to maintain their new found state of wellbeing by having periodic check-ups and maintenance visits. This can vary from once a month, to once every three-months depending on your needs.
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What is the popping noise associated with chiropractic treatment?A chiropractic adjustment is a form of manipulation, applied to a joint which is restricted in movement with the goal of decreasing pain and restoring movement or function. The popping noise is bubbles of gas moving/popping within the fluid of the joint as the joint surfaces are stretched.
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What techniques do Chiropractors at GCC do?Our Chiropractors practise are well versed in the “diversified technique.” Depending on the chiropractor, they may also perform soft tissue therapy; dry needling; kinesiotaping; trigger point therapy; Gonstead technique; joint mobilisation; Thompson drop; Sacro-Occipital technique; Webster technique; Cox Flexion-Distraction; Instrument Assisted Soft Tissue Manipulation (IASTM); clinical hypnotherapy;
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Who benefits from seeing a Chiropractor?Our Chiropractors are trained to see wide range of conditions and individual health needs. We see patients of all ages from new-borns to ninety year olds. Some see for us a specific complaint (such as back or neck pain) others for general wellness, check-ups and care.
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Do I need to be referred from my GP?No referral is necessary. With your consent, your chiropractor may write to your GP confirming that you have received treatment here or to discuss any health concerns they may have.
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Can I claim on my health insurance?Chiropractic care is covered by most insurance policies. With the exception of AXA-PP and Aviva (see below); patients are given a receipt so they can claim their treatment via their own insurer. For AXA-PPP and Aviva, the clinic can bill the insurer on their behalf, provided we have pre-authorisation approval. You should always speak with your insurer to confirm the details of your policy.
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